Colin Browne, CEO of Cascale, recently addressed the International Apparel & Footwear Compliance Conference in Vietnam, hosted by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). The event brought together industry leaders to deepen their understanding of U.S. compliance requirements and brand expectations for factories.

In his keynote, Browne tackled the pressing challenges of compliance and climate urgency, calling for a proactive industry approach as global legislation increasingly shifts from voluntary to mandatory requirements. He outlined Cascale’s commitment to supporting sustainable supply chains, highlighting the Higg Index suite of tools, used by over 40,000 companies to measure and improve their sustainability impacts.

Drawing from his extensive background in procurement at Under Armour, VF, and Li & Fung, Browne shared firsthand insights into supply chain impacts. He emphasized the need for leadership and disruption to guide the industry through an evolving global landscape shaped by recent and upcoming elections in key markets such as India, Pakistan, the U.S., and the U.K. He praised Cascale’s partnerships with organizations like AAFA in the U.S. and Policy Hub in the EU, which drive collective advocacy on policy issues critical to the industry’s future.

Browne commended the industry’s innovation and collaboration while underscoring Cascale’s role in driving collective action. He spotlighted the work of Cascale’s Policy & Public Affairs team, which collaborates with organizations like AAFA and Policy Hub to advocate for industry-wide positions and engage in policy discussions.

Browne emphasized Vietnam’s strategic role in global apparel exports, noting the presence of Cascale members such as the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS).  He then highlighted Cascale’s local engagement, including an APAC Manufacturer Interview Group designed to amplify manufacturers’ voices in global policy discussions. He also announced plans for an APAC-focused policy paper and previewed the upcoming Cascale Forum in Ho Chi Minh City, set for May 14–15, 2025.

Closing his address, Browne urged the audience to ramp up decarbonization efforts, stressing the need for urgent action to address climate challenges while building resilient, sustainable supply chains.