HIGG Index Services for Textiles, Apparel and Footwear

UL Solutions is an approved Verifier Body for the Higg Index FEM and an approved verifier for the SAC Higg Index verification. We organize official training sessions on the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) 3.0 and its implementation throughout your supply chain. Our global network of laboratories, bundled with our broad expertise in the field of sustainability, including environmental and social programs, makes UL Solutions your preferred partner to help achieve your current and future sustainability goals.

Measuring sustainability in the global fashion industry

Transparency is key to implementing a sustainability strategy across the global fashion industry. It helps to solve issues upstream and see where and how you can support your suppliers facing the challenges that hinder your sustainability goals.

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is a group of global stakeholders from the apparel industry that aims to reduce apparel and footwear products’ environmental and social impacts worldwide.

To make this goal a reality, the SAC focuses on developing and using the Higg Index tools, including the Facility Environment Module (FEM), a yearly self-assessment tool to evaluate environmental performance. Manufacturers can use the Higg Index platform to share their FEM and communicate their performance with brands and retailers.

After the assessment, you must ensure that you accurately completed all parts of the Higg FEM — giving your self-assessment the credibility and accuracy required to share publicly. Demonstrating accuracy is why a SAC-approved verifier needs to validate your FEM self-assessment.

Within the Higg Index FEM scope, you can choose between two types of verification:

• On-site verification.
• Off-site verification – The verifier can conduct the verification without going to the site but by other means, such as email, photos and web conference. It is applicable if there are no local verifiers in the country or traveling restrictions due to unique situations, including the pandemic.

The benefits of a Higg Index FEM verification

Thanks to a Higg Index FEM verification you can:

• Increase credibility and accuracy of the data provided in FEM.
• Share your verification results with business partners and reduce audit fatigue by eliminating another verification.
• Use Higg verification data to demonstrate your year-over-year improvement in environmental performance.

The Higg Index FEM verification process

How UL Solutions can help global textile, apparel and footwear manufacturers, brands and retailers

UL Solutions is an approved Verifier Body for the Higg Index FEM and an approved verifier for the SAC Higg Index verification.  We have a global presence in countries such as China, Bangladesh, Turkey, Mexico and others.

You can also contact us to organize an official Higg Index training session for you and your suppliers in Bangladesh and India.

Our global network of laboratories, bundled with our broad expertise in the field of sustainability, including environmental and social programs, makes UL Solutions your preferred partner to help achieve your current and future sustainability goals.