We are pleased to announce that YKK (U.S.A.) Inc. has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC).
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition is an industry-wide group working to reduce the environmental and social impacts of products around the world. The SAC was incorporated as a 501c(6) nonprofit organization and launched the groundbreaking Higg Index suite of tools in 2011. The Higg Index is an indicator-based suite of tools that enables suppliers, manufacturers, brands, and retailers to evaluate materials, products, facilities, and processes based on environmental performance, social labor practices, and product design choices.
YKK joins more than 220 global brands, retailers, and manufacturers, as well as government, non-profit environmental organizations, and academic institutions, which are collectively committed to improving supply chain sustainability in the apparel, footwear, and textile industry.
Although we just recently joined SAC, YKK has a longtime commitment to sustainable practices and responsible manufacturing. We have been using the Higg Index ver1.0 in many of our facilities since 2013 completed the Higg Index FEM ver3.0 self-assessment for a number of facilities. Please click here to learn more about our sustainable manufacturing initiatives.
John Smith, President, YKK (U.S.A.) Inc. shares, “We are pleased to be joining the SAC and we are confident it will have a positive impact on product sustainability over time and will become a model for how industries can collaborate in making a positive impact on value chain performance.”
“We welcome the addition of YKK to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and look forward to their participation in this industry-wide effort in sustainability,” SAC CEO Jason Kibbey said. “Having YKK as part of the Coalition widens the scope of our impact within the industry and accelerates the change we’re making towards responsible industry actions.”
As a new member, YKK (U.S.A.) Inc. will have opportunities to influence future Higg Index modules and participate in the growth of the Higg Index and SAC. An update to the Facility Social and Labor Module (FSLM) is the next tool being developed under the Higg Index that will impact YKK. Being a member will allow YKK to be at the forefront of the tool rather than waiting for the tool to launch.
