Higg FEM 4.0 Changes: An opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their ambitions in sustainability

Technical Seminar: A Deeper Dive - Online Seminar #15
Asian Dialogues on Sustainability in the Textile and Garment Industry

Summary

Textile supply chains are currently under close scrutiny due to their environmental impact. Are suppliers making progress in line with expectations from brands and retailers and the emerging local laws? The upcoming COP28 will see the first Global Stocktake, a new UN framework to protect the environment from harmful chemicals. With it comes increased emphasis on preventing deforestation. In this context, a pivotal tool, Higg FEM, has undergone significant enhancement with the release of its latest version, Higg FEM 4.0, commencing from November 2023.

Join this technical webinar, to
- learn about the key changes between Higg FEM 3.0 and Higg FEM 4.0,
- understand what additional data manufactures should collect to align with Higg FEM 4.0, and
- be well-positioned to complete the Higg FEM 4.0 self-assessment and verification.

Speakers

Angela Ng

Angela is the SAC Higg Facility Tools Director. Previously, she worked at SAC brand member Columbia, where she focused on sustainability in the social and labor program. Angela was also responsible for managing Columbia’s supply chain sustainability performance and initiatives. Implementing the Higg Facility Environmental Module was central to Angela’s efforts, from scaling adoption of the tool to integrating Higg FEM into Columbia’s business functions. Angela has been working with the Higg Index since its inception. She brings years of supply chain and industry experience. Angela lives by the mottos, “Make a difference” and “pay it forward.” 

Qaium Mohammad Abdul

Sustainability Manager, OVS SpA

Qaium is focusing on supply chain sustainability initiatives namely, Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), Higg Index, [End Product] Eco Value, Fashion Transparency, Traceability, Sustainable Material Management etc in all of OVA‘s sourcing countries that includes China, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia. He is also serving as "Higg Champion'' for evaluating supply chain environmental  and social performance through Higg data of their partners; 95% production volume of which is under the umbrella of Higg Index with more than 60% vFEM.

Arunhariharan B S

Sustainability Analyst at Eastman Exports Global Clothing (P) Ltd.

Arun‘s expertise is with Higg Facility Environment module,Carbon Footprint Analysis, Data studio Visualization, Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), Environmental Social Governance (ESG), Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC), Generative AI etc. He’s also a Member of SAC (Sustainable Apparel Coalition) Decarbonization strategic council.

Moderator

Rakesh Vazirani

Head of Sustainability Services, TUV Rheinland Group

Registration

This technical seminar is part of the Asian Dialogues series, which aims to bring together industry enthusiasts and representatives – from brands, suppliers, workers, civil society, and government bodies from Asia and beyond. This event series was initiated by GIZ FABRIC with the goal of connecting these stakeholders and fostering knowledge exchange across the industry.