Higg Index
Higg Index is a set of assessment methods used to evaluate the environmental and social impacts of apparel and textile products and help improve the supply chain.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Positioning
Higg Index is a set of assessment methods used to understand environmental and social efforts and impacts related to materials, fabric, manufacturing facilities, products, and more. It is not a standard for judging the quality of the product itself, but is used to improve business activities and share information with trading partners.
It differs from certification, in which a certification body proves compliance with certain standards, and from regulations that define legal obligations. The mere existence of assessment results does not uniformly guarantee that materials or products are environmentally friendly.
Scope and How to Think About the Criteria
The scope of assessment covers a wide range of areas, including raw materials through the manufacture of materials and products, as well as water, energy, emissions, chemicals, waste, and labor conditions in facility operations. It is important to align the scope and assessment point in time and make clear which process the information relates to.
The score is one piece of information for understanding environmental impact and management systems. Do not decide whether to use a fabric based on the numerical value alone; instead, interpret it together with the process assessed, the data collection method, and whether third-party verification was performed.
Points to Check in Fabric Purchasing and Product Development
When purchasing fabric, confirm the applicable fabric product number, composition, production lot, range of dyeing and finishing processing, and the period of data used for the assessment. Information at the raw-material stage and information about the fabric mill's facilities are different, so avoid confusing them.
If a brand or client asks you to submit assessment information, confirm in advance the required modules, target processes, submission format, and whether verification is required. For sewn products, organize the scope of items such as lining, interlining, and accessories in the specification sheet separately from the outer fabric.
- Whether the assessment target is a material, fabric, facility, or finished product
- The applicable product number, composition, lot, and manufacturing period
- The assessment scope, including dyeing, processing, and sewing
- Whether the information is self-reported or confirmed and verified
- The documents requested by the trading partner and the intended use
Handling of Labels and Certificates
When displaying Higg Index assessment results on hangtags, product pages, sales materials, or similar, it is necessary to confirm the scope and basis of the score and not treat the assessment result as if it were a certification claim. For comparative statements, also confirm that the comparison target and calculation conditions are the same.
Assessment reports, verification records, and explanatory materials received from trading partners should be kept linked to the applicable product number. For environmental claims aimed at consumers, separately confirm the rules on advertising and environmental claims in the country or region where the label will be used.
Differences from Similar Terms
Oeko-Tex is mainly a testing and certification system for hazardous chemicals, GOTS is a standard for organic fiber products, and GRS is a standard or certification that deals with traceability for products containing recycled materials. Higg Index is not a substitute for these certifications, but is used as a framework for assessing a wide range of processes.
bluesign is a system for managing the textile supply chain, including chemical management. Even when the items to be checked overlap with Higg Index, the purpose, scope, assessment and certification methods, and labeling conditions are not the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does fabric with a Higg Index mean?
In general, it may be used to refer to fabric for which there is assessment information related to the Higg Index, or the facility involved in its production. However, Higg Index itself cannot be regarded as a certification for fabric. Confirm with the supplier which process was assessed and by what method.
Can Higg Index scores be used on product labels?
Whether they can be used and how they may be expressed must be confirmed according to the terms of use of the assessment program, the verification status, and the rules of the country or region where they will be displayed. Avoid wording that presents only the score as guaranteeing the product's overall environmental performance, and make the scope and supporting documents clear.
Which should be checked, Higg Index or GRS?
It depends on the purpose of the confirmation. If you want to confirm recycled content or chain of custody, certification documents such as GRS are important. If you want to understand the status of environmental and social improvements, including factory operations, assessment information related to Higg Index is useful.
