SanMar Corporation (PPAI 110788) has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). The Issaquah, Washington, supplier will use the group’s sustainability measurement tool, the Higg Index, to drive environmental and social responsibility throughout its global supply chain.

With its membership in SAC, SanMar joins more than 195 global brands, retailers and manufacturers, as well as government, non-profit environmental organizations and academic institutions collectively committed to improving supply chain sustainability in the apparel, footwear and textile industries.

“The goals of the SAC align closely with our SanMar Family Values and our commitment to ethically and responsibly source products around the world,” says Jeremy Lott, president of SanMar. “We hope to learn from SAC member companies while serving as an example for how industries can collaborate to make a positive impact on the international supply chain.”

As a member, SanMar will contribute data and resources to support the Higg Index, an open-source, indicator-based tool that allows suppliers, manufacturers, brands and retailers to evaluate materials, products, facilities and processes based on environmental and product design choices. The Higg Index measures sustainability performance and drives supply chain transparency and decision-making with the goal of creating better efficiency and making a positive impact.

“We welcome SanMar to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and look forward to their participation in this industry-wide effort in sustainability,” says SAC CEO Jason Kibbey. “Having SanMar as part of the coalition widens the scope of our impact and accelerates the change we’re making toward responsible actions.”