Google has added a tool to its Google Earth Engine to gauge fibers by their geographic effects on the environment (air pollution, biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, effects on forestry, water use, etc.) and thereby guide textile brands to reduce the carbon emissions of their raw materials procurement. Developed in partnership with Stella McCartney, The Textile Exchange and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Global Fibre Impact Explorer (GFIE) distinguishes 20 varieties of natural, cellulosic and synthetic fibers. It also recommends actions that brands can take with farmers, producers and towns near their sources for the fibers. Staff from the Stella McCartney brand have helped test the system, identifying cotton farms in Turkey that were short of water. Meanwhile, brands such as Adidas, Allbirds, H&M Group and VF Corp. have suggested refinements for industry use, and an external council has reviewed the methods and data. At present, Google and the WWF are passing the GFIE to The Textile Exchange, an international non-profit organization that favors the industrial use of certain fibers. The Textile Exchange will help continue the development of the GFIE and incite other brands to join the effort. The tool’s launch is scheduled for next year.

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