The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further foster collaboration on key sustainability initiatives across the U.S. apparel and footwear industry. The MOU was signed during a meeting of the AAFA Environmental Committee in Washington, D.C.
"When it comes to tackling the serious issues of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainability, the apparel and footwear industry must collaborate around the best practices, measurable benchmarks, and a shared vision," said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. "This memorandum of understanding better enables the industry and our stakeholders to rally around a consistent approach to sustainability in a more productive and efficient manner."
"We welcome this formalized understanding with AAFA, as it will allow the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to better fulfill its mission of unifying sustainability standards within the apparel and footwear industry, and help make a greater impact in the environmental footprint across the entire value chain," said SAC Executive Director Jason Kibbey.
AAFA and the SAC share the belief that sustainability is a bedrock issue for a competitive and responsible apparel and footwear industry. To that end, the MOU will significantly enhance cooperation between both organizations in promoting sustainability in the apparel and footwear industry, particularly through the promotion to and acceptance by the industry, regulators, and legislators of SAC's The Higg Index.
