Higg Materials Sustainability Index
Cradle-to-gate tool from Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition) that assesses the environmental impacts of textile materials across 5 LCIA indicators. Internal use for design decisions.
Context
Higg MSI (Materials Sustainability Index) is Cascale's cradle-to-gate tool for assessing the environmental impacts of textile materials. It calculates 5 LCIA indicators per material: kg CO2-eq, MJ Fossil Fuels, kg PO4-eq Eutrophication, m3 Water Use, kg Sb-eq Resource Depletion.
Regulatory origin
Managed by Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition). Current version Higg MSI v3 (Cascale, Aug 2024) based on the ISO 14040/14044 methodology.
The 5 LCIA indicators of the Higg MSI
kg CO2-eq · greenhouse gas emissions.
MJ · fossil energy consumption.
kg PO4-eq · aquatic pollution.
m3 · water consumption.
kg Sb-eq · depletion of mineral resources.
Timeline
Higg MSI launched
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition publishes the first version.
Communication restriction
Suspended for public communication after intervention by the Swedish authority.
Higg MSI v3 (Cascale)
Current version managed by Cascale (SAC re-branding).
Applied case
A textile brand uses Higg MSI v3 internally to compare materials at the design stage.
Comparison of recycled polyester vs virgin polyester for a new jacket line.
Higg MSI result: recycled polyester reduces Climate Change by 65 per cent, Fossil Fuels by 40 per cent, marginal Water Use.
Decision: prioritise recycled polyester in the premium line · communicate publicly only the GRS certification (not the Higg MSI data).
Internal use for design decisions · NOT communicated to the consumer to avoid greenwashing risk.
Common mistakes
Higg MSI is not the single source of truth on material impact.
It is one of several methodologies. PEFCR (European Commission), Made-By Environmental Benchmark, Textile Exchange have rankings that may differ. The choice of method must be made explicit.
Higg MSI does not exempt you from doing your own LCA.
MSI compares generic materials. The reality of the brand's specific chain may differ significantly. An own LCA captures that specificity.
A Higg MSI score is not a certification.
It is a quantitative index. For certification of recycled or organic material, specific standards are used (GRS, RCS, GOTS).
Higg is not free for commercial use.
Cascale licenses access to the Higg suite. Brands and suppliers must be members or pay a licence for operational use and public communication.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Higg MSI?
Cascale Higg Materials Sustainability Index, a cradle-to-gate tool for assessing the environmental impacts of textile materials. Managed by Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition). It calculates 5 indicators per material: kg CO2-eq Climate Change, MJ Fossil Fuels, kg PO4-eq Eutrophication, m3 Water Use, kg Sb-eq Resource Depletion.
Who uses the Higg MSI?
Design and development teams at textile brands and manufacturers, to identify environmental impact hotspots of materials and choose lower-footprint alternatives during the design stage. Cascale membership is tiered by turnover. The data is not communicated publicly (internal B2B use).
How is the Higg MSI applied to a material decision?
In accordance with the Higg MSI v3 methodology (Cascale, Aug 2024) based on ISO 14040/14044: by comparing the 5 LCIA indicators between candidate materials. E.g. recycled polyester vs virgin polyester vs organic cotton vs conventional cotton vs wool — each has its own profile in kg CO2-eq, MJ Fossil Fuels, kg PO4-eq Eutrophication, m3 Water Use, kg Sb-eq Resource Depletion. The brand chooses the material with the best balance according to its strategic climate priorities.
What is the difference between Higg MSI and PEFCR Apparel & Footwear?
Higg MSI is a private Cascale tool with its own LCI database (>100 materials). PEFCR is the official EU methodology for substantiating comparative environmental claims under ECGT. PEFCR is binding for public claims in the EU; Higg MSI is internal for design decisions. They coexist — PEFCR applies the EU PEF method, Higg MSI uses a compatible methodology.
What is the difference between Higg MSI and Higg PM?
Higg MSI assesses individual materials (cradle-to-gate). Higg PM (Product Module) assesses finished products considering manufacturing + use + end-of-life (cradle-to-grave). MSI is an input to PM; PM is the comprehensive product-level tool. Both are managed by Cascale.
Fuentes oficiales
- Cascale2024Voluntary framework
- European Commission2024Sectoral rules
- Changing Markets Foundation2022-2023Investigación independiente
