Cascale’s 2025 Annual Meeting is built around solutions. Discover how this year’s program is designed to deliver real progress for our industry.
The Cascale Annual Meeting is our flagship event — a milestone for our alliance and the industry.
For Cascale staff, it’s an all-hands-on-deck moment as we aim to deliver an exclusive, high-caliber event experience for members: professional branding, innovative formats, and actionable content designed to drive progress.
This year, the agenda has been shaped with one clear objective: to ensure every session delivers concrete value and practical takeaways that members can apply in their own operations. We’ve moved beyond passive knowledge-sharing toward a more participatory, solutions-driven approach; one that prioritizes solving real, systemic problems. While we still have panels and presentations for information-sharing, our workshops and manufacturer-retailer roundtables offer a space for peer-to-peer problem solving. This is how your case studies come to life to solve real-world problems.
To keep the focus sharp and outcomes tangible, the program is anchored around two critical challenges drawn directly from Cascale’s strategic plan and our commitment to combating climate change and supporting decent work for all. These problem statements frame the conversations from the opening plenary through to the closing session, ensuring members leave with not just insights, but actionable paths forward.
What is the engagement model between brands and manufacturers that will effectively unlock the decarbonization efforts needed to meet ambitious climate targets?
Despite years of effort, progress on decarbonization has been slower than the urgency demands. Challenges include duplicative initiatives, inconsistent brand approaches, and costly upgrades without clear ROI for manufacturers and suppliers. A fair and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels requires shifting from top-down mandates to a collaborative model where manufacturers have a real voice in shaping solutions.
This track will set the scene with a candid panel discussion on systemic barriers before diving into problem-solving workshops and member-led case studies. The goal: to identify practical, equitable engagement models that align ambition with on-the-ground realities.
Here’s just a selection of those we’ve curated to address some of the thorniest systemic barriers to our industry decarbonization efforts:
Aligning Sourcing and Sustainability: Collaborative Decarbonization in the Apparel Supply Chain
Senior sourcing executives juggle competing priorities — cost, quality, lead time, resilience, and sustainability. Through an audience-participative workshop and panel discussion, this session explores how sustainability is currently embedded and debates alternative models of brand–manufacturer collaboration.
Engaging Across Tiers for Supply Chain Decarbonization
The bulk of GHG emissions occur in Tier 2 material manufacturing, yet engagement here is often limited. This session looks at multi-partite engagement models between brands, sourcing agents, garment producers, and upstream textile manufacturers.
Understanding the Journey: Sharing on Scope 3 Emissions Challenges and Opportunities
Hear from leading manufacturers extending climate action into their own Scope 3 emissions, including successes, setbacks, and lessons learned.
Climate Adaptation: Understanding Climate Risks and Building Resilience in the Supply Chain
We cannot bring up fairness and equity in climate action without addressing the disproportionate impact that climate change is having in many manufacturing countries. This session will examine these impacts and showcase strategies manufacturers and their partners are using to adapt — protecting people, safeguarding production, and building long-term resilience from cotton fields to garment factories.
Emerging Decarbonization Financing Models
Attendees can anticipate real-time case studies to help showcase the emerging examples of sustainable financing models. Designed as an engaging roundtable, this format will allow for maximum engagement from speakers and attendees.
What will it take to make responsible purchasing practices the baseline expectation rather than the exception?
Decent work starts with how brands buy, and there are many global factors impacting this process. Yet, for many manufacturers, late payments, unrealistic lead times, and last-minute changes are still commonplace. The Better Buying Garment Scorecard 2025 found progress is, in fact, slowing. With Better Buying now part of Cascale, we have powerful tools and data to address these issues — but adoption, integration across business functions, and follow-through are still lacking.
This track will confront the gap between intention and impact, exploring how to embed responsible purchasing practices across sourcing, finance, and leadership, while amplifying supplier voices in shaping buying behavior. It will also tackle the practicalities of aligning with due diligence legislation, anticipating ripple effects of global trade, and building shared accountability across the value chain.
Take a look at just some of the sessions being developed on this topic, with more available to choose from:
Setting the Scene: What Will it Take to Make Responsible Purchasing Practices the Norm, Not the Exception?
This opening panel will confront the reality that harmful purchasing behaviors persist despite widespread recognition of the problem. It will unpack why progress has slowed, explore the potential unlocked by Cascale’s integration of Better Buying, and outline how aligned data, shared commitment, and collective leadership can shift the industry from intention to action.
What’s Holding Back Supplier Voice and How Do We Fix It?
This session will examine why supplier feedback often goes unheard and why tools like the Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index see limited uptake. It will explore barriers such as fear and fatigue, highlight the potential of collective, anonymized feedback, and identify strategies for strengthening safe, effective supplier-led engagement.
Audit Fatigue: From Dialogue to Real Movement
As regulatory demands grow, audit duplication continues to drain resources without delivering proportional value. This session will explore convergence, shared data, and mutual recognition as pathways to credible, scalable solutions, focusing on how to build trust and reduce repetitive assessments across the value chain.
Aligning Policy and Practice: Advancing Responsible Business Conduct and Fair Purchasing Practices
Bringing together experts in social affairs and legislation, this session will examine the role of policy in advancing responsible purchasing. It will address alignment with due diligence laws, such as the EU CSDDD, and showcase Cascale’s work to connect Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index data with regulatory frameworks.
View the full program to learn more.
In response to member feedback, two stages will be live-streamed for in-person and online attendees, with recordings available within an hour. Additional virtual-only sessions will be scheduled for European and Americas time zones to ensure global participation.
The program is developed with guidance from a dedicated Program Advisory Council and internal champions:
This is more than an agenda: it’s a commitment to progress. Join us at the Cascale Annual Meeting to help co-create the solutions, collaborations, and commitments that will shape what comes next for our industry.
Cascale’s Lee Green, Christina Fleming, Katie Hess, and Chris Marshall also contributed their insights to this blog.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Relive the highlights and explore key takeaways from the Cascale Annual Meeting 2024, held in Munich Germany on September 9-11, 2024.
Cascale’s co-founder reflects on the organization’s origins and roadmap for future success from the Annual Meeting in Munich.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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:
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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
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:
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.
“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
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.
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.
