That’s what we’re working toward with Cascale and Aii’s Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR). Launched at our Annual Meeting in Munich this past September, the IDR is our collective blueprint for tackling supply chain emissions at scale. (Missed the announcement? Catch up here.)
The IDR represents an ambitious vision to decarbonize global manufacturing, but as our name suggests, collective action at scale is our ambition — and we know we don’t have all the answers. Success will depend on alignment, input, and active participation from every part of the supply chain.
Building Together: What’s Working, What Needs Focus
Over the past few months, we’ve been hard at work building momentum and taking stock of our progress. A recent workshop in Hong Kong brought together teams from Cascale, Aii, and RESET Carbon to dig into our workstreams, accountability mechanisms, and, most importantly, to ask: are we working on the right things?
Here’s where we’re focusing our energy:
- Low-Carbon Sourcing Commitments: We’ve heard loud and clear from manufacturers that the lack of a business case is the single biggest barrier to decarbonization. Our goal is to develop a carbon intensity benchmark and align brands around sourcing more volume from low-carbon facilities.
- Manufacturer Engagement: For the some1,800 facilities driving 80 percent of manufacturing emissions, we’re building on proven engagement processes to help manufacturers adopt practical decarbonization strategies.
- Data Integration: We’re leveraging the Higg Index to streamline data collection and reporting, ensuring these processes are both seamless and impactful.
- Fundraising: Securing funding pathways to support the heavy lifting required for large-scale decarbonization.
At the core of these efforts are interventions designed to drive measurable progress — but we need your feedback and participation to ensure they’re on the mark. Whether it’s energy efficiency, renewable energy access, or thermal decarbonization, your input will help us refine these approaches and focus on what truly matters.
A Call for Collaboration
In early 2025, we will formally launch the IDR — a bold, industry-wide initiative to transform supply chain emissions. As we prepare for key milestones like the Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, and the Cascale Annual Meeting in Hong Kong, we’re calling on brands, manufacturers, and stakeholders to join us in shaping this effort.
This is your opportunity to weigh in: Are we addressing the right challenges? Are the tools and interventions we’re building the ones you need to make meaningful progress? Let’s align now, so we can move forward with clarity and purpose.
Looking Ahead
2025 will be a critical year for the IDR. Vietnam will serve as a checkpoint to share progress, gather feedback, and refine our approach. By the time we reach Hong Kong, we aim to showcase concrete examples of what’s working and what’s next.
This work isn’t easy — but it’s worth it. Decarbonization isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. Together, we can build a pathway that works not just for the industry, but for the planet and its people. It’s time to move that needle!
So, let’s keep pushing, keep collaborating, and make 2025 a year to remember. The IDR is your roadmap as much as it is ours. We’re counting on your voice to make it stronger and to build a movement we can all be proud of.
