Blogs / What if the Real Leverage Point for Sustainability isn’t the Brand, it’s the Factory?

What if the Real Leverage Point for Sustainability isn’t the Brand, it’s the Factory?

Leadership
Policy and Legislation
Manufacturing

Explore how factory leaders are driving real sustainability progress through data, innovation, and collaboration in Lee Green’s latest blog.

A close-up of a sewist at her sewing machine.

Lee Green

November 24, 2025

Our industry often leads with brand leadership, but the real transformation is happening where few cameras point: the factory floor.

While regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) push companies toward accountability and disclosure, the real test is how those mandates ripple through global supply chains, and how factories respond.

Across sourcing regions like China, and APAC more broadly, a quiet revolution is taking place. In a series of country reports – spanning Bangladesh, Vietnam, and most recently China – we examined the role of factories in ushering in a greener economy. Factories are investing in renewables, adopting circular design principles, and harnessing digital tools to optimize energy and resource use. These are not incremental changes, they’re innovative shifts in mindset. Factories, and the people that empower them, are starting to see sustainability not as a compliance cost, but as a competitive advantage.

Factories, a Data-Rich Story Engine

Factory leaders are proving that innovation and impact can coexist at the very heart of production. In our travelogues among other methods, we’ve documented global real-life examples of this innovation, visiting manufacturers such as Artistic Milliners and Diamond Fabrics (part of the Sapphire Group) — both respective leaders in their field.

This is just scratching the surface.

After more than two decades in communications, one truth stands out: brands cannot lead alone. Systems, standards, and shared metrics matter more than slogans. The real power lies in collective frameworks (the very essence of the Higg Index) that enable transparency, comparability, and trust. They give manufacturers and brands a common language for progress, and a way to prove that progress is real.

And this is where storytelling matters. Because the data tells us what’s changing, but the story tells us why it matters. Translating measurement into meaning is how we move audiences, shift perception, and inspire action. The challenge for communicators today isn’t just to celebrate impact, but to frame it in a way that’s credible, grounded, and human. And in the crosshairs of AI, this couldn’t be more important.

A Collective Role to Play

At Cascale, we’re working to bridge that gap, and this recognition of the manufacturer’s role is the foundation for the upcoming Cascale Forum: Colombo, an event built on collaboration and leadership in driving sustainability progress: connecting measurement with meaning, ensuring that data becomes a catalyst for transformation, not just a line in a report. Because when manufacturers lead and brands listen, the industry moves faster, further, and with more integrity.

So the next time someone asks where the future of sustainability lies, don’t just point to the latest brand campaign. Point to the place where ambition meets action – the factory floor. If you are a brand marketer or sustainability practitioner, it’s your responsibility to tell the whole story.

And if you are a manufacturer looking to craft genuine narratives that go beyond the green hype, we invite you to share your challenges openly and elevate your successes (by way of case studies or interviews on Source of Good). In every convening point, we will continue to ensure your voice is central to the conversation.

Have a story to share? Reach out.

Publications / Better Buying’s Win-Win Sustainable Partnership Report

Better Buying’s Win-Win Sustainable Partnership Report

Better Buying
Verification
Responsible Purchasing Practices
Manufacturing

This Cascale Better Buying report for SLCP showcases how Better Buying data informs a Win-Win Sustainable Partnership, highlighting factors such as audit harmonization. Audit harmonization is a top priority among partners such as Better Buying and the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP).

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Blogs / Centering the Manufacturer Voice: Key Insights from IAF, Cascale Interview Project

Centering the Manufacturer Voice: Key Insights from IAF, Cascale Interview Project

Manufacturing

Explore key insights from in-depth interviews with 12 global manufacturers, revealing their sustainability priorities, traceability challenges, and calls for shared accountability.

Howard Kwong

July 11, 2025

When you take the time to listen — really listen — to manufacturers working across the global consumer goods supply chain, you begin to understand the full complexity of challenges manufacturers are up against.

Over several months, Cascale, together with the International Apparel Federation (IAF), co-led the Manufacturer Interview Group, a joint project launched in November 2024 focused on elevating the voices of global consumer goods manufacturers in sustainability policy and traceability. Through a series of in-depth, one-on-one interviews with 12 global manufacturers across regions, we listened closely to their priorities, challenges, and ideas for change. These were not surveys nor short meetings. They were open, thoughtful conversations about what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to evolve.

Today, we’re sharing that perspective in the Manufacturer Interview Group Insights & Summary, which brings together the priorities and lived experiences that manufacturers so generously shared with us.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Manufacturer Interview Group Insights & Summary

The Manufacturer Interview Group, led by Cascale and IAF, amplifies manufacturers’ voices by gathering their perspectives on regulatory challenges, ESG traceability, and policy needs.

May 12, 2025

Manufacturers Want to Lead, But They Can’t Do It Alone

Across every interview, one message came through clearly: manufacturers want to be part of the solution. They are committed to sustainability — but they’re under increasing pressure, often without the clarity or support they need to meet expectations.

Through the Manufacturer Interview Group, many suppliers shared that they are already familiar with major global sustainability regulations. But it’s yet another story to implement those regulations day-to-day — across different countries, legal frameworks, and production environments.

Access to renewable energy remains limited in some regions. In others, wage laws, labor requirements, and infrastructure vary dramatically. At the same time that manufacturers are pleading for shared accountability and investment, brands are calling for faster decarbonization timelines, with limited support on the ground.

The insights shared in the Summary & Insights PDF are urgent reminders of the gap between global sustainability ambitions and on-the-ground operational realities. Manufacturers are clearly prioritizing sustainability, but too often, they’re doing so without the necessary resources or meaningful involvement to shape the decisions that impact them most. What they’re asking for now is partnership and shared accountability: practical, fair, and collaborative support to help scale the solutions being built. Because at the end of the day, it’s their communities, their livelihoods, and their businesses more fully at stake in known climate-related severe weather regions.

Traceability: Balancing ESG Data Generation with Administrative Burden

For many manufacturers, traceability may already be part of their daily operations. On top of managing their own facility-level data and insights, they receive loads of ESG data requests from buyer companies. These data-driven processes are ultimately woven into how they manage compliance and measure impact. But in practice, traceability often feels like a one-way street: too focused on data extraction by buyers, and not enough on shared understanding on what that data means, and actionable insights to take.

In our conversations, manufacturers described the difficulty of juggling data requests across multiple SaaS (Software as a Service) traceability and supply chain management platforms. Regularly, they are responding to ad-hoc duplicative requests for similar data, and juggling inconsistent formats and timelines. Small ESG teams are spending significant time on manual updates and software retraining, just to keep up. All at the expense of time allocated to sustainability interventions in practice.

Manufacturers are calling for more effective systems: tools, like the Higg Index – Facility Environmental Module (FEM), that aim to reduce duplication, frameworks that create clarity, and long-term collaboration that enables smarter use of data across the value chain.

Based on these conversations with manufacturers, we’ve distilled a number of potential solutions that could help mitigate administrative burdens and unlock meaningful change.

1) “Data Pool” Concept

Manufacturers take a stance to create their own proprietary ESG depository systems (data pool concept), uploading data once and demanding all buyer requests to be pulled from that system. Today, many manufacturers support the development of a data pool concept which would be governed by a neutral party to help centralize ESG data and reduce duplicative buyer requests.

2) System Integrations

Incumbent traceability/ESG data management platforms come together to agree on economically feasible integrations and data-sharing models. By putting commercial sensitivities aside, stakeholders can streamline data exchange and allow manufacturers to focus on sustainability improvements in practice, rather than constantly juggling burdensome administrative requests.

3) Audit and Assessment Harmonization

The industry should work toward harmonizing audit and assessment practices to reduce duplication, lower costs, and improve the efficiency and credibility of supply chain oversight. This includes developing an audit equivalency framework that allows for mutual recognition of audits conducted under different but comparable standards, as well as aligning audit cycles to reduce the burden on facilities.

4) Standardized Supply Chain Definitions

The industry should refer to a mutually agreed-upon, uniform taxonomy of supply chain terms. This allows for consistent interpretation, reporting, and communication across manufacturers, brands, and auditors. This is especially important as regulations like the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) increasingly require companies to disclose facility and product information using clearly defined and standardized terminology.

Overall, these concepts and terms fall under the need for a Common Response Framework by Manufacturers to create alignment. Overall, manufacturers expressed a need for alignment and transparency. Their quotes are anonymized for the sanctity of the group’s open expression.

One interviewee said, “Brands and manufacturers should stay transparent about the real challenges faced on the ground in factories and prioritizing workers, taking a longer-term view that includes what the direct impacts are for facilities when brands try to roll out plans for compliance.”

Another added, “To discuss with brands what their expectations are to ensure those are actually aligned with regulatory requirements and then compare that to the current state of affairs at facilities. Longer-term partnerships with brands where costs of sustainability are shared.”

Still, another explained the reality of implementation. “Compliance is what you do to stay along with the law. Sustainability is implementing best practice. So we try to implement best practice, which hopefully a majority of it covers.”

Aligning Ideas That Point Toward Practical Progress

In addition to sharing challenges, manufacturers brought forward-looking ideas for how the system could work better. Manufacturers urged policymakers to involve them early on in the legislative process, so implementation and expectations align with their complex supply chain realities. Many spoke about the need for more consistent approaches to ESG data management—ways to reduce duplication, clarify expectations, and strengthen trust across the value chain. Along that line of thinking, several interviewees affirmed their support of a centralized data pool so that verified ESG data could be securely accessed by multiple buyers, reducing the need for repetitive reporting.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But what these ideas represent is a desire for greater coordination and shared responsibility. Manufacturers want to be part of designing what comes next—and they’re ready to help build it, if the industry is willing to listen.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Commitment

This Manufacturer Interview Group was designed for active listening and honest reflections. What we heard was clear: 12 participating manufacturers from the U.S., the EU and the Asia-Pacific regions are already advancing sustainability across legislation, traceability, and operations. But they shouldn’t have to do it alone.

Sustainability must be a shared responsibility, in the belief of both Cascale and IAF. Costs, time, and outcomes must be equitably distributed between manufacturers and their brand partners.

That’s why this work matters. And it’s why Cascale and IAF remain committed to championing manufacturer voices—not only in reports, but in the real decisions shaping our shared future. Together, we will continue to:

Facilitate open dialogue between manufacturers, brands, and policymakers
Support joint learning opportunities and manufacturer-led initiatives
Advocate for policy that reflects operational realities, not just ideals
Elevate insights through upcoming events, forums, and strategy efforts across regions

This work is ongoing—and it’s only just begun. The manufacturers we spoke to were thoughtful, clear, and forward-looking. They asked for practical, collaborative, and fair solutions. We’re proud to stand with them in that effort.

Learn more

Publications / Manufacturer Interview Group Insights & Summary

Manufacturer Interview Group Insights & Summary

Manufacturing

The Manufacturer Interview Group, led by Cascale and International Apparel Federation (IAF), amplifies manufacturers’ voices by gathering their perspectives on regulatory challenges, ESG traceability, and policy needs. The initiative promotes collaborative solutions to strengthen data management, streamline compliance, and advocate for fair, practical legislation across the supply chain.

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News Updates / Cascale Explores How MCAP Can Accelerate Climate Action for Manufacturers at Komar Events

Cascale Explores How MCAP Can Accelerate Climate Action for Manufacturers at Komar Events

MCAP
Decarbonization
Manufacturing

Joyce Tsoi, senior director of the Decarbonization Program at Cascale, recently presented at the virtual Komar Supply Chain Sustainability Forums in Vietnam and Cambodia.

The event brought together Komar Brands’ Tier 1 and 2 suppliers and featured presentations from industry experts on supplier best practices and brainstorming sessions on environmental and product sustainability initiatives.

Tsoi kicked off her presentation by giving an overview of Cascale’s origins and its vision to convene stakeholders across the industry on a pre-competitive basis to develop a common approach to measuring sustainability. After an overview of Cascale’s growth in membership and evolution, Tsoi highlighted Cascale’s strategic pillars — Combat Climate Change and Support Decent Work for All — as critical to the organization’s renewed focus.

Decarbonization remains a critical focus for the industry. In Vietnam and Cambodia alone, we’ve seen only 27 companies committed to set science-based targets (SBTs), and out of those, 12 companies have validated targets from the apparel, footwear, and textile sector. From Higg FEM data insight, we need to continue to strive for significant actions in South East Asia. Without significant actions and progress, the economic, environmental, and social impacts will continue to escalate.

Tsoi shared Cascale’s efforts to combat climate change and accelerate industry-wide decarbonization through the new Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), developed in partnership with Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) and with the support of RESET Carbon. She noted how science-based targets (SBTs) and science-aligned targets (SATs) provided a focused first step for companies embarking on their decarbonization journey, complementing the broader IDR roadmap. IDR is a bold, industry-wide initiative to tackle supply chain emissions at scale, aiming to decarbonize global manufacturing from tier 1 finished production assembly, tier 2 material production to tier 3 raw material processing facilities.

Central to IDR, Tsoi highlighted the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) framework and how Cascale works with manufacturers to commit and set SATs for validation, evaluate their climate risks, develop a decarbonization plan, and communicate progress with stakeholders. She detailed the program’s benefits, including peer-to-peer learning, best practice sharing in the industry, as well as technical advisory support, training, and guidance. She shared how capacity-building programs – such as MCAP – enable knowledge and skills to be scaled to support manufacturers step-by-step in their target-setting process to support developing their decarbonization plan.

In tandem, Tsoi emphasized the importance of leveraging tools such as the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) in establishing a firm environmental foundation for effective action. With this accurate energy and carbon baseline measurement, companies can determine their focus on tangible energy and carbon reduction opportunities, develop an action plan to take necessary actions, and achieve meaningful progress. Delving deeper into the Higg FEM, Tsoi shared key insights on its adoption in facilities in Vietnam and Cambodia, which showed a significant growth, with more facilities recognizing the Higg FEM as a core tool for measuring environmental performance.

Lastly, she noted the critical value of responsible purchasing practices in moving the industry forward, highlighting Cascale’s recent purchase of key assets of Better Buying Institute (BBI) as a testament of its commitment to advance responsible purchasing practices across the consumer goods industry.

Tsoi concluded her presentation by inviting attendees to register for the Cascale Forum, which will take place May 14-15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The two-day event 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.

Press Releases / Cascale Expands MCAP to Advance Impact on Decarbonization

Cascale Expands MCAP to Advance Impact on Decarbonization

MCAP
Decarbonization
Manufacturing

Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) helps manufacturers to set credible climate targets aligned with science

Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) helps manufacturers to set credible climate targets aligned with science

Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – March 25, 2025: Cascale’s Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), a vital initiative that supports manufacturers globally to begin their decarbonization journey to set Scope 1 and 2 emission reduction targets emissions, will broaden its reach to welcome new participants in 2025. MCAP is expanding this year with two new cohorts, offering more manufacturers – both Cascale members and non-members – the opportunity to advance their multi-year decarbonization efforts.

Launched in 2024, the 18-month program offers a focused first step for manufacturers looking to build their decarbonization journey. MCAP complements the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), developed by Cascale and Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) as a comprehensive approach to drive measurable progress on decarbonization. Under Cascale’s “Combat Climate Change” pillar, these programs aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the global consumer goods industry by 45 percent by 2030.

MCAP’s first two cohorts included 58 manufacturers and seven nominating brands, working together to develop and set Science-Aligned Targets (SATs)—clear, credible goals aligned with global climate science. All 18 participants from MCAP’s first cohort have successfully submitted their targets for validation, representing a significant milestone for the program. Once validated, these targets will be publicly showcased on the MCAP disclosure dashboard, aligning with transparency practices of leading frameworks like Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

“Sustainability is at the heart of ITL Group’s operations,” said Jimmy Christopher, SVP Group Sustainability and Innovation, ITL Group. “Through MCAP, we received invaluable guidance and a clear roadmap, allowing us to confidently validate our climate targets. The collaborative approach made the process smooth and effective. We’re proud to support MCAP’s vital work in driving meaningful climate action across the fashion value chain.”

Through MCAP, manufacturers are trained to develop their GHG inventory, identify high emission facilities in their operations, set SATs, and connect with like-minded organizations. MCAP participants benefit from expert-led training in climate risk assessment, providing an opportunity for manufacturers to identify risks based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios.

“Supported by PwC, we conducted the physical climate risk training to share common climate risks and mitigation strategies,” said Joyce Tsoi, Sr. Director, Decarbonization Program at Cascale. “Recognized as best practice by leading global frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the CDP, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), many jurisdictions are requiring organizations to disclose their climate-related risks. We’re pleased that more than half of participating manufacturers are undergoing a climate risk assessment after the training sessions.”

With a commitment to credibility, MCAP collaborates with third-party validators and aligns with the SBTi framework, incorporating the latest IPCC science. MCAP is open to all manufacturers looking to start their decarbonization journey or wish to accelerate the adoption of science-aligned GHG reduction targets within their Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Interested parties can learn more about the program in the next MCAP information session, or enroll directly. For more information, visit Cascale’s website.

Blogs / Diving Into the Monthly Data Reporting & the Facility Data Manager: A Collaborative Discussion

Diving Into the Monthly Data Reporting & the Facility Data Manager: A Collaborative Discussion

Membership
Higg Index Tools
Manufacturing

At Cascale, we’re always looking for new ways to connect with the manufacturing community and tackle shared challenges, this is a crucial part of our value proposition to the industry.

That’s why I’m excited to announce an upcoming, facilitated discussion focused on monthly data reporting and the Facility Data Manager (FDM) — a chance to dig into its potential, address concerns, and explore what it means for the industry.

This isn’t your typical meeting. It’s a trial run of a new way to engage members in meaningful, focused conversations. Monthly data reporting is a hot topic right now, as some believe it is necessary for greater transparency, tracking impact reductions, and upcoming regulatory requirements. But we also know there are questions about relevance and effectiveness. Clearly there are different perspectives to consider, and this is our opportunity to talk it through together.

Why the Spotlight on Monthly Data Reporting?

The Facility Data Manager, rolled out by Worldly, supports monthly data reporting for greater visibility into facility operations. It has also sparked conversations about what this would mean for facilities in a practical sense. Here’s what we’ll dive into during the session:

Why are brands increasingly asking for monthly data reporting?
Can monthly data collection drive real impact reduction at the facility level? If so, how?
Do disclosure regulations actually require this level of reporting frequency?
What’s the role of the FDM in the Higg Index suite, and how does it align with Cascale’s goals?

A New Way to Engage Manufacturers

This session is an experiment—a way to test how we can better connect with members, both manufacturers and brands, and put their needs and perspectives at the center of the conversation. If you think back to Cascale’s origins, convening these kinds of discussions has always been part of our DNA. Manufacturers are critical to achieving sustainability goals, but adapting to evolving tools and regulations isn’t always straightforward. By creating this space, we hope to uncover what works, what doesn’t, and where we can improve.

Back in the early SAC days, we brought in outstanding facilitators who helped set the tone for some of our most impactful work. I’d like to channel that energy and facilitation into this discussion and see where it takes us.

What to Expect

To ensure a productive conversation, we’ll bring in an independent moderator to guide the session, ensuring balanced representation and an open, fair dialogue. The goal? Honest, participative discussions that surface real insights and perspectives.

This discussion is a trial. If it works, fantastic—we’ll explore how to build on it. If not, we’ll learn and try something else. Either way, it’s a valuable chance to address key questions about the FDM and its role in driving collective impact.

I’m looking forward to seeing where this takes us. Stay tuned for details—we’re aiming to host the discussion in January 2025. Let’s make it count.

News Updates / Cascale Presents at Avery Dennison’s First Apparel Manufacturing Summit

Cascale Presents at Avery Dennison’s First Apparel Manufacturing Summit

Membership
Manufacturing

Close-up photo of a person's hands working at a sewing machine

Andrew Martin, executive vice president, Cascale participated in the inaugural global apparel factory summit hosted by Avery Dennison, a Cascale member at the forefront of sustainability and innovation.

Avery Dennison is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company that provides a wide range of branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. The event took place in Singapore in September and attendees included a select group of owners and CEOs of manufacturing facilities in Asia and Europe. Presentations and discussions centered around challenges in the supply chain, from traceability to circularity.

In a fireside chat, Martin began by sharing the main purpose of his attendance: to listen to the concerns and challenges of manufacturers—voices that need greater attention, especially in the context of traceability—and to explore how Cascale, in its role as a convener of the entire value chain, can support them. He examined how the supply chain must work together to unlock transparency and traceability. Both referenced data from Cascale’s Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) tool, which is exclusively available on Worldly. The Higg FEM is a transformative tool used to assess the environmental impact of product manufacturing at facilities, from water use to waste management, to chemical and energy use.

Martin’s presentation was especially relevant to attendees in showcasing how transformative Higg FEM data is for advancing facility improvements while reducing redundancy. He emphasized the value of the Higg Index tools in offering standardized approaches and highlighted Cascale’s crucial role in reducing duplication, increasing harmonization, and ensuring consistency, particularly in the context of data collection for traceability in response to upcoming regulations. Additional speakers included Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), among others.

Martin also shared learnings from Cascale members, noting that since much of the, legislation, —such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting & Due Diligence Directives (CSRD & CSDDD), Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and Digital Product Passport (DPP), and the US’s Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA),—are still pending further clarification, and even aligned implementation, the focus of ESG data collection processes is still being focused just on compliance with specific data points. He emphasized however that the importance of the industry shifting towards traceability, that enables more effective due diligence, risk identification, and opportunities for and verification of ESG progress.

Martin emphasized the importance of making sustainability information transparent at the site level, a core component of traceability, defined as “the process of creating visibility of materials, products, and the information in which they were produced through the supply chain, to ensure the accountability of environmental and social progress.” He characterized the burden that traceability places on manufacturers as “irrational” and called for rapid collaboration on pragmatic interventions to harmonize the ESG data reporting landscape, standardizing supply chain data points, align data collection templates and questionnaires, and harmonizing data requests and verification cycles.

He also mentioned initiatives like Cascale’s decarbonization programs, including the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), inviting attendees to consider their involvement.

Blogs / A Manufacturer’s Perspective: Busana Group’s CEO Sunil Shewakramani on Why He Prioritizes Collaboration, Data, and Sustainability

A Manufacturer’s Perspective: Busana Group’s CEO Sunil Shewakramani on Why He Prioritizes Collaboration, Data, and Sustainability

Manufacturing

In a new recurring series “A Manufacturer’s Perspective,” manufacturers share their ideas, visions, and lessons in sustainability. First up, Busana Group’s CEO Sunil Shewakramani.

As the CEO of Busana Group, a family-owned business based in Indonesia, I am proud to reflect on our nearly 50-year journey in the textile manufacturing industry.

Over the years, we’ve grown into a mid-to-large-scale company with a diverse product portfolio, including denim, athleisure, men’s shirts, ladies’ soft dressing, and outerwear. With 24 factories in Indonesia and joint ventures in countries like Jordan, Bangladesh, India, and Ethiopia, we’ve built a solid foundation based on innovation, sustainability, and a people-centric approach. We employ around 34,000 people, of whom 92 percent are women, and we are committed to fostering a stable, skilled workforce.

At Busana Group, sustainability is more than just a buzzword — it’s part of our DNA. Our journey toward environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals began back in 1982, long before ESG became an industry staple. It started with a focus on social impact—caring for our people and fostering community development. Over time, this expanded into environmental impact, where we prioritized energy efficiency, automation, and sustainable practices. We’ve always believed in doing good simply because it’s the right thing to do.

As a result, our sustainability initiatives have led to tangible improvements in efficiency, employee well-being, and environmental outcomes. One example is our LEED Platinum-certified factory, which set a global benchmark for green manufacturing when it was established in 2017. This factory, the highest-rated globally, reflects our commitment to not only meeting but exceeding industry standards. It’s investments like these that demonstrate our belief in doing well by doing good — combining ethical values with operational excellence.

But sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about people and profits too. At Busana Group, we believe in the intersection of people, planet, and profit, and see this approach as a long-term competitive advantage. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been rewarding, and it’s shaped who we are as a company today.

A key driver of our sustainability efforts is data. The ability to measure and track environmental and social performance is critical to making informed decisions and driving continuous improvement. This is why tools like the Higg Index, which we’ve been using for several years, are invaluable. The Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) provides us with a standardized framework to measure our environmental performance, identify gaps, and drive improvements across our operations. This kind of data-driven approach ensures that we stay on top of our sustainability goals, constantly pushing forward toward higher standards.

We’re also proud to be part of Cascale, the largest coalition in the fashion and consumer goods industry, where collaboration is key. Our membership gives us access to resources like the Higg Index and the broader sustainability network, allowing us to engage with brands, suppliers, and stakeholders on a deeper level. Being part of Cascale aligns with our vision of not just being a participant in the industry, but helping to lead the charge in sustainability through collective action.

As we continue to work with Cascale and leverage tools like the Higg Index, one of the most important aspects we’ve observed is the need for better alignment between brands and manufacturers. As a tier-one supplier, we play a crucial role in providing the data that brands need to meet regulatory requirements, address climate issues, and drive sustainability across the supply chain. But it’s clear that more needs to be done to bring all stakeholders — brands, manufacturers, tier-two and tier-three suppliers — into the same conversation. This is where organizations like Cascale can play a pivotal role by facilitating collaboration and setting joint sustainability goals for the entire supply chain.

The road ahead for the fashion and consumer goods industry is challenging, but the potential for meaningful, long-term impact is immense. Regulations are tightening, customer expectations are shifting, and the demand for transparency and traceability is greater than ever. In this evolving landscape, the role of data and collaboration cannot be overstated. At Busana Group, we are committed to being part of the solution, working hand in hand with our partners and leveraging tools like the Higg Index to drive meaningful change across the industry.

Our work is far from over, but I believe we are on the right path. As we move forward, we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable manufacturing. By working together with our peers, brands, and stakeholders, we can create a more sustainable, transparent, and equitable future for the industry—and for the planet.

Sunil Shewakramani is the CEO of Busana Group, an Indonesia-based global apparel manufacturer.

Find a video online: https://www.youtube.com/embed/6wbhXJC9Nn8?si=W5CN5wfnmaWllkOo?&controls=1

Blogs / Elevating Manufacturer Voices at the Forefront of Sustainable Transformation

Elevating Manufacturer Voices at the Forefront of Sustainable Transformation

Manufacturing

Lee Green

August 07, 2024

As the global fashion industry continues to grapple with the complexities of sustainability, one truth stands out: the voices of manufacturers are paramount.

This was the resounding message at Cascale’s recent Manufacturer Forum: Shanghai, held in collaboration with ISPO Shanghai. This event, part of our ongoing series, underscores the importance of pre-competitive collaboration and highlights the critical role manufacturers play in driving sustainable change.

Reflecting on Manufacturer Forum: Shanghai

The Manufacturer Forum: Shanghai was more than just an event; it was a convergence of ideas, solutions, and partnerships. With over 200 attendees, including manufacturers, business leaders, and stakeholders, the forum provided a platform to address local challenges and explore solutions. These included Cascale’s Higg Index tools and impact initiatives, like those on decarbonization. The event was a testament to our commitment to fostering an open exchange between manufacturers and understanding their needs to jointly develop solutions.

Our CEO, Colin Browne, emphasized the crucial role of manufacturers in his opening address. “China is a premier production hub and manufacturers here are truly the architects of transformation,” Browne stated. “From combating climate change to delivering decent work for all and building a nature-positive future, manufacturers are critical to achieving our collective goals.”

The Importance of Manufacturer Engagement

Our forums are designed to be catalysts for change, reflecting our theme for the current series. The Shanghai event covered a wide range of topics, from global policy updates and strategic partnerships to the evolution of Higg FEM, and decarbonization impacts. These sessions are not just about sharing knowledge but about empowering manufacturers to take actionable steps towards sustainability; goals supported by Cascale’s onsite training sessions.

The discussions in Shanghai highlighted that manufacturers –especially those in climate-induced risk zones in China, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam –are poised to offer crucial solutions. Their firsthand experiences with climate adaptation amidst pressing monsoons and heatwaves provide invaluable insights. However, the success of these initiatives depends on the active engagement and collaboration of all stakeholders, including brands and NGOs. Buyers must leverage their platforms and influence to drive change through verifiable decarbonization targets, responsible purchasing practices, and social and labor best practices.

Looking Ahead: Annual Meeting in Munich

The importance of these conversations will be further amplified at our upcoming Annual Meeting in Munich this September. This event will not only reflect the progress made but will also set the stage for future initiatives. However, it is crucial for our entire membership base to engage beyond attending events. True change comes from implementing the insights gained and working collaboratively towards our shared goals.

At Cascale, we believe events like the Manufacturer Forum are critical in shaping a sustainable future. They provide the necessary platform for open dialogue, shared learning, and collective action. As we move forward, we remain committed to amplifying the voices of manufacturers and ensuring they remain at the forefront of our sustainability efforts.

We look forward to seeing our members actively participate and drive the transformative changes needed to create a more restorative and equitable industry. Members are encouraged to join us in Munich to continue these vital conversations and work together for a better future.