Our biggest challenges regarding sustainability are in the supply chain. The Higg Index evaluation tools mean that we can measure the sustainability performance of our factories and in that way contribute to long term improvements for factory workers, local communities and the environment. Our goal for the Higg Index is the fourth in this series, in which we are presenting some of KappAhl’s sustainability goals in more detail.
Since 2018, KappAhl has been member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), an organisation that envisions a fashion industry that does not harm the environment, but instead has a positive impact on people and communities. SAC has developed a suite of tools, the Higg Index, which makes it possible to assess for example the performance of textile factories. This means a common platform for the buyers, who together can set demands for the factories’ working conditions and environmental impact and evaluate using the same parameters.
“This leads to harmonised assessments, greater exchange of information and greater transparency, which we feel will take us further along the road to sustainability in the fashion supply chain”, says Magnus Mattsson, KappAhl’s Sustainability Manager Production.
One of SAC’s goals is that one day garments and shoes will have a label where the product’s sustainability performance is presented in a simple way. Similar to energy labels for home appliances. This way, the customer can make conscious choices and reward fashion companies that work in a sustainable way.
How large a proportion of our suppliers’ factories report according to the Higg Index today?
“Just over 30 percent of the order volume of our clothing is produced in factories that report using the Higg Index”, says Magnus Mattsson.
How are we working to increase the proportion?
“SAC and Higg are part of our ongoing dialogue with suppliers and factories. We have arranged workshops about SAC and Higg Index for a first group of selected suppliers in Shanghai and intend to do the same in southern China. The suppliers with factories that report using the Higg Index will have the advantage in the production offices’ recurring supplier evaluations.”
Will we reach our goal for the Higg Index by 2022?
“I am sure of it”, says Magnus Mattsson.
Another goal that we have set concerning the Higg Index is about how we perform on sustainability issues as a company: we will report our results according to the Higg Index evaluation of our sustainability work by 2022.
What does that mean, KappAhl’s Head of Sustainability Fredrika Klarén?
“That means that our customers, colleagues and other interested parties can see how well we actually perform and compare our results with other Higg Index users, such as H&M and Zara for example. For those of us who work actively with sustainability, it will mean a way of differentiating ourselves from others, something that we think will benefit us as a brand and make us even more desirable.”
The goals for Higg Index is part of our commitment to work for a sustainable supply chain (find out more about our sustainability goals below).
Fact: Our sustainability goals
Responsible Fashion is what we call our sustainability work, the main goal of which is that everything we do will be done in a sustainable way. We are continuously taking new steps towards this goal.
To achieve this, we have a sustainability strategy that focuses on four areas:
- Design fashion for a sustainable wardrobe
- Work towards a sustainable supply chain
- Develop sustainable stores and a sustainable organisation
- Inspire our customers to make sustainable fashion choices
We have set several goals and measurable targets for each area. The goals and targets are evaluated and updated continuously.
Posted by Annakarin Thelin.
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