Sustainable Fashion Acronyms
Acronyms simplify long names or terms into shorter, easier-to-say forms.
Acronyms simplify long names or terms into shorter, easier-to-say forms.
Term
Description
Example
Aii
Apparel Impact Institute
A non-profit organization that aims to accelerate the apparel industry's transition to a more sustainable future. It provides tools, data, and resources to help brands and retailers measure and improve their environmental and social impacts.
Aii's Higg Index is a suite of self-assessment tools used by brands and retailers to measure and manage their environmental and social and labor impacts.
BCI
Better Cotton Initiative
A not-for-profit organization that works to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment and better for the cotton sector.
Using Better Cotton in their products.
CDP
Carbon Disclosure Project
A global non-profit that runs the world’s leading environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions. It collects data on environmental impacts, analyzes trends, and engages investors and purchasers to drive environmental performance.
Disclosing their carbon emissions through CDP.
CSRD
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
A new EU regulation that mandates sustainability reporting for large companies and groups.
Companies within the EU must comply with CSRD reporting requirements.
DWR
Durable Water Repellent
A chemical treatment applied to fabrics to make them water-resistant.
DWR coatings on jackets and pants.
EPR
Extended Producer Responsibility
A policy approach that makes producers financially responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including end-of-life management.
Companies taking responsibility for the recycling of their packaging.
ESG
Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance
A set of standards for a company's operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments.
Considering a company's ESG performance when making investment decisions.
FICCA
Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action
A global initiative launched at COP21 in Paris, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the fashion value chain.
Participating in the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
FSC
Forest Stewardship Council
An international non-profit organization that promotes responsible forest management.
Using FSC-certified wood or paper in packaging.
GHG
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
The most widely used and respected international accounting standard for greenhouse gas emissions.
Using the GHG Protocol to calculate and report their carbon footprint.
ILO
International Labor Organization
A United Nations agency that sets international labor standards.
Adhering to ILO conventions on worker rights.
JOC
Journal of Sustainable Fashion
An academic journal that publishes research on sustainable fashion.
Publishing research articles in the Journal of Sustainable Fashion.
KPI
Key Performance Indicators
Measurable values that demonstrate how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives.
Tracking KPIs such as water usage and carbon emissions.
MRSL
Manufacturing Restricted Substances List
A list of chemicals that are restricted or prohibited from being used in the manufacturing of textiles and apparel.
Complying with the ZDHC MRSL.
MSI
Multi-Stakeholder Initiative
An approach to addressing complex challenges that involves the participation of various stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, and NGOs.
Participating in a multi-stakeholder initiative to improve labor conditions.
Oeko-Tex
Oeko-Tex
An independent testing and certification system for textiles.
Obtaining Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification for their products.
PEF
Product Environmental Footprint
A method for quantifying the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle.
Conducting a PEF study to assess the environmental impact of a product.
PFAs and PFCs
PFAs and PFCs
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of man-made chemicals used to make fabrics water- and stain-resistant.
Phasing out the use of PFAs and PFCs in their products.
PFMR
Preferred Fiber And Materials Market Report
A report published by Textile Exchange that provides insights into the global market for preferred fibers and materials.
Referring to the PFMR for information on sustainable materials.
QEP
Quality Environmental Planning
A holistic approach to environmental management that integrates environmental considerations into all aspects of a business.
Implementing a QEP program to reduce their environmental impact.
QR
QR Code
A two-dimensional barcode that can be read by smartphones and other devices.
Using QR codes to provide consumers with information about the sustainability of their products.
RSL
Restricted Substances List
A list of chemicals that are restricted or prohibited from being used in the manufacturing of a product.
Complying with the RSLs of their customers.
SAC
Sustainable Apparel Coalition
A global alliance of brands, retailers, and manufacturers working to make the apparel and footwear industry more sustainable.
Participating in the SAC and using the Higg Index.
SASB
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board
A non-profit organization that develops and maintains sustainability accounting standards.
Using SASB standards to report on their sustainability performance.
SBTI
Science Based Targets Initiative
A global body enabling businesses to set ambitious and science-based emissions reduction targets.
Setting science-based targets for emissions reductions.
SLCP
Social and Labor Convergence Program
A global, multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to improve working conditions in global supply chains.
Participating in the SLCP and conducting social audits.
TCFD
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
A framework for climate-related financial disclosures developed by the Financial Stability Board.
Disclosing climate-related financial risks and opportunities in accordance with TCFD recommendations.
TE
Textile Exchange
A global non-profit organization that supports the transition to preferred fibers and materials.
Working with Textile Exchange to promote the use of sustainable materials.
UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme
The leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda.
Collaborating with UNEP on environmental initiatives.
UNFCCC
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
An international environmental treaty adopted in 1992.
Participating in the UNFCCC process and implementing its provisions.
vFEM
Verification for the Higg FEM
A third-party verification process for the Higg Facility Environmental Module.
Obtaining vFEM verification for their facilities.
WTO
World Trade Organization
An intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade.
Complying with WTO rules and regulations.
XRF
X-Ray Fluorescence
A technique used to analyze the elemental composition of materials.
Using XRF to test for the presence of harmful chemicals in textiles.
YMRP
Yarn Manufacturing Responsibility Program
A program that promotes responsible manufacturing practices in the yarn industry.
Participating in the YMRP and implementing its standards.
ZDHC
Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals
A global alliance of apparel and footwear brands, retailers, and manufacturers committed to eliminating hazardous chemical discharges in the value chain.
Adhering to the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero.