Higg MSI Certification – Material Sustainability Index

What is Higg MSI?

Higg MSI (Material Sustainability Index) is a leading tool developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) under the Higg Index platform. It enables brands, designers, and manufacturers to measure and compare the environmental impact of various materials used in fashion, footwear, and textile products.

The Higg MSI is not a certification in the traditional sense, but rather a scientific, data-driven assessment tool that supports informed decision-making in sustainable material sourcing and product design.

Why Use the Higg MSI?

In an industry driven by eco-conscious consumers and sustainability goals, understanding material impact is key. Higg MSI helps your organization:

  • Compare materials based on environmental footprint

  • Choose lower-impact alternatives during design and development

  • Align with science-based targets and ESG goals

  • Reduce carbon emissions, water use, and waste across the supply chain

  • Enhance transparency in sustainability reporting

What Does Higg MSI Measure?

The Higg MSI evaluates a material’s environmental impact across five key categories:

  1. Global Warming Potential (GWP)

  2. Water Scarcity

  3. Eutrophication (Water Pollution)

  4. Fossil Fuel Use (Energy Demand)

  5. Chemistry Impact

Each material is scored based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data, allowing brands to make more sustainable decisions throughout the product lifecycle.

Who Should Use Higg MSI?

The Higg MSI is designed for:

  • Apparel brands and designers

  • Footwear and accessories manufacturers

  • Textile and raw material suppliers

  • Product development and sourcing teams

  • Companies focused on sustainable product innovation

Key Features of the Higg MSI Tool

  • Access over 80+ material inputs and 200+ material blends

  • Compare materials side-by-side based on impact scores

  • Track improvements over time in material sourcing

  • Share material impact data with buyers, customers, and partners

  • Connect seamlessly with Higg Product Tools (PM and DDM) for end-to-end impact measurement

Benefits of Using Higg MSI

  • Make data-driven material choices

  • Reduce your product’s overall environmental footprint

  • Support sustainability claims with verified metrics

  • Improve ESG and CSR performance reporting

  • Guide R&D and innovation in low-impact materials

  • Gain a competitive edge in sustainable fashion markets

Our Higg MSI Support Services

We help you implement and optimize Higg MSI in your business:

  • Material impact analysis and comparisons

  • Integration with product development tools

  • Custom reporting for sustainability and buyer requirements

  • Guidance on material selection and substitution

  • Support in combining MSI with Higg Product Module (PM) for full product lifecycle impact assessment

Design Better, Design Sustainably

Make smarter material choices with Higg MSI and create products that are better for people and the planet. Let sustainability begin at the fiber level.

Contact us today to explore Higg MSI implementation and material impact solutions tailored to your brand.