The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles are working together to heighten sustainability across the European garment sector, improve working conditions and environmental protection in textile supply chains. As a part of the strategic cooperation, European companies that are members of both initiatives can receive coherent guidance about implementing environmental and social sustainability practices in their supply chains.

Members of the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles and the SAC will potentially further align reporting systems and foster opportunities for a joint methodology to improve the European garment sector. This strategic collaboration is seen as a step toward a leaner industry with more efficient practices and, ultimately, creating greater impact throughout the supply chains.

SAC’s strategic cooperation with Partnership for Sustainable Textiles comes on the heels of its recent supply chain transparency efforts. In November, SAC updated its Higg FEM tool to boost visibility and further reduce audit fatigue in apparel, footwear and textile supply chains. The Higg facility environmental module was developed to standardize sustainability measurement for global factories. The tool enables factories to evaluate their sustainability performance and seamlessly disclose results with their supply chain partners. The tool could help industry members reduce their carbon footprint, increase transparency and engage in more fair labor practices.