Case Studies / La Vie en Rose Group: Validating a Science-Based Targets Journey

La Vie en Rose Group: Validating a Science-Based Targets Journey

Brands & Retailers
Decarbonization

For la Vie en Rose Group, sustainability directly informs business direction.

La Vie en Rose Group has built its sustainability work within a business that continues to grow in scale and reach. Experts in lingerie, swimwear, and loungewear since 1985, la Vie en Rose Group is headquartered in Montreal and operates more than 320 boutiques across Canada and the United States, and has 89 franchise locations in 19 countries internationally. As the company has expanded, it has continued to strengthen its approach to corporate social responsibility, integrating social and environmental impacts into its operations.

In December 2021, the company became a Cascale member and integrated the Higg Index, delivered through Worldly’s global technology platform, into its corporate social responsibility strategy to help evaluate environmental impact, working conditions, and governance. In collaboration with manufacturers, la Vie en Rose Group works to improve supply chain practices. With Cascale’s guidance in November 2023, la Vie en Rose Group submitted its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to set near-term science-based emissions reduction targets in line with SBTi criteria and recommendations.

Recently, la Vie en Rose Group reached an important milestone when its target was approved by the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi). Under its parent company, Administration LVER Inc., la Vie en Rose Group committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 63 percent by 2035 from a 2023 base year. They also committed to reducing scope 3 GHG emissions by 66.3 percent per unit sold within the same timeframe.

Responding to a New Requirement During Validation

As companies move through science-based target setting, technical requirements can become more detailed during validation. For la Vie en Rose Group, one of those requirements was accurately accounting for forest, land, and agriculture (FLAG) impacts within its emissions inventory.

The FLAG requirement surfaced during target validation with SBTi Services. Because la Vie en Rose Group’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 inventory had not originally been developed with FLAG emissions in mind, the company needed to integrate this component mid-validation while remaining aligned with SBTi Services’ 30-day validation timeline.

That made FLAG emissions a significant step in the process. It required la Vie en Rose Group to adapt quickly and apply a credible methodology within a narrow window.

Applying Sector Guidance to Integrate FLAG Emissions

To guide FLAG emissions accounting for the sector, Cascale and Worldly published the Navigating Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) Emissions report in August 2025. The report offers a standardized method for estimating FLAG emissions for the apparel and footwear industry using the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI).

La Vie en Rose Group was already calculating product impacts for tiers 2, 3, and 4 using Higg MSI LCA assessment values, which gave the team a strong starting point for applying the methodology in a way that aligned with the logic and factors already being used in its inventory work.

However, one point required additional clarification. The methodology needed to be applied only to the raw material source portion of the LCA impacts. Before that was clarified, the company encountered estimates that appeared unusually high. With quick 1:1 support from Cascale’s technical team, la Vie en Rose Group was able to proceed with greater confidence in both their calculation and their submission to SBTi.

“Integrating FLAG impacts into our validation process required us to move fast and work in a very structured way. Careful application was essential, and Cascale’s methodology gave us a clear framework for addressing the requirement with confidence,” said Sarah Baker, corporate social responsibility principal advisor, la Vie en Rose.

Achieving Approval and Strengthening an Ongoing Effort

La Vie en Rose Group’s target was approved by SBTi Services without follow-up questions regarding its FLAG emissions calculation.

A huge achievement that reflects the work la Vie en Rose Group completed internally to adapt its inventory, apply the methodology, and stay on track through the validation process. It also shows that a structured approach, grounded in sector-relevant guidance, can support companies as they respond to more technical requirements within target setting.

Putting FLAG into Practice

Even for companies that are not assumed to fall within FLAG sector remits, there is a lesson to be learned. La Vie en Rose Group’s experience shows that integrating FLAG emission calculations during validation is possible and that earlier preparation can make the process smoother.

Another takeaway for CSR professionals is the necessity of leading with a sound methodological approach. The Higg MSI in its current iteration does not include land-use change emissions, which form part of what needs to be measured in FLAG. Those values need to be adjusted to account for FLAG emissions. La Vie en Rose Group’s experience shows that companies can work through that requirement with a sound methodology and the right application.

For Cascale, this is a practical example of how shared methodologies can support members in achieving their goals. The guidance did not replace the work la Vie en Rose Group needed to do internally. It gave the company a sector-specific framework it could apply at a critical point in the process. That kind of support can help members move forward more efficiently, respond to evolving expectations, and build confidence in their approach.

For other companies navigating similar questions, la Vie en Rose offers a strong example of how thoughtful preparation and shared industry guidance can support progress on complex climate goals.

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Press Releases / Consumer Goods Manufacturers Advance Decarbonization Through MCAP

Consumer Goods Manufacturers Advance Decarbonization Through MCAP

Decarbonization
Manufacturing

Cascale’s Manufacturer Climate Action Program supports path to validated targets representing 1.6 million metric tons of CO2e reduction potential in 19 countries with support of sponsor brands including Gap Inc, New Balance, and PUMA

Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – June 18, 2026: Addressing climate change requires more than ambition — it requires measurable action. Cascale today released the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) Annual Impact Report 2025, highlighting significant progress by manufacturers, suppliers, and brands working together to accelerate decarbonization across the global value chain.

“I’m extremely proud that MCAP has achieved a significant milestone in its evolution into a scaled industry decarbonization program participated by 85 manufacturer groups across 19 countries. This structural and pragmatic approach, which enables manufacturers not only in setting science aligned targets as the start, catalyzes a shift from commitment to implementation across the manufacturing community; to achieve it, all manufacturers have a multi-year actionable decarbonization plan which contains available levers to deliver ongoing emissions reductions. During the past 12 months, MCAP strategic council members have played a critical role in shaping the program; we deeply appreciate the time, expertise, and commitment contributed by them whose collaborative leadership has played a critical role in advancing the program delivery and impact. The progress we are seeing today reflects the power of structured collaboration, shared accountability, and practical tools that enable manufacturers to act at scale.” – Joyce Tsoi, senior director, decarbonization program, Cascale

Key Takeaways

85 manufacturer groups and 8 sponsoring brands engaged across 446 participating facilities in 19 countries
52 science-aligned targets validated, representing more than 1.6 million metric tons of CO2e reduction potential
33 climate risk assessments completed to strengthen long-term resilience planning and 43 decarbonization plans currently in development
In May 2025, the multi-stakeholder MCAP Strategic Council was established and provided strong programmatic governance

MCAP supports manufacturers and suppliers with a practical pathway to measure emissions, set science-aligned targets (SATs) for scope 1 and 2 emissions, assess climate risks, and develop actionable decarbonization plans. In May 2025, the multi-stakeholder MCAP Strategic Council was established and provided strong programmatic governance to ensure all programmatic activities align with its strategic objectives and goals, ensure performance monitoring and accountability, and ensure it continues to deliver value.

To date, 85 manufacturers and eight sponsoring brands have been engaged through MCAP across 446 participating facilities in 19 countries. A full 52 science-aligned targets are now validated, representing more than 1.6 million metric tons of CO2e reduction potential. Finally, 33 climate risk assessments were completed to strengthen long-term resilience planning, and 43 decarbonization plans are currently in development. The report underscores the program’s ability to translate climate commitments into measurable outcomes.

Manufacturer Focus

The program combines technical support, training, third-party validation, and peer engagement to help manufacturers move from planning to implementation. Cascale hosts monthly office hours and ongoing training sessions in both English and Chinese. Through MCAP’s peer-learning community, manufacturers have gained access to practical knowledge, shared experiences, and real-world solutions from others facing similar challenges.

“We joined MCAP with strong ESG capabilities but faced challenges coordinating climate action across multiple overseas manufacturing sites. MCAP’s structured target-setting process enabled us to establish a science-based reduction strategy while unifying our international facilities under a cohesive decarbonization framework. MCAP has been a critical turning point for Nobland, enabling us to move from intention to execution.” – Jay Kim, ESG team leader, Nobland

“The MCAP Climate Risk Assessment will be extremely valuable to our long-term planning as we take preventative action to reduce heat and maintain productivity. This is now part of our ongoing resilience strategy.” – Cherry Liu, QA manager, My Nga Trade

“Martex Group joined MCAP with a strong base of energy data, but we needed a clearer framework to turn this information into measurable climate targets. Joining MCAP has been a significant opportunity for our company, creating the structure we needed to move from data collection to a clear, actionable decarbonization strategy.” – Akila Lakshan, assistant manager sustainability, Martex Group

Brand Engagement

MCAP supports brands in sponsoring manufacturers to address Scope 3 emissions, which often represent the majority of a brand’s carbon footprint. Sponsorship is not philanthropy — it is the most direct route a brand has to the supplier capability its own targets depend on. The value runs in both directions: Manufacturers achieve structure, credibility, and the ability to act, while brands gain supplier transparency, aligned progress against a shared standard, and concrete evidence of Scope 3 action they can share with regulators and investors.

“Gap Inc. has been engaged with MCAP since the program’s inception. We have seen firsthand how MCAP has strengthened collaboration with our suppliers and deepened strategic partnerships that are essential to driving progress.” – Sally Gilligan, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Gap Inc

“MCAP has played an important role in turning climate commitments into practical progress. We—and our suppliers–have learned a great deal through the program and seen valuable outcomes tied to goals and aligned action plans. By providing structure to the decarbonization journey, MCAP has helped participating facilities better understand and plan their path forward.” – Tony Hung, Manager, Supply Chain Sustainability, New Balance ”

“MCAP equips our suppliers with the tools, structure, and clear pathway needed to take meaningful action on decarbonization and continue advancing their sustainability journey. We’ve seen encouraging growth in participating manufacturers from the beginning to the end of the program — a journey that has been both motivating and impactful. We appreciate Cascale’s active engagement and the support provided throughout the process.” – Mia Gunawan, director of environmental sustainability, PUMA

Looking Ahead

As of April 2026, all 52 graduates from Cohorts 1 and 2 have successfully completed the 18-month program with a validated science-aligned target. This 100 percent validation rate stands as direct evidence of the program’s impact, demonstrating how MCAP translates intent into measurable action.

Cascale will launch two new MCAP cohorts this year. The organization is also developing post-MCAP programming to extend the manufacturer-brand partnership and support ongoing target tracking and emissions reduction.

Brands, manufacturers, and suppliers interested in learning more about MCAP can register for an upcoming information session through Cascale’s website. For additional information, contact mcap@cascale.org.

Media Contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance driving systemic transformation to combat climate change and support decent work in the consumer goods industry. Formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale unites a diverse, worldwide ecosystem of over 300 retailer, brand, manufacturer, supplier, service provider, government, academic, and nonprofit members.

Our alliance catalyzes pre-competitive collaboration for maximum impact, anchored by our stewardship of the Higg Index frameworks — implemented through the Worldly technology platform — and recent acquisition of the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools. While these methodologies are central to our work, they are part of a broader strategy to mobilize collective action, challenge industry norms, and build an industry that gives back more than it takes to the planet and its people.

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Publications / Manufacturer Climate Action Program Annual Impact Report 2025

Manufacturer Climate Action Program Annual Impact Report 2025

Decarbonization

Beyond Targets: The Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) is a climate action onboarding and capability-building program utilized by over 85 manufacturers in 19 countries.

Thank You!

Blogs / Without Financial Incentives, Manufacturers and SMEs Face Decarbonization Risks Alone

Without Financial Incentives, Manufacturers and SMEs Face Decarbonization Risks Alone

Decarbonization
Manufacturing
Policy and Legislation

In this guest blog, Shein Han, director, compliance and sustainability, GG International Manufacturing, describes why manufacturers need the right financial incentives to decarbonize effectively.

Shein Han

April 21, 2026

Decarbonization is simply too expensive for APAC manufacturers, especially SMEs, to undertake alone.
Most decarbonization efforts today are still project-based.
Financial incentives present a real opportunity for decarbonization at scale.

The question comes up again and again: What should governments and industry stakeholders prioritize first for decarbonization?

As a fashion manufacturer based in Seoul, South Korea, I see how policy, financing, and implementation challenges come together in real time. In the APAC region, each country is taking a unique approach to a greener economy. These are encouraging signals, but manufacturers across the region are still facing major barriers to action.

As an Editorial Member of Cascale’s APAC Policy Member Expert Team, contributing specifically to the incentives agenda, I see a number of overlapping challenges. Fragmentation, limited interoperability, insufficient incentives, and underrepresentation of decent work issues – Cascale’s recent APAC Policy Priorities paper captures all of these issues.

Amid competing customer demands and faster turnaround times, there is little leeway for manufacturers to invest the time, energy, or resources to decarbonize their facilities. The reality is that decarbonization is simply too expensive for APAC manufacturers, especially SMEs, to tackle alone. For many SMEs, decarbonization is not a strategic choice but a financial constraint, where even well-intentioned efforts are limited by access to capital. That is exactly why incentives are critical.

Decarbonization is not a willingness issue. It is a financing issue.

Without a support mechanism such as loans or blended financing, companies cannot invest in renewable energy or low-carbon equipment.

This is one of the reasons why decarbonization incentives are a key priority in the APAC Policy Priorities Paper. The paper recognizes that many suppliers and SMEs face significant barriers due to high costs and limited access to finance, and calls for targeted support mechanisms, including subsidies, preferential financing, and investment in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. The stated goal is to make the transition more practical, more scalable, and more inclusive across the supply chain.

Also, most decarbonization efforts today are still project-based. What we need is a system-based approach across the supply chain from now on. This is why we need to invest in expanding infrastructure, more coordinated support, and policy conditions that help solutions scale.

Incentives are also very critical. However, incentives without execution or without reliable data or without verified data are not enough on their own. We need a clear implementation framework to scale the incentives.

If I had to choose one action item for decarbonization, it would be linking financial incentives directly to the verified data. This could include preferential financing for facilities with verified emissions data, tax incentives tied to measurable reductions, or blended finance mechanisms that reduce upfront capital investment for renewable energy adoption. For example, factories with verified Scope 1 and 2 emissions data could access preferential financing rates or performance-based incentives tied to demonstrated reductions. This creates both accountability and motivation. Without such incentive mechanisms, scaling will be difficult.

If we want decarbonization to move faster across APAC, we need policies and financing approaches that reflect how manufacturers actually operate. That starts with making support accessible, practical, and tied to real progress.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full APAC Policy Priorities Paper and, for members, continue the conversation through the recent webinar featuring insights from APAC Policy MET members.

Download the Paper Members: Watch the Webinar on Cascale Connect

Blogs / Decarbonization in Apparel: How the Data Reveals Policy Is Key

Decarbonization in Apparel: How the Data Reveals Policy Is Key

Decarbonization

Facilities are improving energy efficiency and reporting is more consistent, yet policy remains a critical unlock for embedding climate performance into operational decision-making.

A green crane positioned in a coal mine extracting fossil fuels. Courtesy of Unsplash / Bart Van Dijk

Lee Green

March 18, 2026

Cascale’s latest “Decarbonization Progress in the Apparel, Footwear, and Textiles Industry” report is grounded in verified, facility-level data from thousands of manufacturing sites globally. That matters. It means the insights reflect operational reality, not projections or pledges.

Results show us that there is progress in the system: facilities are improving energy efficiency and reporting is more consistent. Climate performance is increasingly embedded into operational decision-making.

But the overall trajectory is not yet aligned with a 1.5°C pathway. That is not a failure of intent, it is a signal that we have reached the limits of what incremental, company-level improvements can deliver on their own.

The Constraint is Structural, Not Motivational

One of the clearest findings from the report is the continued reliance on fossil fuels in key sourcing regions. Renewable penetration remains low in many markets, and coal continues to play a significant role in industrial energy systems.

This is not simply a procurement issue nor something brands or manufacturers can solve independently. Already, evolving European regulation coupled with existing grid challenges creates a “confusing” landscape for Asia-Pacific suppliers looking to decarbonize, as a recent Cascale policy workshop revealed. Efficiency gains help, but they cannot compensate for structural energy realities. If we want emissions reductions at scale, industrial decarbonization and energy policy must move in parallel.

And for that to happen, we cannot overlook the necessity of collaboration, data readiness, and proactive industry engagement. That’s where Cascale has a convening role to play.

Why This Is Now a Public Affairs Issue

The report reinforces something many in the industry already recognize: climate ambition in global supply chains is inseparable from national policy frameworks. Grid decarbonization, renewable access for industrial users, electrification strategies, and financing mechanisms are not abstract policy debates. They are direct determinants of whether climate targets in our sector are achievable.

This is where Cascale’s role becomes more assertive.

We are not simply publishing data. We are providing an evidence base that can inform smarter, more implementable policy. Verified facility-level data gives policymakers insight into where emissions are concentrated, where barriers exist, and where intervention can be most effective.

Regulation that reflects operational reality is more likely to drive impact. Regulation layered on top of fragmented reporting systems risks adding burden without accelerating emissions reductions.

Alignment matters.

From Fragmentation to Alignment

The data also highlights the opportunity in greater coherence. As climate-related disclosure and due diligence frameworks evolve globally, there is a risk of increasing complexity for manufacturers and brands.

At the same time, there is an opportunity to align regulatory expectations with credible, existing data systems. When policy frameworks and industry tools move in the same direction, implementation becomes more efficient and more scalable.

Cascale is uniquely positioned at that intersection: between brands and manufacturers, between data and policy, between ambition and implementation. We see firsthand where the barriers lie. That perspective is invaluable in informing how policy evolves. From callouts at COP30 to mentions by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) in a recent report, our team is grateful to see our contributions increasingly recognized where it counts for industry-wide change

The Next Phase of Decarbonization

The industry is not standing still. The report shows real effort and measurable improvement, but progress at the current pace will not close the gap on its own.

The next phase of decarbonization in apparel and textiles will depend on coordinated action across industry, governments, and finance. Energy systems must transition faster and industrial users need clearer pathways and incentives. Policy must be designed with operational feasibility in mind. It must understand the realities on the ground.

Today, the data gives us a shared reference point. The responsibility now is to use it to shape the conditions that enable faster change. That is not just a sustainability challenge. It is a policy one.

Read the latest APAC political priorities paper to further understand the state of play for industry decarbonization.

Read APAC Political Priorities

News Updates / At Hirdaramani 2026 Supplier Summit, Scope 3 Decarbonization Next Steps Underway

At Hirdaramani 2026 Supplier Summit, Scope 3 Decarbonization Next Steps Underway

Decarbonization
MCAP

The virtual summit celebrated Hirdaramani engagement with their suppliers on decarbonization.

At the virtual Hirdaramani 2026 Supplier Summit, Cascale played a key role in supplier on-boarding and support for decarbonization.

Hiradaramani has a long-term vision of decarbonization; they are the first apparel manufacturing company in Sri Lanka to secure Net-Zero Standard approval by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) in 2024. They have committed to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050.

With more than 150 virtual attendees, the summit celebrated Hirdaramani’s leveling up of its climate commitments, including the development of its Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Program. Already, they are committed to a near-term science-based target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 54.6 percent by 2033 from a 2022 base year under SBTi. Now, the manufacturer aims to additionally reduce its absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services by 32.5 percent. Aligned with SBTi, this program focuses on supplier engagement, understanding and reducing emissions across the group’s full value chain, particularly emissions arising from materials, goods, and services purchased from suppliers.

Hirdaramani Apparel’s managing director Mr. Madhawa Atapattu gave the welcome address, followed by the group’s general manager of sustainability Leonie Vaas, who introduced the Scope 3 session.

Cascale’s senior director of decarbonization Joyce Tsoi and senior member of manufacturing engagement Betty Li gave a presentation on decarbonization. The technical session covered industry decarbonization trends, data requirements, onboarding process, timelines, and support mechanisms for programs such as the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP).

Explaining the urgency of the climate crisis, Tsoi and Li stressed the importance of Hirdaramani’s supplier collaboration to drive industry decarbonization upstream. They explained the role of Cascale as a global industry convenor, with the Higg Index acting as a best-in-class industry harmonized measurement tool in measuring carbon emission across tier 1 to 3 manufacturing facilities. Relying on data aggregation Cascale leverages the data and produces useful industry insights to inform necessary actions required to accelerate decarbonization actions. They emphasized the shared goal in driving collective action at scale.

Headquartered in Kahathuduwa, Hirdaramani Exports International Ltd. is a major apparel manufacturer that operates 20 facilities across Sri Lanka. The manufacturer plays a key role in shaping Cascale’s upcoming Cascale Forum: Colombo March 30 to April 1.

Interested suppliers can find more information on joining MCAP on Cascale.org.

Press Releases / New Report Finds Apparel Decarbonization Progress Off-Track

New Report Finds Apparel Decarbonization Progress Off-Track

Decarbonization
Higg FEM
Higg Index Tools

Cascale’s State of the Industry 2026 report shares new analysis of verified facility data, shows emissions rising as coal dependence and limited renewable energy adoption slow progress.

Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – January 28, 2026: Cascale today released the State of the Industry 2026: Decarbonization Progress in the Apparel, Footwear & Textiles Industry report, finding the sector is not decarbonizing at the pace or scale required to meet global climate targets. The report analyzes verified 2023 and 2024 energy data from the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM), with a focus on Tier 1 finished product manufacturing and Tier 2 material manufacturing. Using Cascale’s new Effective Energy Carbon Intensity (EECI) metric, the analysis assesses how effectively the industry is decarbonizing energy use, which remains the dominant source of Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

“This report makes clear that there are no shortcuts to decarbonization,” said Jeremy Lardeau, Senior Vice President, Higg Index at Cascale. “Real progress depends on true value chain collaboration, not sourcing shifts by the brands. The level of investment required to achieve the deep decarbonization measures at facility level means brands will have to step up in a meaningful way. The climate agenda must be seen as an imperative to change the legacy sourcing dynamics of this industry.”

Key Findings

Overall decarbonization progress remains slow. Verified facility data shows only marginal improvement in EECI performance over time, far below what is required to meet climate targets.
Coal use remains a critical barrier to progress. Coal accounts for 31 percent of total industry energy consumption, remaining unchanged year-over-year. In Tier 2, coal represents the largest fuel source, accounting for 40 percent of the global energy mix.
Renewable energy adoption remains limited and flat. Renewables account for only two percent of total industry energy consumption, unchanged between 2023 and 2024, despite more facilities reporting some renewable energy use.
Emissions are highly concentrated. A relatively small number of large, energy-intensive facilities drive a disproportionate share of emissions, indicating that targeted interventions could accelerate progress more effectively than uniform approaches. Cascale encourages brands and suppliers to engage with the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), providing manufacturers with a structured pathway to measure emissions, set science-aligned targets (SATs), and implement reductions.

The findings align with broader global assessments, including recent analysis from the United Nations Environment Programme, which underscores that current policies remain insufficient to limit warming to 1.5°C.

Cascale’s report cautions against relocating production based on country averages and emphasizes long-term, collaborative engagement with manufacturers, particularly in Tier 2; to achieve this, supply chain engagement is essential. On March 4 , Cascale will host a member-only webinar that includes a deep dive into the report and a discussion on how EECI can be used by organizations to analyze their supply chains; Cascale members can register on Cascale Connect.

Cascale will publish this State of the Industry report annually to track progress and support collective action. The organization will continue expanding access to data and analytics for members and advancing programs such as the Manufacturer Climate Action Program to support science-aligned targets and measurable emissions reductions.

Download the Report

Publications / State of the Industry 2026: Decarbonization Progress in the Apparel, Footwear & Textiles Industry

State of the Industry 2026: Decarbonization Progress in the Apparel, Footwear & Textiles Industry

Decarbonization
Higg FEM
Higg Index Tools

Cascale’s State of the Industry 2026 report shares new analysis of verified facility data, shows emissions rising as coal dependence and limited renewable energy adoption slow progress.

Download publication

News Updates / Inside COP30: Bureau Veritas Manufacturer Decarbonization Playbook

Inside COP30: Bureau Veritas Manufacturer Decarbonization Playbook

Decarbonization
Industry Event
MCAP

Bureau Veritas Manufacturer Decarbonization Playbook includes Cascale contributions, featured at COP30 discussions and webinar.

At COP30, Bureau Veritas launched its Manufacturer Decarbonization Strategy Playbook.

This practical resource, developed with key contributions from Cascale, supports manufacturers, including SMEs, in setting and advancing decarbonization targets. The Paris Committee on Capacity-Building (PCCB) recently included the playbook in a small-to-medium enterprise discussion at COP30, where Cascale also participated in an associated Bureau Veritas member webinar.

At the “Decarbonization Playbook for Manufacturers” webinar, speakers included Cascale’s senior director of decarbonization Joyce Tsoi; Apparel Impact Institute’s senior director of sustainable finance and engagement Kristina Elinder Lijas; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’s head of project (GIZ) Gundolf Klaehn; Gokaldas Exports Limited’s deputy general manager Mahantesh Bangari; and Bureau Veritas’ senior program specialist Hailey Wang, as well as head of decarbonization and cleaner production, Rakesh Vazirani.

The webinar laid the foundation for the decarbonization business case, with an inclusive focus on manufacturer perspectives and cultural nuance. It convened more than 500 participants, with over 40 percent reporting that they are either just beginning their decarbonization journey or are in the early stages of data collection and target-setting.

Participants highlighted the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) as a common industry tool for measuring carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, and noted key barriers to decarbonization including high costs, limited in-house expertise and resources, and the challenge of securing customer support to cover decarbonization investments.

Tsoi offered insights into how Cascale’s Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) accelerates climate action. Welcoming Cascale members and non-members alike, the 18-month MCAP program helps manufacturers across the consumer goods industry develop and validate Science-Aligned Targets (SATs) to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. To date, MCAP has engaged 70 manufacturers with a collective CO2 reduction potential of over 419,000 tCO2e from 16 validated participants.

At a high-level, Tsoi explored the steps manufacturers and suppliers can take today to make progress on decarbonization goals, starting with measurement and baseline setting. She encouraged attendees to understand their current energy usage, fuel types, and carbon footprints in their owned operations and supply chain.

Next, she explored the target-setting approach in greater detail. Her advice: Use standardized, science-based frameworks like those developed for MCAP or by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) For successful implementation, Tsoi recommended manufacturers prioritize and plan impactful, cost-effective actions, and delegate out further responsibilities.

Bangari, representing Gokaldas, a Cascale manufacturer member based in India India, described how participating in MCAP helped the company set science-aligned targets for their Scope 1 and 2 emissions. He described Gokaldas’ sustainability achievements, which include procuring 75 percent renewable energy, improving machinery efficiency, and increasing waste and water recycling rates, among others. Showcased among the certifications in the company’s recent investor report, Gokaldas’ average Higg FEM score was 89 percent.

News Updates / Cascale At STAR Meeting, Asia-Pacific Sports, Outdoor Forum

Cascale At STAR Meeting, Asia-Pacific Sports, Outdoor Forum

Decarbonization
Industry Event
Policy and Legislation

Cascale centers decarbonization, policy leadership at STAR Annual Meeting in China and Asia-Pacific Sports and Outdoor Fashion Forum in Singapore.

Howard Kwong presenting APAC country report

Cascale played a leading role at the recent Asia-Pacific Sports and Outdoor Fashion Forum in Singapore and the Sustainable Textiles of the Asian Region (STAR) Annual Meeting in China, highlighting vast collaboration opportunities in decarbonization and policymaking.

At the 2025 STAR Annual Meeting in Humen, Guangdong Province, China, policy and industry leaders from across Asia’s textile and apparel sector convened to exchange best practices. Howard Kwong, senior manager, public affairs APAC, was invited by STAR to join a peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange session to present Cascale’s global policy and public affairs strategy.

In his remarks, Kwong outlined how Cascale works to advance smart, globally harmonized policy that enables credible sustainability action, while equipping members with the tools, data, and guidance they need to navigate fast-evolving regulation. He highlighted recent insights from the Manufacturer Interview Group — a project co-led by Cascale and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) — as well as Cascale’s APAC policy deep dive on corporate supply chain responsibility trends and the newly-established APAC Policy Member Expert Team (MET). Sovichea Saron, STAR’s head of secretariat, is a MET member, reflecting how manufacturer perspectives are integrated into Cascale’s global public affairs work.

Meaningful engagement was key. Throughout the event, Kwong met with the STAR board members and association leaders from China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar to explore deeper collaboration.

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In a separate event at the Asia-Pacific Outdoor & Sports Fashion Forum, Joyce Tsoi, Cascale’s senior director, decarbonization program, gave a virtual keynote presentation on the decarbonization and collaboration potential in the outdoor and sporting goods supply chain.

This event is part of the wider programming under the Asia-Pacific Textile & Supply Chain Summit & Expo (APTEXPO). Representing an extensive collaboration, the ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) and the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) jointly sponsored the event, with ECV International, and The Sub-Council of Textile Industry (CCPIT TEX) as co-organizers. The Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) also supported as a host association. Speakers joined from across Cascale’s membership, among them Mammut Sports Group AG, Puma, and New Balance.

Based in London and joining remotely, Tsoi’s virtual opening remarks began with a playful connection between an individual’s fitness commitments and a company’s decarbonization targets – pointing out that both require diligence, consistency, and commitment to succeed. Then she highlighted the top three systematic industry challenges that stop us from moving at the pace and scale necessary to combat climate change. The first was stalled engagement of Tier 2 materials production facilities, followed by few commitments from brands and retailers. This ultimately creates a lack of true business partnership. With that, Tsoi underscored the need for brands and manufacturers to have shared goals, vision, and responsibilities.

Her presentation then moved into hard-hitting industry carbon emission data, infused with actionable and regional insights from the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM). Her final points offered a hopeful resolution, highlighting the successes of manufacturers, reflecting eight sponsoring brands, that were achieved through participating in Cascale’s Manufacturers Climate Action Program (MCAP): To date, MCAP has engaged 85 manufacturers in 19 countries with a collective CO2 reduction potential of over 1,429,087 tCO2e from 38 validated participants. She ended with a call for collaboration, highlighting Cascale’s membership, including the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and the European Outdoor Group (EOG).