SGS unveils new sustainability service for Indian textiles

05 May '12

3 min read

As consumers demand greater environmental accountability for the products they use, SGS, a global leader in inspection, verification and certification for the textile industry launches a new sustainability service for the Indian business community.

Highlighting the importance of sustainability, SGS's Charles Ly Wa Hoi, Global Sustainability Services Vice President, spoke at length recently on this pressing issue, and in particular on the concept of carbon footprint counting as a first step for measuring a business's sustainability credentials.

With increasing global market pressures to create a commercial edge, sustainability is fast becoming the key concept that shapes a company's short term prospects and overall long term success.

Consumers are demanding greater transparency in the sustainability claims of the products they buy and SGS, with its sustainability service program, is at the forefront of this development.

Dr. G Sudesh Kumar, Director, Consumer Testing Services, SGS India, spoke of the need to introduce sustainability initiatives to the Indian marketplace, initiatives which SGS has successfully established in both Europe and China over the last four years.

“There are very few certification companies like ours, which are working towards achieving sustainability and we are the first ones operating in India to come up with these new services. Though there is a basic understanding of the concept of sustainability, people are a little hesitant to invest in such projects, but we are working towards spreading the awareness of what the services are and how they are beneficial for long-term growth.”

SGS measures sustainability in business through a three core-area classification assessment. This assessment determines the environmental impact of a product during its entire life cycle; the eco- design, with particular focus towards the eco- packaging in respect of sustainability; and the carbon footprint of a product, for which SGS has developed its own carbon footprint mark, supported by an extensive and dedicated carbon footprint consulting service.

The SGS Product Carbon Footprint Marks (PCF Marks) have helped companies develop a greener profile by providing clients with a scientific standard based around the environmental impact of their product with respect to international standards.

As SGS's Charles Ly Wa Hoi explains, “Sustainability today is not a trend; it helps organizations to improve their efficiency, attain positive cost cutting and better use of available resources.”

The means to determine carbon foot printing can help improve a company's overall services and demonstrate an environmental commitment to its clients.

Charles Ly Wa Hoi adds,” People and companies in India are constantly talking about sustainability, but there is still confusion amongst the industry about how to go about it and this is where our role is important.”

More Textiles News - India...