Nike's MSI Revolutionizes Environmental Impact Assessment in Fashion Industry
Nike has revolutionised the way companies assess their environmental impact. The sportswear giant developed the Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) to evaluate the eco-friendliness of its products' materials. This tool, now maintained by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, is transforming the industry's approach to sustainability.
Previously, life cycle assessments (LCAs) were used to measure environmental impact, but they were time-consuming and often conducted late in the production process. The MSI, however, is designed to be used early on, making it more efficient.
Initially developed by Nike, the MSI is now overseen by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, which comprises over 80 brands, retailers, and suppliers. This collaboration allows for a broader impact and more diverse perspectives. The index is publicly available through an API and under an Open Database License, encouraging others to build tools and contribute to its development.
The MSI scores materials based on their environmental impact across various dimensions, such as global warming potential, water scarcity, and chemical exposure. This data is accessible to the public through an online tool, enabling consumers to make more informed decisions and support socially-responsible companies. Nike has also created an Environmental Apparel Design Tool to help designers make sustainable choices from the outset.
The MSI is a significant step towards comprehensive cradle-to-grave environmental impact assessments for consumer goods. By making this tool public and encouraging collaboration, Nike and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition are driving a shift in the industry's focus from profit alone to environmental responsibility.
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