#Sustainability

2023-01-05

Sustainable Apparel Coalition launches Higg Facility Environmental Module 4.0 Technical Paper

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), an independent and impact-creating organization that brings together around half of the apparel industry to enable positive social and environmental impact at scale, has today published its Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) 4.0 Technical Paper (“the Paper”). The Higg FEM 4.0 will be officially released in November 2023, but, to provide transparency to users and to allow them to prepare for the new version, the SAC is giving access to the Higg FEM 4.0 content through the Paper, which is now available on the SAC website.

The Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) 4.0 will continue to be a sustainability assessment tool that standardizes how facilities measure and evaluate their environmental performance, year-over-year. It facilitates conversations among value chain partners to improve sustainability in every tier of the global value chain, and empowers them to identify, prioritize and scale sustainability efforts.

The latest version of the Higg FEM is based on member feedback collected during the latest version cycle, and includes feedback from brands, retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other international organizations. This work has included reviewing tool feedback, the FEM framework, FEM scoring methodology, FEM question content, and much more.

Major changes in Higg FEM 4.0 include:

New questions on phasing out coal and other fossil fuels and on using renewable energy and Science-Based Targets have been added

Questions around wastewater sludge management have been added, and these are aligned with Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) guidance

Questions aligning with Scope 1 & Scope 2 GHG Emission calculations per GHG Protocol have been included

Categorization of refrigerant gasses has been enhanced to accurately calculate GHG emissions from potential leakages

Questions around groundwater management and usage are now included, including tracking consumption and meeting legally-mandated groundwater extraction limits

Facilities that manufacture final, finished products and fabric in the same facility will need to track and report their energy and water consumption data separately.

Jeremy Lardeau, VP, Higg Index at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, said: “The release of this technical paper and the changes we have made to the Higg FEM are a huge milestone for the SAC and industry at large, and are a testament to our commitment to collaborate with experts and collect feedback so as to improve our tools to drive greater impact. Only through these joint efforts can we radically transform the industry and play our part in addressing the climate crisis.”

Delman Lee, Vice Chair at TAL Apparel, and SAC Board Chair, said: “As a collective action coalition, representing half of the apparel, footwear and textile sector, the SAC has a pivotal role to play in helping to move the industry forward and in tackling the climate crisis. And, as a manufacturer, we welcome the release of this technical paper and believe the latest Higg FEM version will be instrumental in helping us deliver on our climate goals.”

The new requirements for the Higg FEM will be implemented from 2023 and the updated tool will be released on the Higg platform in November 2023 for facilities to work on their self-assessment for the performance year 2023, with content training planned throughout 2023 to provide users a better understanding of the tool.

Through this update, the SAC has also enhanced the applicability methodology in FEM 4.0, allowing facilities across multiple industry sectors and tiers to evaluate their environmental performance in an effective manner. The questions developed have been built specifically to cater for additional industry sectors, such as the outdoor sporting and hardgoods facilities, as well as facilities that produce man-made cellulose fibers, etc.

The Higg FEM, which was built collectively with industry stakeholders, was first publicly released in 2012 and has undergone several updates over the years, with SAC members providing valuable knowledge that has informed methodology updates. This has ensured the tool is relevant, scalable and successful in solving the most pressing environmental issues.

Cascale Forum: Colombo convenes 500+ manufacturers brands, and stakeholders to advance capacity building and collaboration across the consumer goods industry

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Cascale annual meeting to challenge consumer goods industry on climate, decent work

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Jeanologia urges industry to accelerate PP Spray phase-out following ZDHC Watchlist update

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Global Standard strengthens presence in Southeast Asia at VIATT 2026

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VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

Texprocess 2026: market overview for strategic future investments

At Texprocess 2026, 200 exhibitors from 28 countries will be represented. In a challenging market environment, the leading trade fair is a constant and reflects progress in textile processing – driven by automation, digitalisation and AI. In addition, international start-ups present their ideas and meet partners from industry and research. Techtextil takes place in parallel with an optimised hall layout.