The Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s latest edition of the Higg Material Sustainability Index (MSI) shows the environmental impact of polyester has fallen from 44 to 36 – making it by far and away the most sustainable fiber on the planet. Meanwhile, Higg’s continues to attach the silk industry as its environmental impact per kilo has risen from 681 to 1086 per kilo.
SAC offers no explanation for changing the scores for silk and polyester. It remains secretive about the underlying LCA data on which the new scores given to silk and polyester are based
Kassatly argues that the Higg MSI cannot be trusted and lacks all credibility because, among other things, it ignores socioeconomic impact, it is cradle to grave only and it ignores the appalling environmental impact of polyester microfiber shedding.
