What is HIGG Index Consultancy?
Today, sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, especially in the textile and ready-to-wear sectors. This is where the HIGG Index comes in: a comprehensive assessment system that enables brands, manufacturers, and supply chain partners to measure their environmental and social impacts.
However, professional support may be required to properly understand, implement, and report on this system. This is where HIGG Index consultancy plays a crucial role.
What is the HIGG Index?
The HIGG Index is a sustainability assessment tool developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) for the clothing and footwear industries. It allows all stakeholders to monitor their sustainability performance using objective data.
The main HIGG modules are:
- HIGG FEM (Facility Environmental Module): Measures environmental performance (water usage, energy consumption, chemical management).
- HIGG FSLM (Facility Social & Labour Module): Assesses social compliance and workers’ rights.
- HIGG BRM (Brand & Retail Module): Evaluates brand-level sustainability performance.
- HIGG MSI (Materials Sustainability Index): Material-based environmental impact measurement.
- HIGG DDM (Design & Development Module): Sustainability assessment in product development processes.
What is the Purpose of HIGG Index Consultancy?
HIGG Index consultancy provides professional support to help companies correctly understand, complete, and audit the HIGG system. With the right consultancy, businesses can:
- Achieve sustainability goals faster
- Collaborate with global brands
- Become a preferred supplier in the value chain
How Does the Consultancy Process Work?
The consultancy process generally consists of the following stages:
- Current Situation Analysis
– Environmental and social performance of the company is analysed. - HIGG System Training
– Detailed training is provided on the use of HIGG modules. - Module Preparation
– Data collection, document organisation, and uploads to the system are carried out. - Pre-Verification Preparation
– Deficiencies are identified and corrected before the HIGG FEM verification. - Verification Process Monitoring
– Guidance is provided during independent audits to improve sustainability scores. - Improvement Strategies
– Action plans are prepared to increase HIGG scores.
Advantages of HIGG Index Consultancy
- Global Compliance: Required by many international brands.
- Stronger Corporate Image: Companies gain value among sustainability-conscious customers.
- Data-Driven Management: Strategies are based on real measurement results.
- Supply Chain Opportunities: Higher HIGG scores increase chances of working with global brands.
- Risk Reduction: Early identification of social and environmental risks prevents future crises.
HIGG Index Consultancy with Sustex Global
Sustex Global Compliance Audits & Sustainability Consulting is one of the leading firms specialising in HIGG Index consultancy, providing professional services across Turkey and internationally.
Sustex Global’s HIGG Consultancy Services include:
- HIGG FEM & FSLM system setup support
- Environmental data analysis and simulations
- Staff training and certification processes
- Preparation guidance for HIGG verification
- Long-term sustainability strategy development
Contact: +90 533 373 40 00
Website: www.sustexglobal.com
Why Seek Professional Consultancy for the HIGG Index?
The HIGG Index is not just form-filling—it requires comprehensive data collection, systematic improvements, and global verification. Mistakes in this process can harm a company’s reputation, partnerships, and growth potential.
Working with an experienced team like Sustex Global ensures:
- Time savings
- Higher scores
- Smooth management of the verification process
Which Sectors Can Use the HIGG Index?
Although it began with textiles and ready-to-wear, the HIGG Index is also applied in:
- Footwear manufacturing
- Home textiles
- Accessories production
- Outerwear manufacturing
- Sportswear & technical textiles
- Fabric & yarn manufacturers
- Fashion retailers
Thus, not only manufacturers but also brands, suppliers, and retail chains are evaluated under the HIGG Index.
What Do HIGG Index Scores Mean?
The scores reflect the company’s environmental and social performance:
- 0–25: Entry level, major improvement needed
- 26–50: Intermediate performance
- 51–75: Advanced level
- 76–100: Sustainability leadership
These scores are decisive for international brands when selecting suppliers.
Conclusion: A Strong Step Towards Sustainability
HIGG Index consultancy is not just compliance—it is a strategic sustainability pathway. Managed by experts, it strengthens corporate vision and builds long-term competitiveness.
If you want to enhance your company’s environmental and social performance, collaborate with global brands, and lead in sustainability, partner with:
Sustex Global Compliance Audits & Sustainability Consulting
+90 533 373 40 00
www.sustexglobal.com
