Problems addressed by Higg index

What are trending issues in the textile industry sustainability, and how is the Higg index contributing to solving them?

Excessive water usage

Textile production is a water-intensive process, requiring an average of 2,700 litres of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt. This is due to the water needed for growing cotton, processing raw materials, and dyeing and finishing fabrics. The textile industry is responsible for approximately 20% of global industrial water pollution.

The Higg Index helps businesses identify and track their water usage throughout their supply chains. This information can be used to develop water conservation strategies, such as using water-saving technologies in manufacturing and switching to more sustainable cotton fibres.

Heavy reliance on non-renewable resources

The textile industry is heavily reliant on non-renewable resources, such as oil and gas, which are used to produce synthetic fibres and dyes. Synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, are made from petroleum-based chemicals, while conventional dyes often require hazardous solvents and energy-intensive processes.

The Higg Index helps businesses assess their reliance on non-renewable resources and identify opportunities to reduce their consumption. This can include using more sustainable fibres, such as recycled polyester or plant-based fibres, and adopting more eco-friendly dyeing techniques.

Large carbon footprint

Textile production is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 10% of global emissions. These emissions come from the production of raw materials, the manufacturing of textiles, and the transportation of goods.

The Higg Index helps businesses track their carbon footprint and identify opportunities to reduce their emissions. This can include using renewable energy sources in manufacturing, optimising transportation routes, and extending the lifespan of products.

Waste generation

The textile industry generates a significant amount of waste, both during the production process and after products are discarded. Textile manufacturing generates waste in the form of fabric scraps, dyes, and chemicals. Post-consumer textile waste, which includes discarded clothing and textiles, is a growing problem, with millions of tons of textiles ending up in landfills each year.

The Higg Index helps businesses assess their waste generation and identify opportunities to reduce it. This can include implementing waste reduction strategies in manufacturing, promoting recycling and reuse programs, and designing products for durability.

Microplastic pollution

Synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, shed microplastics when washed. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than 5 millimetres in size. They are released into wastewater and eventually end up in oceans and waterways, where they are ingested by marine life.

The Higg Index helps businesses assess their contribution to microplastic pollution and identify opportunities to reduce it. This can include using fewer synthetic fibres, developing microplastic filtration systems, and educating consumers about microplastic pollution.