Nature Positive Future
We aim to move beyond reducing negative impacts to contributing positively to biodiversity, natural ecosystems, and the communities in which we operate.
Who We Are
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is a global, non-profit alliance of 300 leading apparel, footwear, and textile brands, retailers, manufacturers, sourcing agents, service providers, trade associations, NGOs and academic institutions.
Introduction
Together, we are working toward a shared vision of an industry that gives back more than it takes — to the planet and its people. Through multi-stakeholder engagement, our mission is to transform business for exponential impact through groundbreaking tools, collaborative partnerships,and trusted leadership for industry sustainability.
To reach this shared vision, we have developed the Higg Index in collaboration with our members, to create a global approach for effectively measuring and evaluating the social and environmental impacts of value chains and products.
Our groundbreaking tools enable organizations to identify hotspots, improve sustainability performance, save time and money, and engage with value chain partners to scale systemic change across the industry.
Our Unique Value Proposition
A Trusted Space for Candid Dialogue
The SAC is more than just another industry body; we are a coalition of diverse interests. We seek to create a trusted space for candid dialogue, where disagreements and challenges are not roadblocks but catalysts for transformative action. Trust is hard to earn and easy to lose, but it’s through this trust that we effect meaningful change.
A Global Community for Co-Created Solutions
Join an expansive network that spans 36 countries, uniting retailers, manufacturers, policymakers, and NGOs. We are the meeting point for the industry to collaboratively address urgent social and environmental challenges, co-creating solutions that can be scaled across an industry where every voice is heard.
Shared Learning for Exponential Impact
Within SAC, you gain an unparalleled opportunity to share and learn best practices from thought leaders and experts. We don’t just improve individual companies; we catalyze industry-wide transformation, turning sustainability from a choice into an imperative.
Vision
A global consumer goods industry that gives more than it takes — to the planet and its people.
Mission
To catalyze collective action toward an equitable and restorative consumer goods industry, by aligning our global community around shared goals, developing and executing joint solutions, and leading the acceleration of impact at scale with our strategic partners.
Our Pillars
“Evolution for Impact” is our north star for transformation. It directs us to three foundational pillars. These pillars are not isolated; they are interwoven strands of a complex tapestry that form our unified strategy for industry transformation.
Decent Work for All
We are motivated by the conviction that every worker deserves respect and safe working conditions. Our mandate ensures that people, and planet, are at the center of our work.
Combat Climate Change
Acknowledging the alarm bells—the textile industry alone accounts for up to 10% of global carbon emissions—we are committed to a minimum 45% reduction of GHG emissions by 2030.
The Impact of our Community
Together, we’re working towards a more sustainable and just world for all. Learn about what we’re doing and the impact we’re making
Worldly Partnership
Worldly is a comprehensive impact intelligence platform which hosts, connects with, and supports leading industry solutions and methodologies including the Higg Index. Worldly is the exclusive licensee of the Higg Index suite tools; however, the SAC created and owns the methodology for the Higg Index and we continue to manage and evolve the methodology for the Higg Index to better meet the needs of the industry.
Our Origins
In 2009, Walmart and Patagonia identified a lack of standardization. Joining forces, they brought together peers and competitors from across the sector, to develop a universal approach to measuring sustainability performance and to drive collective action.
Find a video online: https://apparelcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Patagonia.mp4
Governance
Our work is governed by a parity-based Board, where each of our three membership categories are represented equally. The Board members help drive the strategic direction of the organization. They are supported by topic experts who act as Board Advisors. Click below to see who’s involved.
