Higg FEM and Sedex: what they are and what to ask
Many fashion, footwear and leather goods brands ask their suppliers for two things beyond product certificates: an environmental assessment and an ethical trade audit.
Higg FEM: the environmental assessment
The Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) comes from the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, now called Cascale. Facilities answer a standard set of questions on energy, water, wastewater, emissions, waste and chemicals. The results can be verified by an independent verifier, which makes the numbers more credible and comparable.
Sedex: the ethical data platform
Sedex is an online platform where suppliers share information on labour standards, health and safety, the environment and business ethics, so that buyers can review it. Audits carried out through Sedex often follow a common method known as SMETA.
In our group
Our group’s tannery credentials include Higg FEM verification and a Sedex audit. Details and dates are available to buyers on request.
What to ask any supplier
- When was the last verification or audit, and which sites did it cover?
- Can I see the summary of findings?
- How were any findings corrected, and by when?
Planning an order? Request our catalogue and we will share the range, minimum order quantities, lead times and terms.
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