SAC Takes Over MSI Management, Nike Releases Data for Sustainable Apparel
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), a collective of over 80 influential brands and retailers, has taken over the management of the Materials Sustainability Index (MSI). Nike, a prominent member, has made the MSI accessible to all through an API and released detailed data and methodology under an Open Database License.
Traditionally, life cycle assessments (LCAs) were time-consuming and costly, often occurring late in production. However, new tools and datasets, like the MSI, are enabling more efficient LCAs, allowing companies to integrate sustainability into product development earlier. Nike, responding to consumer demand, has established itself as a climate-friendly company, creating an Environmental Apparel Design Tool to aid designers in making sustainable choices.
The MSI, now maintained by the SAC, evaluates the environmental impact of different materials used in products. It is available online, with an overall rating and environmental impacts of various materials visible to users. This public tool encourages transparency and collaboration in the apparel industry, with companies increasingly focusing on measuring their environmental impact beyond just profit.
The SAC's takeover of the MSI management and Nike's public release of the data under an Open Database License signify a shift towards greater transparency and collaboration in the apparel industry. These moves allow other developers to build tools using this dataset, fostering more sustainable practices and product development.
