EIM Expands to Measure Textile Production Impact
Jeanologia has expanded EIM (Environmental Impact Measuring), its methodology for measuring the environmental impact of textile production processes.
The new EIM introduces dedicated modules for yarn, fabric and garment finishing. It brings the results together through a common methodology to provide a more complete view of a textile product’s impact.
The updated system measures water, energy and chemical use across production stages. It also assesses worker impact during garment finishing.
From Yarn to Finished Garment
Garment production involves several stages. These range from yarn and fabric production to garment finishing, often involving different companies across the supply chain.
As a result, brands and manufacturers need reliable data from each stage. They also need a common method to connect and compare that information.
EIM has measured garment finishing for more than 15 years. Now, Jeanologia is expanding the system to cover different production stages under one methodology.
The new approach connects traceable and comparable information from yarn to finished garment. It also expands EIM beyond its traditional association with denim and garment finishing.
As a result, the methodology can apply to different types of textile products, from yarn through to finished garments.
New EIM Modules Cover Each Production Stage
The updated EIM uses independent modules for different stages of textile production.
- Yarn Module: Measures yarn production processes.
- Fabric Module: Covers fabric production.
- Garment Finishing Module: Measures garment finishing processes.
Each module can assess a production stage independently. Meanwhile, EIM+ connects the results to provide a broader view of the finished product.
EIM evaluates environmental impact across water, energy and chemicals. At the garment-finishing stage, it also assesses worker impact.
Furthermore, EIM classifies environmental performance as low, medium or high impact. This approach makes results easier to understand and compare.
Traceable Data Supports LCA and DPP
The evolution of EIM also allows information from different production stages to remain connected.
EIM uses primary data collected directly from production processes. It then applies a common methodology to support consistency and comparability.
The resulting information can support Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Digital Product Passports (DPP). Therefore, environmental information generated during manufacturing can remain connected to the product.
As demand for traceability continues to increase, this approach can help brands and manufacturers access structured production data. It also reduces the need to rebuild a product’s environmental profile from separate data sources across the supply chain.
Developed with Industry Experience
“EIM was created more than 15 years ago to address a very specific industry need: measuring the environmental impact of garment finishing. Today, the challenge is much broader. We need to understand what lies behind the entire product, connect the different stages and enable the whole supply chain to speak the same language. This evolution towards Environmental Intelligence allows us to take that step, using measurement to understand, compare and keep improving,” says Begoña García, EIM Director.
Jeanologia created EIM in 2009 and opened the methodology to the wider industry in 2011. Since then, the system has evolved alongside brands and manufacturers.
Today, more than 100 brands and 400 production facilities across more than 50 countries use the methodology.
After more than 15 years, EIM now moves beyond garment finishing to cover different stages of textile production and a wider range of textile products.
Developed by and for the industry, the new approach builds on the experience and practical needs of brands and manufacturers. It aims to create a shared framework for measuring, comparing and improving the environmental impact of textile production.
