Eco Index underway

Towards the end of 2010 the Eco Index was launched and it is now at its second stage of development.

The Eco Index is a rating system designed so that retailers and manufacturers can assess the ecological impact of their clothing products. At present it remains inward facing; helping businesses assess and understand their own impact, rather than helping consumers.

In their own words, The Eco Index will:

• Allow companies to incorporate environmental considerations into product design and to manage their supply chains in a way that supports their environmental goals
• Speed the adoption of best business practices
• Enhance transparency within the supply chain and facilitate communication with suppliers
• Respond to consumer and retailer expectations around sustainability, including implementing a common "language"
• Advocate for incentive-based government regulations, rewarding innovation and early adopters

The initiative was started by a collection of over 200 retailers and manufacturers (predominantly who operate in the outdoor clothing sector). It currently has members including Nike, Levi Strauss, Timberland, Patagonia and Columbia Sportswear.

In effect the Index is built around lifecycle assessment, and it provides a clear framework so that members can consider the different stages of their production as well as the different impacts that occur at each level.