Cascale formalized the Decarbonization Program in 2021, requiring Brand & Retailer members to set Science-Based Targets (SBTs) with the aim of reducing carbon emissions.

In 2023, in collaboration with Nike and the Target Corporation, we established the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), which empowers manufacturers to set Science-Aligned Targets (SATs) and reduce carbon emissions. MCAP engages Cascale members and non-members alike; manufacturer members are required to set SATs.

Nearly 60 percent of Cascale members have set or begun the process of setting SBTs or SATs, and MCAP has engaged over 60 manufacturers.

Yet progress is not happening fast enough – especially in manufacturing hubs, primarily located in the Global South, where the impacts of climate change are painfully clear. Cascale recognizes that the urgency of the climate crisis and its compounding effects on workers must be mitigated. Most importantly, successful strategies to address climate-induced risks must be co-created and implemented collaboratively with stakeholders, highlighting manufacturer voices.

The Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), developed by Cascale and Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), with the support of RESET Carbon, is a comprehensive approach to drive measurable progress on decarbonization.

Designed to tackle challenges unique to the global textile and apparel supply chain, the IDR connects brand commitments with real action at the manufacturing level to create business opportunities for manufacturers and drive impact.

The IDR accelerates the deployment of decarbonization strategies where they will have the most impact, initially targeting the 10% of facilities — roughly 1800 identified through Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) data, primarily textile wet processing mills (Tier 2) — that account for over 80% of carbon emissions in the supply chain.

Our goal? Enabling a 45% reduction of GHGs by 2030, powering a global movement toward a sustainable, resilient future.