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, 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.

2.

The industry is responsible for 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions.

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.

3.

The footwear sector alone, represents one-fifth of climate impact in the apparel industry.

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 the its foundation, every product 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 skillfully woven into a fabric that serves as the foundation for the manufacturing process.

TIER 2:
Dyeing & Finishing

In this stage, the fabric is imbued with color, and final touches are added to enhance its appearance and functionality. A protective coating and treatments are also applied 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

This parameter gauges the heat generated by the release of greenhouse gases, such as CO2 and methane, into the atmosphere. By tracking this footprint, we gain insight into our contribution to climate change.  

Water Impact 

We evaluate the water deprivation caused by the utilisation of water in the production of our products. This assessment considers both the impact on human water resources and ecosystems, highlighting our responsibility for sustainable water management.

Eutrophication

Our analysis delves into the accumulation of phosphates and nitrates in the soil, arising from the use of pesticides, fertilisers, chemicals, and detergents. Understanding eutrophication helps us address potential ecological impacts and promote more eco-friendly practices. 

Energy Impact 

This parameter examines the use of non-renewable natural resources, such as natural gas, coal, oil, and others, to obtain energy. By monitoring energy consumption, we work towards reducing our reliance on finite resources and transitioning towards renewable energy sources. 

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

Water scarcity

6

olympic swimming pools

55%

water saved

Global Warming

528,955.24

kg CO2 eq

Global warming

486

months of a 100m3 house electricity consumption

46%

electricity saved

Eutrophication

1,415,800.59

g phosphates eq

Eutrophication

28,316

bottles 3L of laundry detergent

18%

eutrophication saved

Abiotic Depletion

7,768,028

MJ

Abiotic Depletion

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