Press Release

Sustainable Apparel Coalition Recognizes SCS Global Services As Approved Verifier for New Pilot Program

Leading third-party certifier SCS Global Services (SCS) announced today that it has been approved for the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) Verification Pilot for the Environmental Facility Module. SCS joined the SAC as an affiliate member in February 2015. As an approved verifier, SCS can now complete independent verifications of apparel and footwear manufacturers using the Higg Index Environmental Facility Module.

The SAC is a multi-stakeholder industry group whose members represent more than a third of the global apparel and footwear market. It first released the Higg Index on June 26, 2012, a tool to help organizations standardize how they measure and evaluate environmental performance of apparel products across the supply chain at the brand, product, and facility levels. SAC updated the index in December 2013, and has just launched the pilot program for its Environmental Facility Module onsite verification protocol. The protocol was developed to consolidate the environmental criteria previously used by various apparel companies into one assessment tool.

“We are pleased to be an approved verifier for this important pilot program and to be able to participate in this industry-led sustainability effort,” said Nicole Muñoz, SCS Operations Manager. “SCS is well positioned to bring our deep understanding of and experience in environmental sustainability to this collaboration and partnership with manufacturers, brands and retailers.”  SCS has been independently evaluating fiber and apparel products since the early 1990s, when it conducted pioneering life cycle assessment studies of recycled and virgin polyester fiber used in the manufacture of fleece outerwear.  Since that time, SCS has assessed a range of natural and synthetics fiber products and apparel production processes under its Environmental Certification Services division. 

About the Sustainable Apparel Coalition
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition, representing more than one-third of the global apparel and footwear industries, was formed by sustainability leaders and leading environmental and social organizations to address current social and environmental challenges. Recognizing that improved supply chain practices are both a business imperative and an opportunity, the Coalition seeks to lead a shared vision of industry supply chain sustainability through the creation and use of the Higg Index. In measuring and evaluating apparel and footwear product sustainability performance through the Higg Index, the Coalition aims to spotlight priorities for action and opportunities for technological innovation. www.apparelcoalition.org

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating over 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

SCS Media Contact

Rachel Barnhart

Rachel Barnhart

Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations
Email