Spring begins with some inspiring news from clothing manufacturers. Such big brands as Nike, Gap Inc, H&M, Levi Strauss, Marks & Spencer and Patagonia have been reported to create The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC).

Image: www.apparelcoalition.org

So far the association is said to include thirty organizations and is open to the invited members. The aim of the newly-established institution has been outlined as leading «the apparel industry towards developing improved sustainability strategies and tools to measure and evaluate sustainability performance». Speaking more in detail, the members of the association plan on minimizing the industry impact on global water resources as well as reducing the waste volumes of the apparel industry. It is understood that in order to achieve the goals set, each member will have to ensure the highest extent of the transparency of operational reports.

The second major goal outlined by the SAC is development of the metrics-based tool to help brands in analyzing their environmental and social impacts. The tool is entitled Version 1.0 Apparel Index and works similarly to Apparel Environmental Tool introduced back in 2010 by Nike. The functionality of the mentioned universal industry tool will include assessment of the use of natural resources as well as chemicals by the manufacturers and evaluating the entire product lifecycles.

Version 1.0 Apparel Index is slated to release next week. The tool is expected to trigger a revolution in the apparel industry if used appropriately.

To learn more about the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), please visit its website at www.apparelcoalition.org.