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.