Supply Chain Traceability
The Issue at Large: The Fashion Industry
Keeping it low
1.
The fashion industry is the the second most polluting industry on the planet.
From the very beginning, we have been committed to minimising our impact on the environment. However, to truly witness the results of our efforts, decided to meticulously measure our impact at each stage of the supply chain.
2.
The industry is responsible for 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
Even though SAYE primarily interacts directly with material providers and sneaker manufacturers, we were determined to trace the ethical and environmental practices of the entire supply chain. In 2022, we partnered with BCome, a leading organisation specialising in supply chain mapping.
3.
The footwear sector alone represents one-fifth of climate impact in the apparel industry.
This collaboration enabled us to gain invaluable insights into the comprehensive impact of our products.
Here’s how we did it, and what we found out:
The Issue at Large: The Fashion Industry
1.
The fashion industry is the the second most polluting industry on the planet.
2.
The industry is responsible for 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
3.
The footwear sector alone, represents one-fifth of climate impact in the apparel industry.
Keeping it low
From the very beginning, we have been committed to minimising our impact on the environment. However, to truly witness the results of our efforts, we embarked on a journey to gain a deeper understanding of our supply chain's impact. We made the decision to meticulously measure our impact at each stage of the supply chain.
In 2022, we forged a partnership with BCome, a leading organisation specialising in supply chain mapping. This collaboration enabled us to gain invaluable insights into the comprehensive impact of our products. Even though SAYE primarily interacts directly with material providers and sneaker manufacturers, we were determined to trace the ethical practices and total impact of every single step throughout the entire supply chain, right from the sourcing of raw materials.
Here’s how we did it, and what we found out:
SAYE x BCome·
The analysis system that BCome works with is based on the standardised Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, which measures the environmental impact of our product's cradle-to-gate life cycle, giving us a clear and concise vision of our production chain.
The analysis system categorises the product's life cycle into five distinct tiers:
TIER 5:
Raw Material
At its foundation, every material originates from the planting or harvesting of raw materials.
TIER 4:
Processing
The raw material undergoes transformation, being converted into a fiber suitable for spinning and weaving into fabric.
TIER 3:
Weaving
The yarn from the processed material is woven into a fabric that serves as the foundation for the manufacturing process.
TIER 2:
Dyeing & Finishing
The fabric is imbued with color, coating and final touches are added to ensure the durability of the newly created material.
TIER 1:
Manufacturing
Finally, the finished product is carefully manufactured and then shipped to reach the end customer.
To comprehensively assess the impact of our operations throughout the entire supply chain, we focus on measuring four key parameters:
Carbon footprint
Heat generated by the release of greenhouse gasses, such as CO2 and methane, into the atmosphere.
Water Impact
Water deprivation caused by the utilization of water in the production of our products.
Eutrophication
Accumulation of phosphates and nitrates in the soil, arising from the use of pesticides, fertilisers, chemicals, and detergents.
Energy Impact
Use of non-renewable natural resources, such as natural gas, coal, oil, and others, to obtain energy.
Impact Results of our Supply Chain
Project Life Cycle Assessment Impact & Benchmark Overview
The Project Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) serves as a valuable tool to quantify the environmental impacts associated with a product's entire life cycle. This standardised methodology (ISO 14040 & 14044) enables us to systematically evaluate the environmental implications, taking into account all stages of the product's existence.
The Benchmark Overview further enhances our understanding by facilitating a comprehensive assessment of sustainability levels based on the LCA results. Through this comparison, we can gauge the product's environmental impact relative to market standards, providing valuable insights into our progress towards achieving greater sustainability.
Impact
Equivalence
Compared to the industry
Water Scarcity
599,228.79
m3 water eq
6
olympic swimming pools
55%
water saved
Global Warming
528,955.24
kg CO2 eq
486
months of a 100m3 house electricity consumption
46%
electricity saved
Eutrophication
1,415,800.59
g phosphates eq
28,316
bottles 3L of laundry detergent
18%
eutrophication saved
Abiotic Depletion
7,768,028
MJ
901
flights from NY to Madrid
46%
fossil fuels saved
Water Scarcity
Impact
599,228.79
m3 water
Equivalence
6
olympic swimming pools
Compared to the industry
55%
water saved
Global Warming
Impact
528,955.24
kg CO2
Equivalence
486
months of a 100m3 house electricity consumption
Compared to the industry
46%
electricity saved
Eutrophication
Impact
1,415,800.59
g phosphates
Equivalence
28,316
bottles 3L of laundry detergent
Compared to the industry
18%
eutrophication saved
Abiotic Depletion
Impact
7,768,028
MJ
Equivalence
901
flights from NY to Madrid
Compared to the industry
46%
fossil fuels saved
Water Scarcity
Impact
599,228.79
m3 water
Equivalence
6
olympic swimming pools
Compared to the industry
55%
water saved
Global Warming
Impact
528,955.24
kg CO2
Equivalence
486
months of a 100m3 house electricity consumption
Compared to the industry
46%
electricity saved
Eutrophication
Impact
1,415,800.59
g phosphates
Equivalence
28,316
bottles 3L of laundry detergent
Compared to the industry
18%
eutrophication saved
Abiotic Depletion
Impact
7,768,028
MJ
Equivalence
901
flights from NY to Madrid
Compared to the industry
46%
fossil fuels saved
Sustainability Index Overview
The Sustainability Index is a powerful tool utilised by BCome to comprehensively evaluate the sustainability performance of a product or brand across various crucial areas:
Our Planet
Our People
Transparency
Circularity
Achieving a score of 7.4 indicates a notable commitment to reducing the environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly approaches.
A commendable score of 7.8 reflects a dedication to fostering a healthy and responsible work environment.
A high score of 8.4 showcases a strong dedication to openness and accountability.
A respectable score of 7.6 indicates a proactive approach to sustainable resource management and waste reduction.
7.4
7.8
8.4
7.6
Our Planet
Our People
Achieving a score of 7.4 indicates a notable commitment to reducing the environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly approaches.
A commendable score of 7.8 reflects a dedication to fostering a healthy and responsible work environment.
7.4
7.8
Transparency
Circularity
A high score of 8.4 showcases a strong dedication to openness and accountability.
A respectable score of 7.6 indicates a proactive approach to sustainable resource management and waste reduction.
8.4
7.6
7.4
Our Planet
Achieving a score of 7.4 indicates a notable commitment to reducing the environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly approaches.
7.8
Our People
A commendable score of 7.8 reflects a dedication to fostering a healthy and responsible work environment.
8.4
Transparency
A high score of 8.4 showcases a strong dedication to openness and accountability.
7.6
Circularity
A respectable score of 7.6 indicates a proactive approach to sustainable resource management and waste reduction.
Do you want to know more?
Read the full report