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Higg MSI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Updated

Table of Contents

Materials

Tool Usage

Scoring

Terminology

 

How do I select BCI cotton in the MSI?

We do not have data in the MSI on the impact of BCI cotton as finished material, we do have data on the reduced chemical impacts associated with BCI farming practices, which means that BCI can be selected as a chemistry certification for the raw material process of cotton. 

The reason BCI is not featured in the MSI database as raw material as option, is because there is no publicly available LCA-data on BCI cotton. We are collaborating with BCI to feature data in the MSI once available. 

If you want to reflect the reduced chemistry impact of BCI practices, you can select "conventional cotton" and use the BCI chemistry certification for the raw material process. 

 

Why is BCI cotton classified under “chemistry certifications”, but CmiA is classified as a “raw material”?

While Global Warming Potential, Eutrophication, Water Scarcity, and Resource Depletion of Fossil Fuels are calculated using production data and LCA methodology, Chemistry is assessed using a mixed approach that includes qualitative modifiers based on the chemicals management requirements of different certifications and programs. BCI production information has not yet been integrated into the Higg MSI so it can’t be included as a raw material process but they have had their program assessed to the Chemistry Qualifier Survey and are included as a chemistry modifier. Meanwhile, CmiA has submitted the production data required to calculate the raw material process impacts so it is listed as a raw material process option.

 

Does carbonizing happen in addition to or instead of scouring for sheep wool insulation?

Carbonizing happens in addition to scouring, to clean the wool from any impurities left after scouring. Therefore in the MSI, please select both carbonizing and scouring as processes. 

 

In the MSI, what should be selected when the insulation material has been treated with DWR?

We currently do not have any impact data on specific finishing processes for insulation materials. 

A workaround is to model a blend of 1% polyester (or nylon, or other textile material) with 99% insulation material and select Pad-Dry-Cure (or your correct finishing process for applying your DWR) for the polyester finishing process. Use the Apply to Full blend option under the Additional Adjustments window to apply the DWR to the full blend material.

We are working on collecting impact data for insulation finishing processes. If you have access to impact data regarding insulation material finishing processes, we would love to collaborate with you!

 

Why is the chemistry impact for Tencel the same as for non-branded lyocell?

Though it would seem logical that Tencel has a lower chemistry impact given their high solvent recovery rate and absence of toxic chemicals, we cannot identify this at this point with the data that we have. The reason why there isn't a difference in chemistry score for Tencel and Lyocell, is linked to how Chemistry impacts are measured. To summarize the chemistry scoring in Higg MSI:

  • USEtox has a very high level of uncertainty (orders of magnitude) and better data can end up penalizing (showing higher impact) rather than showing improvements
  • Our chemistry scores in Higg MSI take the USEtox ecotoxicity values and normalize them on a log 10 basis to account for some of the aforementioned uncertainty. The values are then further converted into low/medium/high impacts based on threshold values to minimize the perception of precision in the chemistry values.

Noting the above,

  • Because of the logarithmic normalization and bucketing into low/medium/high buckets, similar technologies tend to end up with the same rankings (differences of 100x in Ecotoxicity scores are still usually in the same bucket).
  • Because there are only three buckets, anything that falls in the "high" category will show the same chemistry score. Since these chemistry scores are directional indicators they are only really comparable within a material type. So comparing the results of cotton to viscose is not applicable (even more so for chemistry scores than the other impact categories).

For more information on the Chemistry indicator methodology, please have a look at the MSI methodology document. Or review a webinar recording here covering the methodology of the Chemical indicator in the MSI. 

 

What does one "unit" mean in the Chemistry Indicator?

The Chemistry Indicator represents the human and ecological toxicity impact created. This means the harm done by chemical substances to humans and the environment throughout the life cycle of the material, process or product. The Chemistry Indicator is measured in “units”. This unit of measurement is taken from the USEtox model, because the impact calculation is based on the USEtox characterization values. 

The number of units is determined by the impact of the separate processes that make up material production. Each process has low, medium or high impacts assigned to them: 

  • Low: 2 Chemistry Units
  • Medium: 4 Chemistry Units
  • High: 6 Chemistry Units

The aggregated process impacts determine the material-level chemistry impacts.
The Chemistry Indicator MSI score can be analyzed in the same way as the MSI score for the other LCIA categories: a score of 10 is what an average material would score (this does not imply high or low impact). 

More information on the methodology of the Chemistry Indicator can be found in the Appendix of the MSI methodology document on page 47.

 

What if my exact yarn size isn’t available?

Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition) aims to make the Higg MSI more and more detailed; however, it is not possible to show all imaginable processes. The How to Higg guide provides guidance on selecting the right yarn process for your exact yarn size in the Textiles Yarn Formation Method section.

 

Is the impact of microfibers included in Higg MSI scores?

The Higg MSI scoring does not factor in scoring around microfiber pollution yet as there isn’t a marine litter LCIA methodology available. The Higg MSI only leverages methodologies that are broadly accepted as inputs. Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition) is currently following MarILCA development and plans to incorporate it into the Product Tools once available.

 

Why is the Higg MSI score for Alpaca so high?

The primary hotspot is Eutrophication during raw material production. It is primarily driven by ammonia emissions from alpaca farming. The nitrogen in the ammonia comes from alpaca excretion (the assumptions for which are based on IPCC 2006 numbers). Around 12% of nitrogen from excretion is assumed to volatilize as ammonia.

 

Why is the score for hemp and flax so high?

The scores for hemp and flax are driven by water and eutrophication impacts. The eutrophication impact is coming from direct emissions to water (nitrate, phosphorus, etc.) during hemp cultivation. It’s also important to consider that this data is based on data in the Quantis WALDB database, but it is also one dataset that represents a “generic” fiber based on the best data available to us. Farms that have much more sustainable or unsustainable practices would need to submit data to us to be reflected. We are expecting to have more flax and hemp processes included in future updates of the Higg MSI.

 

Why is the score for silk so high?

The high impact comes from the heavy water needs for mulberry trees as well as eutrophication in the silk filament production stage. The Higg MSI offers scores per kilogram of material. As silk fabrics tend to be lightweight, the overall product impact differences can have a lower impact than the Higg MSI score conveys (as all materials in Higg MSI are on a per kg basis). The Higg Product Module (Higg PM), which assesses product designs and completed products, provides impact results for specific amounts of materials used in a product.

 

Why is kangaroo leather impact so low compared to other leathers?

Kangaroos are commercially harvested from the wild, therefore no impacts are assigned from the on-farm/animal husbandry phase. Only processing and transportation impacts are included.

 

What is the allocation methodology for cow leather and how does it compare to the Leather PEFCR?

The Higg MSI uses a cow leather dataset created by Sphera that implements economic allocation at the slaughterhouse. The Sphera model only includes cows raised for the meat industry and does not include milk cows, so no allocation factor for milk is applied. Currently, an allocation factor of 3.6% is set for the cattle hides in the slaughterhouse in the Sphera model, while the PEFCR requires a 3.5% allocation factor. Therefore, the current difference between the environmental impact of leather using the PEF recommended allocation and the allocation in the Higg MSI dataset is marginal.

Sphera plans to update datasets to use the default allocation factor recommended by the PEFCR in the future; when available, the MSI will be updated accordingly. We are also working with the leather industry to collect and use more specific slaughterhouse data to update the allocation factor used in the Higg MSI and provide more accurate results than the default factor.

 

Where is dyeing accounted for in the Higg Product Tools?

Dyeing usually happens at the material processing stage and hence is accounted for in the MSI on a material-level. 

 

What impact categories are covered in the Higg Product Tools (MSI and PM)?

The Product Tools I include five impact areas in scoring:

  • Global warming potential (kg CO2e)
  • Eutrophication (kg PO4e)
  • Abiotic Resource Depletion (MJ)
  • Water scarcity (m3)
  • Chemistry (units)

There are also two inventory metrics displayed for each process that are not included in the scoring:

  • Biogenic carbon content (kg C)
  • Water Consumption (kg)

 

What if I can't find my material or applicable process in the MSI?

It can happen that we do not have impact data yet in the MSI database on the material that you are requesting. Publicly available LCA data is scarce and time-intensive to collect, which means that, especially for newer materials on the market, there will be no impact data for certain materials in the background database (GaBi/Sphera) that we use. 

Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition) and Worldly have therefore built the MSI contributor tool, a data submission application so we can collaborate with industry-partners on collecting impact data and making it available to the whole industry through the Worldly platform. 

​If you want to have your material featured in the MSI database, we recommend you to reach out to the supplier so that they can work with us on a LCA data submission. See this page for more information where you can also download the MSI contributor guide, on how to make a data submission. 

You can also work with us to submit impact data on material processing or on processes for product assembly (to be featured in the Product Module) through the MSI contributor tool.

For specific questions regarding making a data submission, please contact datasubmission@worldly.io. 

 

Where does Higg Product Tools (MSI/PM) data come from?

The Higg Product Tools use a variety of data sources. The main background data source is GaBi. Background datasets cover all relevant environmental flows, such as resource extractions, and emissions, as well as all material and energy inputs and products of an activity. Background datasets, for example, such as country-specific energy grid mix, are used to build models of each process. Using a single background database is important for consistency within the database. The Higg MSI 3.6 (2023) uses Sphera’s Life Cycle Assessment Datasets (fka GaBi) as its background database.

Primary data inputs come from manufacturers, databases, literature, and trade organizations. Data sources for each material or process are listed in the Higg MSI and PM under Meta Information when users click on a specific raw material or production process. Anyone may submit LCA data to the Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition) to be reviewed and used to score materials in the Higg MSI through the MSI Contributor.

For more information, please visit the MSI methodology document.

 

How does Higg MSI update and improve data?

The Higg MSI uses the best available data and this data is not static; we fully expect the data and results to change over time as better data is acquired and updated. There are several ways in which data in the Higg MSI may be updated:

  • The first is when the background database is updated, such as annual GaBi Service Pack updates. In this case, the model isn’t changed and just the impacts are updated.
  • The second is when a higher quality data model is available that better represents the specific process. The data quality is determined using four factors listed in the metadata and including the precision of the model and how recently the primary data was collected. In this type of change, the process scores tend to change more – sometimes up, sometimes down – but always with the intention that it is more accurate than before.
  • The third is when new processes and materials are added to provide more detailed raw materials and manufacturing options to choose from. This means that materials can be modeled with more specific impacts, allowing better accuracy and detail when measuring material impacts.

We announce all data updates and users can view the change log to understand what has changed. In some cases, proxies and reasonable estimations based on expert judgment need to be made because of a lack of detailed information. We aim to be as transparent as possible about data quality; the metadata for each process lists the data quality rating and other modeling notes are included as well.

 

Is Higg MSI data verified?

All data entered into the Higg MSI is reviewed by the MSI Gatekeeper and Data Manager. Acceptance criteria includes:

  • The data was correctly entered into the online platform
  • Explanations of material production are clear and relevant production processes are accounted for
  • The scope of the data is consistent with the defined boundary conditions
  • Sources, vintage of the data (timeframe represented), source types, and methods for data collection are documented
  • Methods used for data collection and decision-making are scientifically and technically valid Assumptions and limitations are identified and plausible
  • All calculations are correct
  • All data are verifiable and reproducible
  • The data submission is approved by the MSI Gatekeeper
  • The processes are organized into the life cycle stages in the Higg Product Tool taxonomy
  • The overall data quality is at a minimum “fair” or higher quality rated

If an LCIA Submission, data and midpoints must have been previously reviewed by an independent external expert. This expert must not be or have been employed in a full-time or part-time role by submitting organization or the practitioner of the study. This person also must not have been involved in defining the scope or conducting the LCIA. A review report must be submitted along with the results.

 

How often is the Higg MSI data updated?

The Higg MSI is updated twice a year. Users can see what changes took place with the most recent update in the change log.

 

Can I use the Higg MSI data in my LCA software tool?

No, Higg MSI data is designed to be used only in the Higg Product tools for a few reasons. We have specific agreements with database providers about the licensing conditions of the data. The Higg MSI also contains proprietary data from individual companies that would not want their data exposed in any more detail than we currently have (the LCIA midpoints) and full LCA inventory data is not available.

Further, the Higg MSI is not organized as a traditional database. The Higg MSI LCI datasets are built to function very specifically for the Higg MSI and its data structure (for example, the accounting for transport and loss rates). In addition, many of the processes cannot be used on their own, as they have to be combined with other processes in a particular way to represent a full kg of material.

 

How is Chemistry handled in the Higg MSI?

The chemistry methodology in the Higg MSI assesses chemistry on a process level. The methodology is a semi-quantitative one, where USEtox impact results are input but are further modified to account for process and inventory uncertainty. Essentially, a logarithmic normalization of the USEtox ecotoxicity LCIA results is used for a process to reduce variability. Then, those results are grouped into high, medium, or low. Additionally, if chemistry-related certification is used at a facility or for a particular material, it may be applied in the Higg MSI to improve the score. Read further detail in the MSI methodology document on page 47.

 

Is the ZDHC chemistry framework used as part of the Chemistry methodology in the Higg Index?

Yes. One area that is asked about in the Chemistry Qualifier Survey is input chemicals management. The levels of the ZDHC pyramid and the levels within the Qualifier Survey are aligned. Another area of the Chemistry Qualifier Survey asks about the Chemical Inventory at either a Facility level or Product level. If there are minimum requirements for the level of assessment for input chemistry as part of the chemical inventory then this is also used as part of the Qualifier assessment. In both cases, the Chemistry Qualifier Survey defaults to the lowest level that is consistently required. Currently, only material certification programs and facility certification programs are included but in the future, we are looking to integrate and use Higg FEM data for measured chemicals management practices. This will mean that facilities that are completing the Higg FEM and are reporting the percentage of their chemical inventory that achieves each level of the ZDHC pyramid will be able to use this data to reduce material-specific chemistry impacts in the Higg MSI in the future.

 

Can the Higg MSI be integrated with my PLM system?

Yes. Worldly provides an application programming interface (API) for the Higg Product Tools; the Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) and the Product module (PM). Businesses can use this read/write API to integrate Higg MSI and Higg PM data into their own internal systems. It can also be used by third parties, such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, to enable shared customers to access Higg MSI/PM account data in the third-party system.

  • To learn more about the MSI/PM API, including technical documentation, visit the Worldly developer hub. 
  • For questions regarding purchasing an MSI/PM API key, contact our Support team.
  • To view available integrations, navigate to ‘Account Profile’ by clicking your account name in the top right corner of the Worldly platform. Then go to the ‘Integrations’ tab.
  • If you’re interested in joining the Worldly Developers program, contact our Partnerships team.

 

Why isn’t land use included in Higg MSI impacts?

Prior to the initial launch of the Higg MSI, Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition) members considered the following measures of land impacts for inclusion: Land Use Change, Land Occupation, and Soil Organic Matter. They were ultimately not included because it didn’t lead to a better understanding of material impacts. Land that is being used does not necessarily mean it leads to more impact, such as a loss of biodiversity. Furthermore, adding land use metrics does not necessarily change the relative impacts of scores – it only increases the segregation between natural and synthetic materials, showing more impact for natural materials.

 

How are material use or disposal impacts considered?

The Higg MSI is a cradle-to-gate assessment; it considers impacts associated with material production only. Impacts from subsequent lifecycle phases (including use and disposal as part of a product) are considered in the Higg Product Module.

 

Do you have region-specific data in the Higg MSI?

Specific regions are only included if data for a particular raw material or process has been submitted, and that process always takes place in that specific region. Otherwise, a global average is used to represent the materials and processes shown in the Higg Product Tools.  You can check the raw material or process metadata in the tool on the Worldly platform, to see which region is represented.

 

Why does the value in the process-view differ from the value shown in the impact library?

MSI Scores and LCIA results shown at the process level represent the impacts of producing 1 kg of that raw material, while the results shown at the material level show the impacts of producing 1 kg of finished material taking into account the process loss rates. After the loss rates and transportation impacts have been applied, the process results specific to that material are shown for the relevant stage. This is why the “per kilogram” process impacts are not equivalent to the “per kilogram” material impacts for each production stage.

Process Loss Rates are the amount of the intermediate input from the previous Production Stage that is lost or consumed as part of the process (mass/mass basis). A loss rate of 20% indicates that for every 1kg of input, there is only 0.8kg of output. Alternately, this means that an output of 1kg from that process requires 1.25kg of input. Process Loss Rates are fixed for a process (non-customizable by the user) and were determined using values from secondary data sources, expert guidance, and industry methodology such as Textile Exchange’s Fiber Conversion Methodology.

 

How can I compare different raw materials or material processing options in the Higg MSI?

While process-level raw material comparisons can be useful and interesting, it is important to examine the overall material impacts and not only look at the fiber-level impacts. Some materials require different processing steps that have greater loss rates, so only looking at one stage does not always give a complete picture.

Further, sometimes it is difficult to completely align the boundaries across different material production stages (compared to the full cradle-to-gate material boundaries, which are aligned to the finished material gate). For example, natural fibers are already in fiber form at the Raw Material Source. For synthetic fibers like polyester, the Raw Material Source is in pellet form. This is because for continuous filaments the input is pellet form. For staple fiber polyester, the fiber formation is included in the yarn formation stage. Therefore, comparing staple fiber polyester to cotton fiber is not an even comparison.

 

Which raw material source should be selected for recycled polyester (or recycled polyester insulation) when we don’t know the type of recycling?

Mechanical recycling is the most commonly used method for recycling PET. If you don't know the specific method applied, you can select Mechanically Recycled. 

 

How can I work with my suppliers to model materials in the MSI?

There are two ways to collaborate with your suppliers for modeling materials in the MSI.

You can collect the information and data needed from your suppliers by sharing this overview which lists all possible processes to select in the MSI. Based on this overview, your supplier can then specify for each material the:

  • Raw material source
  • Yarn formation
  • Textile formation
  • Coloration
  • Additional coloration and Finishing
  • Chemistry Certifications

​You could ask for this information over email or in Excel format, or a best practice is to incorporate collecting this information early on in the development or production process, including the information in the tech pack right away. You can then fill out the information in the MSI to model the material's impact.

​A second option is for your supplier to create a free account on the Worldly platform and model up to 5 materials for free in the MSI. To onboard your partner onto the platform, you can recommend they follow an MSI onboarding session and MSI deep dive session, live or recorded.

They can then model the materials themselves in the MSI, and share the material with you. See this explanation on how to share material.

 

Why can I not select FSC (or some other certifications) as a Chemistry Certification?

Chemistry Certifications can be added on a process-level or on a material-level. Chemistry Certifications are certifications, programs or tools that lead to a significant impact reduction regarding human and ecological toxicity. Only certifications that achieve this goal can be found in the tool as an option to select. 

FSC cannot be selected as a chemistry certification because FSC serves another purpose by focusing on responsible forest management and hence does not result in a (measurable) impact difference regarding ecological and human toxicity.

For an overview of all Chemistry Certifications in the tool, please click here.

More information on how Chemistry Certifications are selected can be found in the Appendix of the MSI methodology document on page 48/49.

 

Is material biodegradability considered in Higg MSI impacts?

The research of impacts related to biodegradability of materials is ongoing and there is currently no sound method for inclusion. Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition) plans to review methodologies with members when available.

 

How are the Higg MSI scores calculated?

MSI scores are the normalization of the impact assessment midpoints (LCIA results) for each impact category. Normalization factors for each impact category are created by adding the total impact of a weighted average of the most common finished materials used in apparel and footwear. This calculation results in the average amount of impact per impact category. This amount is then set as 10 MSI points (i.e. 10 MSI points is the average impact of a finished apparel/footwear material for that impact category). This amount (by impact category) is then used as the normalization factor to calculate the MSI scores of all processes and finished materials in the MSI. An MSI score of 5 points would mean a material has half the average impact of a finished apparel/footwear material in that impact category, while an MSI score of 20 points would mean the impact is double the average.

Note that MSI scores are only contextualizing the LCIA results. If one finished material’s global warming impact is lower than another, it is because the LCIA results are also lower. More information on the Normalization and weighted average can be found in the MSI methodology document on pages 12-13.

 

Why is it that woven materials score worse than knit materials?

More energy is required to weave fabric than to knit fabrics, generally leading to a higher impact. However, woven fabrics tend to be lighter than their knit counterparts of the same yarn size, so woven fabric impacts may be less when comparing materials on an area basis (rather than a one-kilogram basis). This type of analysis is possible in the Higg Product Module (Higg PM).

 

How is social performance scored in the Higg MSI?

The Higg MSI assesses the environmental impacts of materials — social impacts are out of scope. The Higg FSLM assesses the social performance of factories, and the Higg BRM assesses the social performance of brands.

 

What is the difference between LCIA and Points (MSI scores)?

LCIA stands for “Life Cycle Impact Assessment” and represents the environmental impacts in the unit of that impact category. For example, the kg CO2e, MJ, kg phosphate equivalent, or cubic meters of water. The points, or score, are the normalization impacts and all impact scores are in the same common unit. 

 

What is eutrophication?

This impact category measures the richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen. This is measured in kg PO4 equivalent. Biobased materials tend to score higher in eutrophication compared to synthetic materials due to the use of fertilizers on farms. The burning of coal also contributes to eutrophication.

 

What is water scarcity? What is water consumption? How do the two metrics differ?

Blue water consumption has been added as an inventory metric and is not included in scoring. Blue water consumption measures water consumed during the production process, including water that is incorporated into the product or evaporated as part of the production process. This includes net water use (water input minus water output) and does not include green water (rainwater) or gray water.

Water scarcity measures the potential of water deprivation, considering both water consumption and scarcity/region. The Higg MSI uses the AWARE method to analyze water scarcity. This is the new consensus method to measure water scarcity, recommended by the EU Joint Research Center and included in the EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology. The AWARE metrics represent the relative Available WAterREmaining per area in a watershed after the demand of humans and aquatic ecosystems has been met. So, water used in more water-scarce areas is more impactful than water use in an area without water scarcity issues. For global processes where the specific manufacturing region is undefined, the Higg MSI uses the EF method global AWARE water scarcity factor. 

The water consumption amount for your custom material can be found on the downloadable spreadsheet.

 

What is LCA/LCIA?

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an analytical method used to evaluate potential environmental impacts of a product or service during its entire life cycle (unless otherwise specified) as a result of flows to and from the environment (including emissions to air, water and land, as well as the consumption of energy and other material resources). The boundaries of an LCA should be clearly stated and consistently applied; typically LCAs are “cradle to gate” including impacts from raw material extraction (cradle) to the factory gate, or “cradle to grave” including impacts from raw materials, manufacturing, use, and end of life.

LCIA (Life Cycle Impact Assessment) is the interpretation of the raw data in terms of their environmental impact towards different environmental impact categories (for example global warming potential and eutrophication potential).

 

What is abiotic depletion of fossil fuels?

Abiotic depletion of fossil fuels measures the depletion of non-renewable fossil fuel resources like coal, oil, and natural gas. It is related to the Lower Heating Value (LHV) expressed in MJ of fossil fuel.

 

What is biogenic carbon? Is it included in the GWP impacts?

Biogenic carbon is carbon contained in biomass that is accumulated during plant growth. As a result, many natural materials store, or “sequester” atmospheric CO2 in the short term. In the Higg MSI, this is not subtracted from the Global Warming results but displayed as a separate inventory metric. This is consistent with many standards for communicating LCA results and is because there is no way of knowing that the carbon is sequestered for 100+ years in a cradle-to-gate LCA since the end of life is not included. Note that biogenic carbon is measured in kilograms of carbon, not CO2. One kilogram of biogenic carbon is equivalent to 3.67 kilograms of CO2 (based on stoichiometric ratios). So a material that has 0.39kg of biogenic carbon has incorporated the equivalent of (0.39kgC * 3.67kg CO2/kg C = ) 1.43kg of CO2.

The biogenic carbon amount for your custom material can be found on the downloadable spreadsheet.

 

What is GWP?

The characterization model was developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Factors are expressed as Global Warming Potential for time horizon 100 years (GWP100), in kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).  A majority of this is emitted through the combustion and consumption of fossil-based energy sources. However, there are also several more substances and processes that contribute to climate change, including agricultural and soil emissions, landfill gas, and some refrigerants, which are characterized in terms of CO2 equivalents.