The Sustainability Data Exchange Project (SDEX) addresses the problematic situation around the exchange of sustainability data at the product level between brands and retailers in the outdoor sector.
EOG and BSI say the current practice of filling out extensive spreadsheets and questionnaires is very time-consuming and involves significant and frequent duplication of work. There is also no consistent alignment of product sustainability data, which is confusing for all stakeholders in the outdoor goods sector.
Through SDEX, the EOG and BSI have already mapped pre-existing retailer spreadsheets and questionnaires to identify common themes and questions. These were then consolidated into a single sustainability data exchange questionnaire that addresses the various points and topics. The questionnaire has gone through two beta testing rounds with 22 brands and retailers, to ensure that brands can fill this in, and that it contains all the information that retailers require.
Dr Katy Stevens, EOG head of CSR and sustainability, comments: “This is a crucial development in the outdoor industry’s work on sustainability. Up until now, there have been many excellent attempts to deliver good data about products’ sustainability attributes, but these have generally operated in isolation. So, although there is inevitably a lot of common ground, there is no sector-wide consistency in data, which presents all sorts of problems, especially in an era of increasing regulations and consumer interest.
“The Sustainability Data Exchange Project will not only address some immediate issues, but it will also allow brands and retailers to prepare for the future with confidence, both when dealing with the latest regulations, and when communicating product sustainability credentials to consumers. To be truly successful on an industry wide scale, we need a critical mass of companies to get involved, so I urge outdoor brands and retailers to join us for the webinar and get fully engaged with SDEX.”
Maïté Angleys, advisor corporate responsibility at BSI adds: “The SDEX project is yet another example of the qualities of the sporting goods industry. It is remarkable what we can achieve through the collaborative mindset of the retailers and brands represented. As industry associations we are glad to facilitate a project like SDEX, which gives true added value to the entire sector.”
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe SDEX Questionnaire will go live on 20 July, as the EOG and BSI host a free webinar for industry colleagues to learn more about the project, offer guidance for completing the questionnaire, and start a discussion about the potential for a digital sustainability data exchange platform.