Press Releases / Sri Lanka to Host Global Forum on Building Fairer, More Resilient Supply Chains

Sri Lanka to Host Global Forum on Building Fairer, More Resilient Supply Chains

Cascale Forum

Cascale Forum: Colombo convenes 500+ manufacturers brands, and stakeholders to advance capacity building and collaboration across the consumer goods industry.

Cascale Forum: Colombo convenes 500+ manufacturers brands, and stakeholders to advance capacity building and collaboration across the consumer goods industry.

Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – January 14, 2026: Cascale today announced program details for Cascale Forum: Colombo, taking place March 30–April 1, 2026 in Sri Lanka. Building on the success of the 2025 Forum in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, this gathering will convene manufacturers, brands, retailers, NGOs, policymakers, and solution providers under the theme “Action by Design: Accelerating a Fairer, More Resilient Value Chain.”

“At Cascale Forum: Colombo, we are bringing the value chain together to work intentionally on the systems, relationships, and practices that accelerate measurable progress on climate and decent work,” said Harsh Saini, interim CEO, Cascale. “This is a space for shared learning — and shared responsibility.”

Rotated annually across critical manufacturing regions, Cascale Forums are brought to the industry by the stewards of the Higg Index, exclusively available on Worldly, and center the experience and expertise of manufacturers and sourcing companies at the center of global production. The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), which represents Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel export sector, is the event’s Association Collaborator. Hosting the Forum in Sri Lanka reinforces Cascale’s commitment to ensuring regional priorities shape global strategies while emphasizing that intentional collaboration is essential to drive measurable improvement on climate and decent work.

“Sri Lanka has long played an important role in advancing responsible manufacturing,” said Saifuddin Jafferjee, chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF). “Cascale Forum: Colombo provides a valuable platform to share regional experience, strengthen collaboration across the value chain, and contribute practical insights that support a fairer, more resilient industry.”

Across two days of plenaries, workshops, and training sessions, participants will explore what effective brand–manufacturer collaboration looks like in practice, engage in hands-on learning, and gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively use Cascale’s tools, including those in the Higg Index and Better Buying. New this year, side meetings and factory tours will offer additional opportunities to learn from regional examples of operational and sustainability excellence.

Why Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka represents an important region in the global apparel supply chain and brings diverse perspectives to the table. Its manufacturers have earned a reputation for high environmental and social standards, energy-efficient operations, and early adoption of sustainability tools such as the Higg Index. The textile and apparel export sector accounts for nearly 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s exports and represents six percent of its GDP.

With a well-connected network of industry players who actively engage in shared initiatives, Sri Lanka offers real-world examples of responsible production – making it an ideal location for hands-on learning, cross-industry dialogue, and peer-to-peer capability building. Finally, local organizations provide valuable context through factory tours, coordinated through the Cascale Forum: Colombo program, which allow participants to experience sustainability innovations, workforce practices, and environmental performance improvements firsthand.

Member-Driven Program Advisory Group

Cascale’s expert Program Advisory Group members emphasized the importance of grounding global strategy in local realities while helping develop the program for Cascale Forum: Colombo.

“South Asia is known in the global apparel industry for combining innovation, quality, and responsible manufacturing,” said Nikhil Hirdaramani, director, Hirdaramani. “Cascale Forum: Colombo showcases how that leadership contributes meaningfully to global industry progress.”

“Manufacturers are navigating increasing complexity and at MAS we have always tried to be proactive and take the challenge head on,” said Dhanujie Jayapala, general manager of environmental sustainability, MAS Holdings. “Cascale Forum: Colombo gives us the opportunity to share regional insights and build capabilities that support long-term, aligned progress.”

“To build a resilient supply chain, we need strong alignment between brands and suppliers,” said Cesar Hasibuan, responsible supply chain director, South Asia, Nike Inc. “This Forum will create space to understand each other’s challenges and design solutions that work in practice, not just on paper.”

“We need practical, operational pathways to meet today’s climate and social expectations in the fashion industry,” said Dr. Thiwanka De Fonseka, chief sustainability officer at Komar. “Cascale Forum: Colombo plays a vital role by creating a space for hands-on learning and intentional, equitable collaboration that empowers our industry to move from commitment to real, measurable impact throughout the value chain.”

“Collaboration is essential to scaling credible environmental solutions,” said Maria Arroyo, Sector Partnership Lead, ZDHC. “Our work only succeeds when data, standards, and implementation are connected — and Cascale Forum: Colombo helps make that possible.”

Program Highlights

Lead sponsored by Worldly and sponsored by MAS Holdings, Komar, TÜV Rheinland, GSCS, among others, key highlights for Cascale Forum: Colombo include:

500+ attendees from across the consumer goods value chain
Two days of impact across plenaries, workshops, and practical training
One unified mission to strengthen a fairer, more resilient industry
Field trips and side meetings on March 30
Intentional networking and social events
In-person participation only; no virtual access

“Cascale Forum: Colombo brings the industry together at the point where data, capability, and action intersect,” said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly. “By pairing Cascale’s standards and governance with accessible, innovative solutions, the Forum helps brands and manufacturers move beyond reporting and toward decisions that improve environmental and social performance across the value chain.”

In November, after over a million people were displaced by severe flooding and landslides, Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency; Cascale is contributing to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to support emergency response and long-term rebuilding, and continues to stay in close contact with regional partners as needs evolve.

News Updates / Cascale Hosts Roundtable at Reuters Supply Chain USA in Chicago

Cascale Hosts Roundtable at Reuters Supply Chain USA in Chicago

Cascale Forum

At the recent Reuters Supply Chain USA event in Chicago, hundreds of manufacturing and consumer goods stakeholders convened under the theme “Navigate Complexity in an Era of Uncertainty.”

The two-day event brought together a diverse range of supply chain professionals across freight, logistics, and manufacturing for products in beauty, fashion, tech, and more. Acknowledged throughout the programming was the rapid rise of artificial intelligence across industries, as well as the impact of tariffs on global trade and sourcing.

Representing an apparel perspective, Cascale hosted a sustainability session titled “Reframing Resilience: How to Win While Still Greening the Supply Chain.” The roundtable drew executives from retail, private equity, supply chain planning, data, and tech, including Ulta Beauty and the B Corp-certified logistics company, Flock Freight. The session hit on critical points for today’s decision-maker, including sustainability commitments, supplier diversification, regionality in sourcing and climate risk, geopolitical awareness.

In another session, Nikhil Abuja, director of last-mile planning and supply chain at Amazon, a Cascale member, took the stage alongside speakers from FedEx and The Circular Supply Chain Network. Abuja spoke about scaling analytics and capturing customer data on deliveries to improve efficiency – noting that agility and adaptability are critical to logistical success. His team is also responsible for adding electric vehicles to the delivery fleet.

Similarly, Uber Freight’s Eric Berdinis, director of product management, focused on digitizing the entire supply chain – a $200-billion-dollar offshoot business for the rideshare app. By investing in guaranteed upfront pricing and bundled bookings, Uber Freight was able to reduce roughly four million empty miles. In his session, he played a video demonstrating new feats from Uber Freight like driverless semi-trucks and generative AI supply chain agents with uncanny likeness to humans because of “natural language” use, including pauses.

In a conversation that echoed one taking place in fashion Erik Lopez, chief supply chain officer at Ulta Beauty, introduced a concept of “fast beauty” wherein the beauty retailer is super responsive to changing consumer trends – not unlike fashion. Ulta Beauty also relies heavily on split-cart fulfillment, with some 40 percent of purchases being Buy Online Pickup in Store, or BOPIS. “It’s really about amplifying and enabling our team rather than replacing them,” he said. The conference closed with a session on workforce empowerment for building resilient supply chains.

Publications / Executive Summary: Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City

Executive Summary: Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City

Cascale Forum

Look back at the highlights and explore the essential takeaways from the Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City, held in Vietnam on May 14–15, 2025.

Download publication

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

Annual Meeting
Cascale Forum

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?

Blogs / The Collaboration Myth: Why Our Industry Still Struggles to Work Together

The Collaboration Myth: Why Our Industry Still Struggles to Work Together

Partnership and Collaboration
Cascale Forum

Lee Green’s latest blog explores why the collaboration gap persists, the tough questions our industry needs to answer, and how the Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City 2025 is designed to turn conversation into action.

Lee Green

March 20, 2025

For years, we’ve talked about the power of collaboration. It’s become a buzzword in sustainability circles—an easy go-to in conference keynotes, annual reports, and panel discussions.

Yet, if we’re honest, true collaboration remains rare.

Too often, brands, manufacturers, policymakers, and even multi-stakeholder initiatives work in parallel rather than in true partnership. Everyone agrees that collective action is needed, but when it comes to the difficult decisions — how to share costs, align incentives, and rethink old power dynamics — we default to what’s comfortable. We continue working within our own lanes and protecting our own interests without challenging the status quo.

Difficult conversations happen daily—in conferences, boardrooms, factories, management offices, and brand meetings. The key is ensuring these conversations lead to real impact. Events can help us identify what’s working, what’s not, and crucially, how we drive greater equity in decision-making. But talk alone won’t move the needle. Our collective focus must remain firmly on translating these conversations into meaningful actions.

The Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City 2025 aims to be a platform for these important, but difficult conversations. The program has been designed to specifically allow our extended community to sit at the same table and ask:

What does real partnership look like in practice?
Who shoulders the financial and operational burden of decarbonization?
How do we balance regulatory compliance with real, systemic change?

The Collaboration Gap: Why It’s So Hard to Work Together

Our industry doesn’t lack ambition. Many brands and retailers have set science-based targets (67 percent of brands and 46 percent of manufacturers, by Cascale’s count). Increasingly, manufacturers are making investments in sustainability. Policy shifts are pushing companies to act.

But intentions don’t always translate into action. Why?

Power imbalances still dominate the conversation, and we continue to explore the unique role Cascale can play in helping to alleviate tension, and drive progress. For example, one known tension is the buyer-supplier dynamic, where:

Brands drive sustainability expectations down the supply chain — but rarely share the costs or risks involved.
Manufacturers are expected to ‘comply’ rather than co-create the solutions.
Suppliers that take the lead on sustainability often don’t get rewarded for it.

More broadly, we also know short-term pressures often trump long-term sustainability strategies:

The industry still runs on quarterly earnings, seasonal demand, and cost efficiency—not long-term sustainability.
Even when companies want to invest in change, competing priorities get in the way.

Regulation is coming, but it won’t solve everything

Regulation is happening, but packages like the EU Omnibus might suggest governments are ready to abdicate their responsibilities. And, if compliance becomes a tick-box exercise rather than an opportunity for transformation, we’ll have missed the point.
Companies that only react to regulation — instead of shaping their own future — will be left scrambling.

Where Do We Go From Here?

At Cascale, we’ve been working on some of these challenges head-on,through initiatives like the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), which is helping manufacturers scale emissions reductions with business-backed solutions.

But the reality is: no one organization can fix this alone. This is what true collaboration looks like, and it’s not at all easy.

So what will it take?

Shifting from transactional relationships to real partnerships. Brands and manufacturers need to share both accountability and investment in sustainability.
Bringing regulation and industry leadership together. The future isn’t just about compliance — it’s about shaping better, smarter pathways that work for business and the planet.
Taking responsibility beyond our own four walls. The leaders of tomorrow will be the ones who don’t wait for policy to force change but instead take proactive steps to shape more resilient supply chains, fairer business models, and scalable decarbonization efforts.

Now’s the Time!

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the disconnect between ambition and action in our industry, consider bringing this input and insight to our upcoming forum. It’s what the event has been designed to discuss.

I hope to see you there.

May 14–15, 2025
Thiskyhall Sala Convention, Ho Chi Minh City

Press Releases / Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City Challenges Consumer Goods Industry to Act

Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City Challenges Consumer Goods Industry to Act

Cascale Forum

Two-day event to address pressing sustainability challenges and forge paths for industry-wide change

Two-day event to address pressing sustainability challenges and forge paths for industry-wide change.

Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – March 10, 2025: The Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City, taking place on May 14-15, will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, brands, retailers, and key industry stakeholders to drive actionable solutions for decarbonization, environmental performance, responsible purchasing practices, and audit fatigue. With a focus on sustainable production, the forum underscores the critical role Vietnam plays as the world’s second-largest textile, apparel, and footwear exporter.

Open to both members and industry stakeholders, the event marks the first time Cascale’s Manufacturer and Brand & Retail Forums are combined into one unifying platform. Set in one of the world’s most critical manufacturing hubs, the two-day immersive event will address urgent sustainability challenges and opportunities, fostering collaboration between key industry actors and associated stakeholders. This year’s agenda is shaped by leaders from the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), Crystal International, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Hirdaramani Group, New Balance, Puma Group, and the Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS), who serve on the event’s advisory council.

“There could not be a better time or place to convene on sustainability challenges given the evolving regulatory landscape and resounding appeal for industry to fill in the gaps where promises are often falling short. Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have,’ it’s a business imperative,” said Colin Browne, Cascale CEO, who will deliver the opening address. “Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City is an opportunity for stakeholders to embed future-proofing practices into core business strategies to drive growth, resilience, and lasting impact. We are honored to host it in Vietnam, a country who remains committed to delivering on green initiatives while being in close proximity to the sourcing regions and manufacturer networks who see the first-hand impacts of the climate crisis and deepening injustices.”

“Partnering with Cascale at its forum in Vietnam is a great opportunity to bring together manufacturers and brand leaders in one of the world’s key manufacturing hubs,” said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly, Lead Partner of Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City. “Suppliers are facing growing pressure to meet sustainability targets, navigate complex reporting requirements, and manage audit fatigue—all while continuing to run their businesses. By working together, Worldly and Cascale are creating solutions that increase visibility, improve transparency, and foster real collaboration between brands and their suppliers. Our goal is to make it easier for manufacturers to share data once, reduce redundancies, and focus on meaningful progress—reducing environmental impact while improving working conditions. This partnership is about breaking down barriers and helping the entire supply chain move forward together.”

Vietnam is a critical region for sustainable consumer goods production, with a particular concentration in textile, apparel, and footwear, and luggage. With $44 billion in revenue in 2024 – an over 11 percent increase, as compared to the previous year – it is now the world’s second largest textile, apparel, and footwear exporter, next to China. VITAS aims for over $47 billion in export revenue this year, while continuing to deliver on commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources, part of the country’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050. This reflects Cascale’s goal of delivering a 45% reduction of GHGs across the apparel industry value chain by 2030, executed through collaborative climate action programs like the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap and GIZ PDP Solar Rooftop Initiative, which support decarbonization efforts for manufacturers in Vietnam.

As one of just a few events where the entire consumer goods value chain can gather to align on shared objectives, Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City reflects the theme: “Co-Creating Tomorrow: Unified Action for People & Planet.” The event will feature thought-provoking sessions including updates on Cascale’s Higg Index tools, exclusively available on Worldly, as well as visionary speakers, a dynamic exhibition area, and specialized training sessions that provide certifications to enhance organizational credibility and demonstrate commitment to environmental and social sustainability.

“Echoing the theme ‘Co-Creating Tomorrow: Unified Action for People & Planet,’ I look forward to joining all the industry peers at the Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City to drive collective actions and bring actionable insights for our shared vision. Representing the voice from the manufacturers’ perspective, I envision driving impactful change in the global fashion value chain,” said Kyle Chung, assistant general manager, corporate quality and sustainability, Crystal Group Limited.

“The Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City serves as an invaluable platform for driving meaningful discussions and collaboration on sustainability. At Hirdaramani Apparel, we are committed to fostering innovation and shared solutions that promote sustainable practices. This forum empowers industry leaders to collectively shape a more sustainable future for the global apparel sector,” said Leonie Vaas, general manager, sustainability at Hirdaramani Apparel.

“At New Balance, we believe in fostering greater sustainability through collective action. The only way to create a more responsible apparel and footwear industry for the future is by collaborating closely with peers, supply chain partners, and communities,” said Tony Hung, supply chain sustainability manager, New Balance.

“We’ve listened closely to our members and the broader industry, taking a hard look at where we can make the greatest impact. The Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City is the culmination of that effort—a program designed to bring together key players across the value chain, with the manufacturer’s voice at the core. This event offers a unique platform to collaborate, learn, and take action on the most pressing issues in sustainability. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to be part of the movement toward real, measurable change in our industry,” said Lee Green, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, Cascale.

For more information on sessions, speakers, and sponsorship, please visit the event webpage.

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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