In the short term the Higg Index is an assessment tool built for product assessment.

FORBES: Target, Nike, Levi's Join Forces On Sustainable Clothing

Eventually Higg ratings will translate to consumer labels, but the Coalition is being careful to test the index, gather data, and refine the system before delving into anything consumer-facing.

FORBES: Target, Nike, Levi's Join Forces On Sustainable Clothing

In addition to eventually adding more functionality and a consumer-facing label to the Higg Index, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition plans to add more high-end fashion companies to its membership roster in the near future, which would differentiate it from virtually every other sustainability initiative in the apparel industry.

FORBES: Target, Nike, Levi's Join Forces On Sustainable Clothing