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How the Higg BRM Supports CSRD Reporting Obligations
Now Available: Download our white paper on Higg BRM Alignment with CSRD. See how the tool supports companies in meeting their regulatory reporting obligations.
At the end of June, Cascale published its 2023 Annual Report, showcasing many milestones, achievements, and a renewed strategic direction over the past year.
Here, Cascale team members reflect on their highlights from the year, capturing their shared commitment to sustainability and collective action at scale.
“In 2023, we refined our strategic plan and this past year has been the implementation of that plan, which focuses on combating climate change, fostering decent work for all, and building a nature-positive future. This is our true north. We also took our collaborative efforts to new heights, signing strategic partnerships with the Apparel Impact Institute and Fair Wear and continuing our work with The Industry We Want among many others. The opportunity at hand is to dissolve barriers, speak with our fellow stakeholders across the value chain, take calculated risks, and furthermore – take responsibility and hold each other accountable.”
Executive Pick: Colin Browne, Chief Executive Officer
“With improved data accuracy, stakeholder input, and global standards in mind, we pulled off a series of improvements to the Higg Index last year, including the Higg Brand & Retail Module (BRM) and Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM). All of these enhancements enable a clear pathway forward with actionable intelligence. We look to our community for guidance as we continue to evolve our tool roadmap to drive change.”
Executive Pick: Jeremy Lardeau, Senior Vice President, the Higg Index
“Cascale events offer a vital platform for our diverse and global community to come together in person and online, fostering open dialogue, exchange of best practices, and collaborative solutions. In 2023, the Annual Meeting saw record attendance with our community coming together in Boston under the “Evolution for Impact’’ theme. We also relaunched our Manufacturer Forum series last year, giving a space for manufacturers to address challenges while providing innovative solutions.”
Executive Pick: Lee Green, Senior Director, Communications
“The development of a shared perspective of the apparel supply chain tiers will provide clarity to our industry and enhance future communications and tool alignment strategies. We look forward to the continuation and release of this work with our apparel alliance partners [Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC), and Textile Exchange].”
Executive Pick: Joël Mertens, Director, Higg Product Tools
“We hit an incredible membership milestone in 2023. Cascale’s membership, for the first time, surpassed 300 global members, including retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, and NGOs. Membership also began to expand beyond textiles and apparel, and into adjacent product categories. Today, Cascale’s membership is growing with representation across apparel, footwear, textiles, home furnishings, outdoor sporting goods, bags and luggage companies.”
Executive Pick: Erlinda Lee, Director, Global Membership Development
“With the formation of our Public Affairs department last year, we answered the call to not only meet regulation in stride but anticipate its ripple effect on our industries. With unanimous support from the Board, we assembled our Public Affairs department with technically rich expertise and leadership to guide us into our next era of impact.”
Executive Pick: Andrew Martin, Executive Vice President
“In 2023, we saw significant progress in the Decarbonization Program, with over 50 percent of members committed to, or in the process of committing to, Science-Based Targets. Cascale also announced the launch of its Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) which enabled many suppliers to advance their decarbonization journey by having the access to the support and knowledge in science-aligned target setting.”
Executive Pick: Joyce Tsoi, Senior Director, Decarbonization Program
With much in store in upcoming months, including the 2024 Annual Meeting, the Cascale team is pleased to continue its foray into a new era of impact alongside stakeholders.
Cascale has released its 2023 Annual Report, showcasing the milestones, achievements, and strategic direction of Cascale over the past year, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and collective action at scale.
“2023 has been a year of significant transformation for Cascale. We have not only grown our membership and enhanced our tools but have also laid a strong foundation for future impact. Our commitment to driving sustainability and equitable business practices is stronger than ever. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to collaborating with our members and the broader ecosystem to achieve our collective goals,” said Colin Browne, CEO of Cascale.
This was a transformative year for Cascale, marked by significant growth, strategic initiatives, and impactful collaborations. The annual report provides an in-depth look at the organization’s efforts to enhance transparency, combat climate change, foster decent work, and build a nature-positive future. It also introduces the exciting rebranding of the organization and highlights the progress made with its flagship Higg Index tools. It is the second publication of its kind for Casale, with 2022 being the inaugural reporting year.
Key Highlights from the 2023 Annual Report:
“What an eventful year! The progress we’ve made in 2023 is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff, Board, members, and stakeholders. While challenges remain, our path is filled with purpose, and we are more committed than ever to driving sustainable change across the industry,” said Tamar Hoek, Board Chair of Cascale, and Senior Policy Director Sustainable Fashion, Solidaridad.
Looking Ahead
As Cascale moves forward, it remains dedicated to catalyzing collective action toward an equitable and restorative consumer goods industry. The efforts in 2023 have laid a solid foundation for continued progress, and Cascale looks forward to working closely with its members and stakeholders to achieve even greater impact in the years to come. The future will also be a hot topic at Cascale’s Annual Meeting, to be held September 9 to 11 in Munich, Germany.
Cascale invites all stakeholders to explore the full 2023 Annual Report and join in the shared journey toward a more sustainable future. Members can register for the upcoming Annual Meeting here.
Cascale has released its 2023 Annual Report, showcasing the milestones, achievements, and strategic direction of Cascale over the past year, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and collective action at scale.
Our reflections on driving positive progress, addressing challenges and fostering collective impact within the textile and apparel industry.
A decade after we launched, we find ourselves at an inflection point. The COVID-19 pandemic, changes to our climate, and social unrest have fundamentally altered our industry, our society, and our way of life. It is no longer an option to delay action. Worldwide, consumers and investors are prioritizing companies that prioritize sustainability.