SAC’s main focus is on sustainability in the clothing and footwear industries and to further this goal, it developed a Sustainable Apparel Index tool called The Higg Index, which enables companies to evaluate material types, products, facilities and processes based on a range of environmental and product design choices. The index asks qualitative questions to gauge environmental sustainability performance and drive behaviour for improvement. The Higg Index is on a continuous development path to improve its measures and counts on the contribution of SAC members to refine the tool.

Invista will collaborate with SAC to provide data and resources for both The Higg Index and selected working groups. The business will also work with select partners to better understand the impact of the manufacturing process, garment performance (durability/longevity) and garment care and how these factors may be incorporated into the current materials assessment.

“Environmental stewardship is a core principle of Invista’s operations around the globe and has been articulated through Invista Apparel’s ‘Planet Agenda’ platform for the past five years,” Invista said in a statement announcing its membership of SAC.

Bob Kirkwood, Invista Apparel executive vice-president of marketing and technology, said: “Invista pursues its sustainability vision through its commitment to manufacturing processes, our products and the environment— while seeking to minimise waste and improve the environmental, health and safety aspects of its products and processes. As a global leader and integrated supplier for the textile industry, we look forward to working with the SAC to advance environmental stewardship and sustainability.”

Jason Kibbey, SAC executive director, said: “We welcome Invista’s participation in the coalition and look forward to their input on our global initiatives and their notable sustainability efforts. Having Invista as part of the Coalition widens the scope of our impact and accelerates the change we are making toward more responsible industry practices.”

Arnaud Tandonnet, Invista Apparel global sustainability director added: “Invista’s goal is to create long-term value for its customers and society by utilising resources more effectively. Protecting the environment and the safety and health of our employees and others is always at the forefront of the agenda for us, and I couldn’t be more pleased to be a part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.”

There are currently more than 60 SAC members, the majority of which are global brands and retailers including, adidas, C&A, Gap, H&M, JC Penny, Kohl’s, Levi’s, L.L. Bean, M&S, Nike, Nordstrom, Puma, REI, Target, VF Corporation and Wal-Mart.

www.apparelcoalition.org