Blogs / Want to Build, Attend a Sustainable Event? Consider Cascale’s Event Experience

Want to Build, Attend a Sustainable Event? Consider Cascale’s Event Experience

Cascale Forum
Annual Meeting

Lee Green

April 08, 2025

Over the past couple of years, we’ve been on a purposeful journey to elevate our event experiences and build flagship moments for our industry.

Our Annual Meeting in Munich last year truly exemplified this evolution, showcasing the quality of engagement and dialogue that Cascale events now embody. Looking ahead, we’re equally thrilled to launch our new format — the Cascale Forum in Ho Chi Minh City this May — which strives for even more impactful conversations and connections.

Yet, as we reflect more deeply on the role events play at Cascale, we know they must be more than just memorable and valuable; they must also be financially sustainable. So, what are the critical elements we consider to ensure every Cascale event hits the mark?

Content that Inspires and Delivers Real Impact

Exceptional content is non-negotiable. Our industry faces significant, urgent challenges — from climate action and regulatory compliance to shifting consumer demands. Each Cascale event is carefully curated to deliver actionable insights and practical solutions. When you join us, our commitment is that you’ll leave not just informed, but truly inspired and equipped for meaningful action. You can check out the Annual Meeting 2024 executive summary if you want to see this in action.

Networking that Builds Lasting Relationships

We understand networking should be meaningful, not just transactional. At Cascale events, we create spaces that encourage genuine connections, whether through focused workshops and training, interactive breakout sessions, or informal meet-ups. These interactions are designed to foster enduring relationships among industry leaders, policymakers, solution providers, and innovators. Our custom event app also helps drive purposeful networking via its virtual business card exchange and direct messaging long before the event kicks off.

Thoughtful Sponsorships and Genuine Partnerships

Sponsorship at Cascale events isn’t simply about visibility — it’s about genuine thought leadership and collaboration. While we exhibit and highlight industry leaders and innovative solutions providers, our stage remains a space for authentic, meaningful contributions, carefully chosen for alignment with our values and goals. Our commitment is clear: we don’t compromise quality or credibility for financial gain. We showcase leaders who drive real industry transformation.

Curious about showcasing your leadership in sustainability? View our sponsorship opportunities for our events or engage our executives in yours.

Inclusive, Sustainable, and Meaningful Delegate Experiences

Your experience matters profoundly to us. Every aspect of a Cascale event is thoughtfully considered — from inclusive and accessible venues to wellbeing-focused schedules incorporating comfortable spaces, dietary considerations, and wellness breaks. Sustainability is embedded into every detail: eco-friendly venues, responsibly-sourced catering, digital-first resources, and custom-built exhibition booths made from reusable and recyclable materials. Even down to the recyclable name badges, these thoughtful choices ensure our events authentically reflect our shared values.

Join Us on This Journey

We warmly invite you to join us for our upcoming Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City and our Annual Meeting (though the latter is for members only). Experience firsthand how we’re reshaping event experiences for our global community, participate in transformative conversations, build impactful relationships, and contribute actively to the sustainability movement.

Ready to be part of something extraordinary?

Publications / Annual Meeting 2024 Executive Summary

Annual Meeting 2024 Executive Summary

Annual Meeting

Relive the highlights and explore key takeaways from the Cascale Annual Meeting 2024, held in Munich Germany on September 9-11, 2024.

Download publication

October 29, 2024

Blogs / Reflections on the Founding of Cascale: A Vision That Endures

Reflections on the Founding of Cascale: A Vision That Endures

Decarbonization
Annual Meeting
Higg Index Tools

Cascale’s co-founder reflects on the organization’s origins and roadmap for future success from the Annual Meeting in Munich.

Rick Ridgeway

September 20, 2024

In 2010, a conversation between Patagonia and Walmart sparked an idea that would reshape the sustainability landscape for the apparel and footwear industry.

At the time, I was at Patagonia, working on environmental initiatives, when Walmart approached us for feedback on a supplier scorecard they were developing. It was a basic concept, but it got me thinking—what if we could build a coalition of apparel and footwear companies to develop a robust, industry-wide standard for measuring sustainability? It was a long shot, but we accepted the challenge and we code-named the effort “David and Goliath,” borrowing inspiration from the timeless fight between unmatched strengths. Walmart surprised us—they wanted to be David, and Patagonia would be Goliath.

From the beginning, we knew the initiative needed to go beyond just brands and manufacturers. We aimed to create a multi-stakeholder alliance that included NGOs, governments, academia, and other key players. This inclusive approach was critical to ensuring that the solutions we developed were robust, credible, and widely accepted.

A Mission Rooted in Collaboration and Pragmatism

The founding principles of Cascale were straightforward but ambitious: Build on existing work to move quickly and don’t let perfection stand in the way of progress. With these values in mind, we reached out to CEOs of various companies, NGOs, and universities to establish a universally-accepted approach for measuring sustainability in the apparel sector. This effort quickly gained traction, and the group, originally named the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, grew rapidly.

Our early vision was simple yet ambitious: Create business value by reducing environmental impact and increasing social justice across the value chain. The strategy was also simple yet ambitious: manage impact by measurement that was deep, wide and standardized. To help understand how strategy could lead to vision, we brought in a team of complex systems analysts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to map out a measurement tool–an index–that, put in the hands of key decision-makers, could incentivize them to make better decisions.

The MIT team gave us a Theory of Change and we built a 1.0 version of the tool. But we needed a name for the tool that could transcend apparel. At the same time, we learned that a group of physicists had discovered a subatomic particle that was going to unify the universe, and they were going to call it the Higgs Boson. I smiled and said, “If the Higgs Boson particle is going to unify the universe, then the Higg Index was going to save it.

Sharing Our Vision in Munich

At Cascale’s recent Annual Meeting in Munich, I had the opportunity to reflect on these early days and share why our founding mission remains as critical today as it was over a decade ago. The challenges we set out to address then—fragmented efforts and outdated practices—are still prevalent. Today, the urgency is even greater. Emissions are on track to be 2.5 times higher than needed by 2030 if we don’t act decisively. Cascale was created to provide a unified solution to these industry-wide challenges, and the need for a coordinated, collective effort is now more important than ever. From its simple spreadsheet origins, the Higg Index has evolved into a critical suite of tools relied on by over 40,000 users to decrease environmental impact and increase social justice unlike any other industry.

The Path Forward: Accountability, Transparency, and Collective Action

One of the key points I shared in Munich was the importance of accountability and transparency—areas where Cascale has made progress but where there is still much work to do. Cascale’s strength lies in its ability to unite diverse perspectives and drive collective action. The Higg Index continues to provide essential data and insights that empower decision-makers across the value chain to make better, more informed choices, but we have to hold the industry to account for its performance..

Looking ahead, Cascale is uniquely positioned to lead the industry towards a more sustainable future – especially in the critical area of decarbonization. By focusing on key areas like eliminating coal, increasing renewable energy use, and improving energy efficiency, and by working closely with partners like the Apparel Impact Institute and RESET Carbon, Cascale is building an Industry Decarbonization Roadmap that supports suppliers in making meaningful reductions.

Why Cascale’s Original Vision Still Matters

Reflecting on our journey, it’s clear that Cascale’s founding principles are just as relevant today. The idea that brought us together remains the guiding force behind every initiative. The potential is enormous, and with the right tools, partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Cascale stands ready to guide the industry forward.

The Higg Index may not literally save the universe, but it represents our best attempt at saving our one and only home planet.

Blogs / Reflections on Our Annual Meeting: A Community Coming Together

Reflections on Our Annual Meeting: A Community Coming Together

Annual Meeting

The Cascale team on stage for a celebratory photo at the Cascale Annual Meeting 2024

Lee Green

September 18, 2024

Reflecting on our Annual Meeting, I’m filled with immense pride—not just in the impactful work we do, but in the vibrant, engaged community that shows up, ready to contribute and collaborate.

This year, the energy was undeniable. From packed sessions to hands-on workshops and interactive elements, the commitment to learning and leading was clear. It wasn’t just about listening; it was about being an active participant in shaping the future of our industry.

Key Takeaways: Unified Action and Bold Commitments

One of the strongest messages that resonated throughout the event was the need for unified action and accountability. We heard loud and clear that to truly make progress, our industry must reduce duplicative efforts and focus on measurable goals—whether that’s through decarbonization, social governance, or transparency initiatives.

Colin Browne

Colin Browne’s call for leadership was a highlight, reminding us all that real change requires stepping up, taking bold actions, and moving beyond facilitation. Leveraging data through the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, and targeting key suppliers to address the majority of impacts were recurring themes. This idea of leadership was echoed across multiple sessions, urging us all to be more decisive and impactful in our roles.

Miran Ali

Worker-Centric Approaches and Innovation

Another powerful theme was the critical importance of prioritizing workers’ rights and safety. Miran Ali and others emphasized that addressing social justice is as vital as tackling environmental goals, and worker voices must be at the heart of our conversations. This worker-centric approach, alongside the push for innovation and collaboration—from new decarbonization pathways with suppliers to expanding the Higg Index’s application beyond apparel—showed that our community is not just thinking about change, but actively engineering it.

Global Challenges, Local Actions

We also explored the importance of addressing global challenges with localized strategies. Whether through renewable energy initiatives in Bangladesh or focused decarbonization efforts at top-emitting facilities, the emphasis was on translating big-picture goals into tangible, local actions. Ilishio Lovejoy’s session on fair process reminded us that equitable engagement and centering voice, transparency, and impartiality in our decision-making processes are key to building trust and genuine collaboration.

Cascale Annual Meeting Workshop

A Community I’m Proud Of

But beyond the themes and takeaways, what stood out most was the palpable sense of community—a diverse group of passionate individuals coming together with a shared vision. Seeing everyone actively engage, whether in person or virtually, reinforced the importance of these gatherings. They are more than just events; they are moments of collective momentum. This was further emphasized by the work of our friends at Worldly, who hosted their first Worldly Customer Forum immediately after the Annual Meeting.

A Moment of Celebration with the Team

And while I’m incredibly proud of the insights and actions our community is driving, I’m even more proud of my team. Christina Fleming, Carmel Tenenbaum, and Yael Asher, your dedication, creativity, and sheer hard work made this event not just a success, but a truly memorable experience. Thanks, too, to all my colleagues at Cascale, who have supported throughout. You’ve all gone above and beyond, and I couldn’t ask for a better team to work alongside.

Isabelle Kumar

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed, including the wonderful Isabelle Kumar, our event emcee. Your collective presence and engagement make all the difference, and I’m excited to see how we carry this momentum forward. Here’s to continuing the work, together!

Press Releases / Cascale Issues Data-Driven Decarbonization Roadmap, Rallies Industry on New Era of Business Leadership in Climate, Social Justice

Cascale Issues Data-Driven Decarbonization Roadmap, Rallies Industry on New Era of Business Leadership in Climate, Social Justice

Annual Meeting

September 13, 2024

Over 600 consumer goods industry leaders attend the nonprofit organization’s Annual Meeting, where new data reveals climate impacts – as well as strategies to accelerate opportunities to reduce climate change and increase social justice.

Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – September 13, 2024: Global nonprofit alliance Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, centered their recent Annual Meeting in Munich on a call to action: Attendees must become bold advocates for change within their organizations and throughout the industry.

This was the first Annual Meeting since the organization rebranded in February 2024, and it marks a major milestone in the organization’s evolution. Themed “A New Era of Unified Impact,” the event united over 600 attendees from around the world, who heard from more than 80 global industry experts.

The tone was set during the opening session as Cascale CEO Colin Browne presented new analysis from Cascale’s partner, RESET Carbon, which used data from Cascale’s Higg Index, exclusively available on Worldly, to show that 1,500 manufacturing facilities in nine countries account for over 80% of the whole industry’s carbon emissions. “The reality is that the textile and apparel industry is not doing enough to combat climate change. With new data demonstrating a stark concentration of climate impact, we must direct action to where it matters most. We have to focus on the Industry Strategic Supplier hotspots. There is no path to achieving our 45 percent reduction target that doesn’t involve these 1,500 facilities,” Browne said.

He concluded the address by sharing a targeted strategy for critical mitigation that included a direct challenge to brands and retailers: “Cascale data shows there is a long road ahead. We found that within our membership, 33 percent of brands and 54 percent of manufacturers haven’t set Science-Based Targets. That needs to change. More importantly, brands and suppliers need to work in tandem to transform their Tier 2, which is the single most prominent source of carbon emissions. Setting an SBT without close consultation with one’s supply chain is unacceptable and irresponsible given the near-term deadline of 2030. But, with the right actionable data and mutual support – there is hope as we uncover at this Annual Meeting.”

Throughout the two-day event, programming reinforced opportunities for attendees to commit to accelerating climate action and catalyzing impact at scale through a unified approach to sustainability. Key moments included:

The on-stage signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cascale and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), aimed at advancing sustainability and promoting environmental and socially responsible practices within the apparel sector. After a riveting keynote address given by Miran Ali, BGMEA vice president, Browne joined him on stage to sign the MoU, cementing both organizations’ commitment to collectively drive positive transformation throughout the supply chain.
Data-driven insights on decarbonization and a roadmap for supplier engagement delivered by Andrew Martin, Cascale Executive Vice President, joined by Cascale partners Kurt Kipka, Chief Impact Officer of Apparel Impact Institute, and Liam Salter, CEO of RESET Carbon.
A deep dive into how the Higg Index tools, exclusively available on Worldly, can equip companies to navigate current and future legislation, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and compliance and reporting requirements, such as those mandated by the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directed (CSDDD), moderated by Elisabeth von Reitzenstein, Cascale Senior Director Public Affairs.
Exploration of collective efforts to reduce carbon footprints across fiber types, on a panel that included Dalena White, Secretary General, International Wool Textile Organization and Lena Staafgard, Chief Operating Office, Better Cotton, followed by a panel that included a first-ever presentation of a new approach for LCA methodology for cotton datasets in the Higg MSI, moderated by Joël Mertens, Cascale Director Higg Product Tools.
Analysis of impacts from Cascale’s expansion beyond the apparel sector to the consumer goods industry in a panel moderated by Lisa Domoney, Cascale Senior Director Strategic Growth, and featuring Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform, Lisa Ly, Senior Sustainability Manager, Dunelm and Katy Stevens, Head of CSR and Sustainability, European Outdoor Group, among others.
Insights from Cascale’s new Traceability Intelligence Hub, from a panel, moderated by James Crowley, Cascale Manager, Transparency & Traceability, which included Linn Rai Gjelsvik, Global Sourcing Manager, Varner and Saqib Shahzad, Head of Sustainability, Sapphire – Diamond Fabrics Limited, among others, followed by a re-introduction of Cascale’s Member Analytics Portal (MAP), which harnesses intelligence from the Higg Index Tools to guide sustainability strategies, led by Aaron di Silvestro, Cascale Director, Higg Products.
The critical role of worker voices in helping evolve industry standards for equity, on a panel featuring Tamar Hoek, Solidaridad Senior Policy Director Sustainable Fashion and Cascale Board Chair, Fiona Sadler, Global Head of Responsible Sourcing, Marks & Spencer, and Alison Ward, CEO, CottonConnect.
How to utilize data for due diligence, with a specific focus on factory improvement pathways and Environmental Management Systems (EMS), on a panel that included Franzisca Friedrich, Technical Advisor, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Katrin Perlmutter, Senior Policy Officer, BMZ – German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, moderated by Janne Koopmans, Head of Collaboration, ZDHC.

To learn more and view the program from Cascale’s Annual Meeting 2024, which was made possible through the support of Nike, VF Corporation, Zalando, Sympatex, Lululemon, TÜV Rheinland, Haelixa, TrusTrace, Puma, CottonConnect, GSCS International, IDFL, Artistic Milliners, Made2Flow and REN energy, click here.

Cascale Press Contact

Email: cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Spanning over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe, we are united by a singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index and a unified strategy for industry transformation.

LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Press Releases / Cascale and BGMEA Announce Collaboration for Supply Chain Transformation

Cascale and BGMEA Announce Collaboration for Supply Chain Transformation

Annual Meeting

Miran Ali and Colin Browne shaking hands on stage at the Cascale Annual Meeting 2024

September 10, 2024

Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) commit to collaborative work to drive sustainable practices in the consumer goods industry

Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – September 10, 2024: Today, Cascale, the global nonprofit alliance formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sustainability and promoting environmental and socially responsible practices within the apparel sector. This announcement took place during Cascale’s Annual Meeting in Munich, where 600 consumer goods industry leaders united to accelerate climate action and catalyze impact at scale through a unified approach to sustainability.

After an inspirational keynote address given by Miran Ali, BGMEA vice president, Cascale CEO Colin Browne joined him on stage to sign the MoU, cementing both organizations’ commitment to collectively drive positive transformation throughout the supply chain.

This joint effort between BGMEA, one of the largest trade organizations representing export-oriented garment manufacturers in Bangladesh, and Cascale, which unites over 300 members worldwide, marks a significant step forward in the global effort to transform the industry into one that is both equitable and sustainable.

“Global cooperation is crucial for the apparel industry, and we are proud to collaborate with Cascale in Bangladesh,” Ali said. “For too long, we have all been lost trying to find complicated answers when we really know the priorities are simple and clear.”

“Now more than ever, our commitment to sustainable practices must guide our actions,” Browne said. “It is essential that we work to reduce the burden on manufacturers while fostering greater transparency and collaboration across the supply chain. This collaboration with BGMEA is an important step in aligning the industry and transitioning toward more carbon-neutral, environmentally and socially responsible practices.”

Opportunities provided through the collaboration include Cascale and BGMEA working together to harmonize data sharing and to promote evaluation assessments, such as Cascale’s Higg Index tools, to reduce the number of social and environmental assessments, standardizing protocols for voluntary social and technical audits, thus aiming to promote transparency and minimize the burden on manufacturers and workers worldwide. Additionally, the two organizations will explore aligning impact programs to drive industry-wide decarbonization in line with internationally recognized targets and to collaborate on advocacy efforts to amplify manufacturers’ voices and perspectives in legislative initiatives, measures, and policy.

The announcement comes at a critical time for Bangladesh, a key player in global apparel production and an essential partner for Cascale’s valued members and affiliates. As the country faces significant instability, posing substantial challenges to its citizens and industries, the collaboration between Cascale and BGMEA is both timely and crucial. This collaboration underscores the importance of continued support to the Bangladesh apparel industry, which is a lifeline for millions of workers and their communities. By prioritizing human rights, responsible business practices, and decarbonization efforts, Cascale and BGMEA are committed to helping the industry navigate this period of transition and beyond, ensuring its long-term sustainability while aiming to safeguard the livelihoods and landscapes of those who depend on it.

On August 20, Cascale joined organizations representing 3,000 international brands, retailers, suppliers, and workers in global supply chains and signed a joint statement coordinated by the Ethical Trading Initiative, which urged companies operating and sourcing from Bangladesh to conduct business responsibly. Earlier in the month, Cascale published a statement calling for brands sourcing or engaging in Bangladesh to engage proactively to promote decent work for all, one of Cascale’s core impact pillars. Cascale cited the increased importance of best practices and resources provided by its affiliate members, partners, and key stakeholders, including the Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices and Fair Wear’s continued guidance.

The MoU signing took place at the first Annual Meeting since Cascale – previously the Sustainable Apparel Coalition – rebranded in February 2024, and it marks a major milestone in the organization’s evolution. Themed “A New Era of Unified Impact,” the event unites over 600 attendees from around the world, who will hear from more than 80 global industry experts. To learn more and view the program for Cascale’s Annual Meeting 2024, sponsored by Nike, VF Corporation, Zalando, Sympatex, Lululemon, TÜV Rheinland, Haelixa, TrusTrace, Puma, CottonConnect, GSCS International, IDFL, Artistic Milliners, Made2Flow and REN energy, click here.

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

ABOUT BGMEA

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is one of the largest nationwide trade organizations representing the export-oriented readymade garment sector in Bangladesh. Established in 1983, BGMEA plays a pivotal role in advocating for the interests of the garment industry, which is a major contributor to the country’s economy. BGMEA is dedicated to supporting the industry through policy advocacy, member services, and promoting sustainable practices that ensure social and environmental responsibility. With a commitment to advancing industry standards, BGMEA collaborates with local and international stakeholders to drive positive change and foster a sustainable future for the global apparel sector.

Press Releases / Cascale’s New CEO Spotlights the Urgency for the Consumer Goods Industry to Go Further to Tackle the Climate Crisis

Cascale’s New CEO Spotlights the Urgency for the Consumer Goods Industry to Go Further to Tackle the Climate Crisis

Annual Meeting

Colin Browne on stage at the Cascale Annual Meeting 2024

September 10, 2024

New data reveals 1,500 manufacturing facilities in nine countries account for 80 percent of the whole industry’s carbon emissions.

Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – September 10, 2024: Colin Browne, new CEO of the global nonprofit alliance Cascale, today unveiled critical insights to help the industry take a more targeted approach to decarbonization. Addressing over 600 leaders across the textile, apparel, and wider consumer goods industry, Browne used his first Annual Meeting as CEO to set out practical, strategic data-driven solutions – including an intensified focus on “industry hotspots” where major reductions can be achieved.

Browne presented new analysis from Cascale’s partner, RESET Carbon, which used data from Cascale’s Higg Index, exclusively available on Worldly, to show that 1,500 manufacturing facilities in nine countries account for 80 percent of the textile and apparel industry’s carbon emissions.

Cascale has already set a 45 percent reduction target for the textile, apparel, and footwear industry by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement. With the industry behind on progress to achieve this, Browne called for an intensified focus on critical areas the data uncovers:

“The reality is that the consumer goods industry is not doing enough to combat climate change. With new data demonstrating a stark concentration of climate impact, we must direct action to where it matters most. We have to focus on the Industry Strategic Supplier hotspots. There is no path to achieving our 45 percent reduction target that doesn’t involve these 1,500 facilities.”

To help accelerate data-driven change, Cascale is working with its partners Apparel Impact Institute and RESET Carbon to build an Industry Decarbonization Roadmap, supporting suppliers to reduce their emissions in a targeted way.

Now four months into his role, Browne spoke of his ambition and confidence: “I’m more optimistic today than I was 120 days ago. We have the technical knowledge, the capability and the tools to ensure a much more sustainable industry. But do we have the courage, the capacity and the commitment to follow through? I’m confident we do, and I urge every leader across the industry to step up. If not now then when? While we support our members with practical tools and techniques to help them decarbonize, we also constantly challenge them to do better.”

Browne acknowledged that Cascale has work to do to drive the scale of change it wants to see among its members. As part of Cascale’s membership requirements, corporate members must now join the organization’s Decarbonization Program and set science-based targets (SBTs) or science-aligned targets (SATs). In 2023, 59.7 percent of Cascale corporate members had either set or begun the process of setting SBTs or SATs – a 28.9 percent increase from the previous year.

Browne continued: “Cascale data shows there is a long road ahead. We found that within our membership, 33 percent of brands and 54 percent of manufacturers haven’t set Science-Based Targets. That needs to change. More importantly, brands and suppliers need to work in tandem to transform their Tier 2, which is the single most important source of carbon emissions. Setting an SBT without close consultation with one’s supply chain is unacceptable and irresponsible given the near-term deadline of 2030. But, with the right actionable data and mutual support, there is hope – as we uncover at this Annual Meeting.”

Today’s speeches form part of two days of action-orientated programming to help achieve a more sustainable and equitable future. The first Annual Meeting since Cascale – previously the Sustainable Apparel Coalition – rebranded in February 2024, it marks a major milestone in the organisation’s evolution.

Themed “A New Era of Unified Impact,” the event unites over 600 attendees from around the world, who will hear from more than 80 global industry experts. To learn more and view the program for Cascale’s Annual Meeting 2024 sponsored by Nike, VF Corporation, Zalando, Sympatex, Lululemon, TÜV Rheinland, Haelixa, TrusTrace, Puma, CottonConnect, GSCS International, IDFL, Artistic Milliners, Made2Flow and REN energy, click here.

Cascale Press Contact

Email: cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

ABOUT CASCALE

LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Press Releases / Cascale’s Annual Meeting to Urge Consumer Goods Industry to Go Further, Faster on Climate

Cascale’s Annual Meeting to Urge Consumer Goods Industry to Go Further, Faster on Climate

Annual Meeting

August 19, 2024

Cascale’s upcoming Annual Meeting, September 9-11 in Munich, Germany, will unite hundreds of consumer goods industry leaders to accelerate climate action and catalyze impact at scale through a unified approach to sustainability.

With the industry behind on progress to achieve a minimum 45-percent emissions reduction target by 2030, the event will provide a vital forum for members from around the world to come together and accelerate practical solutions to help the industry decarbonize.

At the event, Cascale chief executive officer Colin Browne, who took the helm in May, will outline his vision to agitate, disrupt and influence the industry to do more on climate.

Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – August 19, 2024: Hundreds of leaders from the consumer goods industry are gearing up for Cascale’s Annual Meeting 2024 on September 9-11 in Munich, Germany, which will involve three days of inspiring and action-orientated talks and workshops to catalyze impact at scale to help achieve a more sustainable and equitable future.

The first Annual Meeting since Cascale – previously the Sustainable Apparel Coalition – rebranded in February 2024, marks both a major milestone in the organization’s evolution, and a turning point for the whole consumer goods industry. Themed “A New Era of Unified Impact”, the event will unite over 600 attendees from around the world for honest conversations about the future of the industry and how Cascale’s members can drive meaningful and collective climate action while protecting workers across the value chain.

Colin Browne, CEO of Cascale said: “The reality is that the consumer goods industry is not yet doing enough to combat climate change. With a membership of over 300 brands, retailers, manufacturers and other stakeholders, Cascale is uniquely placed to disrupt, encourage, and influence the industry to do more – and our Annual Meeting is a significant milestone to increase the pace of change. There is no time for dithering or delay; faster progress on climate must happen now.”

The event will provide an important opportunity for unprecedented collaboration among a diverse mix of manufacturers, brands, retailers, academics, media, NGOs, government officials, and service providers. The meeting aims to empower attendees to take action – helping them to become bold advocates for change within their organizations and across the industry.

Colin Browne continued: “We know we need to show bold leadership and unwavering commitment to meet a 45-percent, industry-wide emissions reduction target. While we support our members with practical tools and techniques to help them decarbonize, we also constantly challenge them to do better.”

Across three days, virtual and in-person attendees will hear from over 80 global industry experts. Their insights, solutions and innovations cover urgent industry challenges such as decarbonization, navigating legislation, traceability, giving workers a voice, leveraging the Higg Index tools, and fiber choices.

Speakers and panelists include:

Rick Ridgeway, Author, Adventurer & Cascale Co-founder
Dalena White, Secretary General, International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO)
Shreyaskar Chaudhary, Managing Director, Pratibha Syntex Ltd.
Miran Ali, Vice President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA)
Achim Loeffler, Global Business Leader, W.L. Gore & Associates
Patricia Jurewicz, Founder and CEO, Responsible Sourcing Network & YESS
Kim van der Weerd, Intelligence Director, Transformers Foundation
Scott Raskin, CEO, Worldly
Rudiger Fox, CEO, Sympatex
Tamar Hoek, Senior Policy Director Sustainable Fashion, Solidaridad & Cascale Board Chair
Liam Salter, CEO, RESET Carbon

The event is also a chance to shine a light on Cascale’s Higg Index suite of tools, on which 40,000 users depend to assess and measure the social and environmental performance of the value chain and the environmental impacts of products. The Higg Index is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale’s Annual Meeting will be immediately followed by Worldly’s inaugural Customer Forum on September 12, which will be accessible to both Cascale members and non-members.

Find a video online: https://www.youtube.com/embed/b4UhDIARAmA?si=e7lDDX7SA31pL6jS?&controls=1

“The Cascale Annual Meeting is not to be missed,” said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly. “It brings together Cascale members, who are also Worldly customers, for valuable content, debate, and networking that will drive action. Immediately following the Cascale meeting, Worldly will host its first Worldly Customer Forum, continuing the conversation from the Cascale Annual Meeting. This is an incredible opportunity for Worldly customers who are sustainability, compliance, and business leaders to explore how they can turn their environmental and social impact data and insights into action, advancing their impact improvement programs.”

To find out more about Cascale’s Annual Meeting 2024 and combination tickets for the event and Worldly’s Customer Forum, please click here.

Cascale’s Annual Meeting 2024 is sponsored by Nike, VF Corporation, Zalando, Sympatex, Lululemon, TÜV Rheinland, Haelixa, TrusTrace, CottonConnect, GSCS International, IDFL, and Made2Flow.

Notes to editors

For more information about media access to Cascale speakers, and to enquire about receiving a potential press pass to attend the Annual Meeting, please contact: cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

About Cascale

LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Blogs / United in Vision: Reflections on the SAC 2023 Annual Meeting

United in Vision: Reflections on the SAC 2023 Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting

Lee Green

October 12, 2023

In the aftermath of the invigorating New York Climate Week, our entire organization came together to ensure the success of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) Annual Meeting. The magnitude and depth of this event was not merely a reflection of our organizational prowess but a testament to the expansive vision SAC embodies.

The gathering of over 500 attendees, spanning both Boston and the digital realm, under our guiding theme of “Evolution for Impact,” underscored the importance of our mission. Every department, every team member, contributed to this annual, flagship moment for our global membership, emphasizing our unwavering commitment to foster a more just and sustainable industry.

The groundbreaking collaborations announced, including our alliance with the International Apparel Federation and the inception of the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), set a firm tone for our agenda.

Our CEO Amina Razvi truly captured the essence of our collective ambition. The path to achieving our goal of a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 isn’t paved with mere intentions—it demands tangible results. This resonated deeply and was a continuation of the messaging we heard in New York. Intention is no longer enough.

The Annual Meeting was structured around three stages that define our revised strategic approach to delivering greater impact at scale: Climate, Nature, and Decent Work. These stages allowed us to dissect and delve into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities our industry faces, ensuring a holistic perspective on sustainable transformation.

From an enlightening keynote by Helen Crowley, Managing Director at Pollination, to dynamic panel discussions, we traversed these key topics, offering a panoramic view of our industry’s potential. Our collaboration with Worldly emerged as a consistent thread, highlighting the value of strategic partnerships. Their commitment to enhancing the Higg Index tools further enriches our quest for sustainable evolution.

The introduction of our new SAC Board members, reflecting our parity-driven approach, added depth to our event, showcasing the expertise steering our future initiatives.

As Shyla Raghav, Chief Climate Officer at TIME, drew the event to its conclusion, her words encapsulated our journey and vision: the future of fashion is unfolding, and together, we are its sculptors.

Expressing my deepest gratitude to every individual within our organization, our attendees, sponsors, and partners: your passion and dedication have been instrumental. A special acknowledgment also to the Global Fashion Agenda for their unwavering behind-the-scenes support.

With our eyes now set on Munich for our 2024 Annual Meeting, the insights and momentum from Boston fuel our onward journey.

Together, we champion an industry that’s equitable, restorative, and continually innovative.

Press Releases / Sustainable Apparel Coalition 2023 Annual Meeting Calls for Industry Evolution

Sustainable Apparel Coalition 2023 Annual Meeting Calls for Industry Evolution

Annual Meeting

October 04, 2023

San Francisco, Amsterdam, Hong Kong – October 4, 2023: More than 500 in-person and virtual attendees joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) for its Annual Meeting on September 26 in Boston, MA. Reflecting the theme Evolution for Impact, the event brought together stakeholders from across the fashion and apparel value chain to discuss and explore opportunities for the industry to deepen collaborations in order to drive true and lasting impact for people and planet. Sponsors included Target Corporation, Lululemon, REN Energy, and Worldly, an impact intelligence platform that is the exclusive licensee of the Higg Index tools.

Announcements at the 2023 SAC Annual Meeting included a collaboration with the International Apparel Federation to accelerate efforts towards advancing equitable and sustainable global supply chains in the apparel and fashion industry, the new Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) enabling manufacturers to start their decarbonization journey, and results from an independent review of the Higg Index, a set of tools that empower designers, brands, retailers, and manufacturers, to use life cycle assessment data to make informed decisions and create more sustainable products. The SAC also shared strategies in support of its revised strategic plan, which was announced at New York Climate Week.

The Annual Meeting began with an opening address from Amina Razvi, Chief Executive Officer of the SAC, who reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration to achieve industry goals that include a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. “Together we share an extraordinary opportunity and a profound responsibility for our industry and beyond to deliver the necessary changes and accelerate progress,” she said. “The question is no longer just about intent – it’s about tangible results.” Razvi also announced that through the SAC’s Decarbonization Plan more than half of SAC members have either set or committed to set Science-Based Targets (SBTs) for GHG reduction, which became a requirement of membership in 2023.

Following an insightful keynote address by nature and biodiversity expert Helen Crowley, Managing Director at Pollination, details of the SAC’s new strategic direction were shared on a plenary panel with Jeremy Lardeau, Vice President, Higg Index at the SAC; Dr. Delman Lee, Vice Chair at TAL Apparel Limited and Immediate Past Chair at the SAC; Krishna Manda, Vice President Corporate Sustainability at Lenzing Group and SAC Vice Chair, Manufacturer Category; and Sean Cady, Vice President Global Sustainability, Responsibility, Trade, and Government Affairs at VF Corporation and SAC Board Director. At the Annual Meeting, the ensuing presentations and discussions delved deeper into the three pillars—Combat Climate Change, Decent Work for All, and Nature Positive Future—that underpin the SAC’s revised strategic plan. Among many others, they included:

Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly, joined Amina Razvi for a fireside chat about the importance of partnership to achieve industry goals. “Not one of us is as smart as all of us,” he said. “Our great partnership with SAC continues – we believe in the Higg Index and constantly improving it; as well as constantly improving the experience of customers utilizing the full range of tools, capabilities, and partnerships Worldly has to offer.”
Liam Salter, CEO of RESET Carbon; Sarah O’Brien, CEO of the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council; Matthew Guenther, Director, Environmental Sustainability at TAL Apparel Limited; and Mitsuko Wong, Sustainability Lead, Product & Supply Chain at Ralph Lauren Corporation, discussed an emerging program, on which the SAC is also a partner, that aims to drive systematic decarbonization by focusing on the 1,500 suppliers who are responsible for 78% of emissions in the industry. “Time is critical,” said Salter. “We need to move fast and build on existing relationships, leverage the data we have, and move forward together.”
Jeremy Lardeau, SAC Vice President, Higg Index; Alexander Kohnstamm, Executive Director of Fair Wear; Mariette van Amstel, Head of Membership at Fair Wear, and James Schaffer, Chief Strategy Officer at Worldly shared an update on their collaborative work on a new Responsible Purchasing Practices due diligence framework. “The power imbalance between brands and manufacturers also translates to the power imbalance between manufacturers and workers,” Kohnstamm said. “Collaboration, common standards, and common pathways are key.”
Lisa Domoney, SAC Senior Director, Membership & Corporate Engagement; Janet Mensink, Executive Director of the Social & Labor Convergence Program; Abhishek Bansal, Vice President, Sustainability at Arvind Limited; and Mostafiz Uddin, Managing Director at Denim Expert Ltd. and Founder and CEO of the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, discussed Occupational Health and Safety in terms of Human Resources standards and the importance of bringing all partners together to tackle issues of social audit duplicity. “Every resource spent on duplication is a resource taken away from improvement,” Bansal said. “Every measure you take becomes twice as effective if you have good management systems.”
Joël Mertens, SAC Director, Higg Product Tools; Ipek Kurtoglu Firat, Global Product Impact Lead, Sustainability at H&M Group; and John Armstrong, Chief Technology Officer at Worldly, discussed the evolution of the Higg Product Tools and their impact on manufacturers, brands, and retailers. “Our goal is beyond compliance – we want to be driving to a higher purpose,” Mertens said. “Better data to drive better choices to drive industry impact.”
Andrew Martin, SAC Executive Vice President; Joyce Tsoi, SAC Director, Collective Action Programs; Krishna Manda, Vice President Corporate Sustainability at Lenzing Group and SAC Vice Chair; Scott Vitters, Senior Director, Responsible Supply Chain (Environment) at Nike, Inc.; and Sandra Durrant, Senior Director of Environmental Sustainability and Traceability at Target Corporation, joined together to announce the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP). “The MCAP will be helpful for the SAC and the industry because we can have a harmonized way of measuring and setting SBTs,” Manda said. “Something as simple as a standardized baseline will be so impactful and reduce confusion. The process of improvement is complex enough; we need to align on how we are asking and tracking progress so we can focus on doing the work that drives impact.” He emphasized, “The importance of co-creation for roadmaps by manufacturers and brands, which needs to consider regional context of energy landscape and value chain related differences, and the central role of equity and inclusion to reach industry’s target of 45% GHG emissions reduction by 2030.”
Bryant LaPres, Senior Director of Industry Engagement at the Apparel Impact Institute, Shari Friedman, Managing Director at Eurasia Group, and Steffen Mueller, Programme Director of Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through a recorded statement, shared news of the GIZ PDP Rooftop Solar Panel Initiative, a collaboration with SAC and GIZ that aims to increase the adoption of renewable energy technologies with SAC Corporate Members and their suppliers. “The why has to be based in mutual agreement, a shared vision – that has to be the foundation,” LaPres said. “Partnerships are crucial.”

At the event, the SAC also announced newly elected Board members Harsh Saini, Executive Vice President, Group Sustainability & Govt/Public Affairs at the Fung Group, and Amanda Tucker, Vice President of Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability at Target Corporation, as well as newly seated Board leadership: Chair Tamar Hoek, Senior Policy Director Sustainable Fashion at Solidaridad Network; Vice Chair Krishna Manda, Vice President of Sustainability at Lenzing Group; and Amanda Tucker, who will serve as Secretary. The Annual Meeting was powered by Global Fashion Agenda, which hosted the Global Fashion Summit on September 27, also in Boston.

Shyla Raghav, TIME’s Chief Climate Officer, delivered an inspirational final keynote. “Climate change is transitioning from a niche function to a core one,” she said. “The future of the fashion and apparel industry is already here – it’s here in this room.”

The 2023 SAC Annual Meeting online photo gallery is available here and a video recap is viewable here. The 2024 SAC Annual Meeting will be held in Munich, Germany.

– ENDS –

About the Sustainable Apparel Coalition:

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is a global, non-profit alliance of over 280 organizations in the apparel, footwear, and textile industry. Initially formed to create standardized sustainability metrics, the SAC has sharpened its focus to driving pre-competitive, collective action across three foundational pillars. As an independent entity, the SAC brings together brands, retailers, manufacturers, NGOs, academics, and industry associations to combat climate change, ensure decent work, and contribute to a nature-positive future. Central to the SAC’s mission is the Higg Index, a suite of comprehensive tools that empower members to measure, evaluate, and improve sustainability performance across the supply chain.

LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube