Switzerland-based specialty chemicals manufacturer Clariant International Ltd. has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) — a global organization established by a group of apparel and footwear brands, retailers, manufacturers, nongovernmental organizations, academic experts and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with the aim to promote sustainable and socially responsible practices among apparel and footwear producers and reduce the global environmental and social impacts of their products.

"Over the past 15 years, Clariant has been actively assisting brands, retailers and textile producers in adopting more sustainable operations and processes," said Thomas Winkler, head, Textile Chemicals Business Unit, Clariant. "Joining the SAC is a natural progression in our contribution to the industry's move towards greener production. We will continue to innovate to ensure that our products and production processes use resources and energy more efficiently, thus reducing our impact on the environment."

Clariant also is a System Partner of sustainable textile standard developer bluesign AG, Switzerland; and a member of the O'Donnell, Texas-based Textile Exchange, an organization promoting the responsible expansion globally of textile sustainability and focusing particularly on organic cotton and sustainable fiber.

June 12, 2012