Worldly has unveiled what it describes as its most comprehensive supplier compliance solution for environmental assessments, combining three reporting tools (Higg FEM, FEP and FDM) within a single assessment. More than 45,000 manufacturing facilities are already present on the platform.

The Higg FEM, introduced by the global non-profit alliance Cascale 15 years ago in spreadsheet form, is an industry standard for measuring a facility's environmental impact on energy, water, waste and chemicals, among other factors. Alongside it, the FEP sets out the baseline environmental practices expected of every facility producing consumer goods, while the FDM would allow brands, manufacturers and facilities to track, analyse and report environmental metrics monthly or quarterly rather than relying solely on annual reviews, according to Worldly.

This announcement comes as brands, particularly those operating within the European Union, face growing pressure to show credible proof that their operations meet strict industry standards for environmental sustainability. For brands, the solution would support due diligence on existing suppliers, identifying non-compliance and tracking remediation against a Code of conduct, according to Worldly.

Measurable progress at facilities

Among facilities that have completed the Higg FEM, the percentage with an energy improvement plan rose from 54 percent to 61 percent. Celui of facilities that have set Scope 1 and 2 targets rose from 41 percent to 48 percent.

« Dans un marché plein d'estimations et d'incertitude, pour une entreprise, connaître sa chaîne d'approvisionnement au niveau de chaque usine est la manière la plus fiable de gérer le risque, se conformer à la réglementation et opérer de façon responsable », said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly, in a statement.

Alagesan Senniappan, executive vice president of quality assurance at Eastman Exports, a major garment manufacturer based in Inde, welcomed the tool: « De nouvelles législations et réglementations arrivent rapidement. Grâce au Higg FEM et à Worldly, nous sommes prêts pour l'avenir. »