Cascale’s ongoing event series amplifies the voices of manufacturers around the globe; event to be held in collaboration with ISPO Shanghai.
Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – June 6, 2024: Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition) will host Manufacturer Forum: Shanghai on June 28, part of an annual series of events designed to amplify the voices of manufacturers around the globe. Featuring targeted programming designed to address local challenges faced by manufacturers, the event will highlight solutions provided by Cascale’s Higg Index suite of tools and growing list of impact initiatives. The event takes place at the Shanghai New International Expo Center in collaboration with ISPO Shanghai, the unique, multi-segment summer trade show.
Following successful runs in Bangalore, Dhaka, and Shenzhen, Manufacturer Forum: Shanghai will further facilitate pre-competitive collaboration in order to share best practices and collectively address critical challenges. Keynote speakers include Colin Browne, the organization’s newly-appointed CEO, and Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly, Cascale’s technology partner and event sponsor.
“China is a premiere production hub and manufacturers here are truly the architects of transformation,” Browne said. “From combating climate change to delivering decent work for all and building a nature-positive future, manufacturers are critical to achieving our collective goals. It’s a priority for me to foster collaboration with manufacturers around the world. Together, we will co-create solutions that will transform the consumer goods industry into one that gives back more than it takes to people and the planet.”
“Many of Worldly’s customers are manufacturers based in China, and I am looking forward to engaging with them at the Manufacturer Forum hosted by Cascale in Shanghai,” said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly. “Manufacturers are crucial in driving social and environmental impacts. In partnership with Cascale, we will strengthen our collaboration with these manufacturing facilities, equipping them with advanced tools and insights to meet their sustainability objectives and fortify their relationships with their brand partners.”
Reflecting “Catalyst for Change,” the current theme of Cascale’s Manufacturer Forum series, the Shanghai event reinforces the organization’s commitment to support an open exchange between manufacturers and better understand their needs and ongoing challenges to jointly develop solutions.
Over 200 attendees are expected to attend the event, which brings together manufacturers with business leaders and critical stakeholders. Programming will cover a wide range of topics, including what manufacturers need to know about global policy, how strategic partnerships can drive industry change, the evolution of Higg FEM and verification processes, and the latest on decarbonization impacts. To aid goal and target-setting, there will also be dedicated training on setting Science-Based Targets for decarbonization, as part of an evolving and interactive program. Click here for more information and/or to register. Event sponsors currently include Worldly, Benchmarks, TÜV Rheinland, ESTS Global, and Stantec.
ABOUT CASCALE
Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Spanning over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe, we are united by a singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index and a unified strategy for industry transformation.
Step into the dawn of “a new era of unified impact” at the Cascale Annual Meeting 2024 in Munich, Germany and online. Exclusively crafted for Cascale members, this electrifying event brings together over 600+ attendees, representing a diverse mix of manufacturers, brands, retailers, academics, NGOs, government officials and service providers from all corners of the globe, both in-person and online.
Formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale kicks off a new era of impact empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry; co-founder Rick Ridgeway and other notable speakers attend celebratory event.
Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – February 28, 2024: Yesterday, Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), celebrated its rebrand with members, partners, stakeholders, and co-founder Rick Ridgeway at an event in London. The global nonprofit alliance empowers collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry – its new name references scaling collective action.
Spanning over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, industry associations, and NGOs/nonprofits around the globe, Cascale’s members are united by a singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than they take to the planet and its people. The logo’s elements symbolize the organization’s three member categories and external stakeholders, all critical players in advancing a unified strategy announced in September 2023.
For more history and context, please view the rebrand announcement press release and video; click here to view and download photos from the event, where speakers included, among others:
Rick Ridgeway, author, adventurer, former vice president of sustainability and public engagement at Patagonia, and Cascale’s co-founder: “We initially founded Cascale with the goal of scaling collective action throughout the consumer goods industry. That vision is one step closer today. I am so proud of the progress we have achieved — but there is much more to be done. Every year, we must double down on progress, including reducing emissions, and improving social justice. We need collective action at scale to save our planet and its people. With Cascale, I know we can do this together.”
Andrew Martin, executive vice president at Cascale: “With the social and environmental challenges facing the world and our industries today, the need for collective action at scale has never been greater. Building on our origins and experience with the Higg Index, which demonstrates true collaboration throughout the value chain, we believe the time for new energy is ripe. Cascale’s branding reflects not only the diverse perspectives of our members, partners, and stakeholders but also a renewed commitment and urgency focused on scaling collective action at this critical juncture. Together, we can transform the consumer goods industry into one that gives back more than it takes to the planet and its people.”
Tamar Hoek, Cascale board chair and senior policy director at Solidaridad, a non-corporate Cascale member: “Solidaridad joined Cascale because we believe in the vision of a global platform that brings together diverse voices — elevating the voices of manufacturers, in addition to brands. This is critically important. With Cascale’s members and collaborators, we have both the expertise to facilitate collective action and a common vision to be part of the solution.”
Sean Cady, Cascale board director and vice president of Global Sustainability at VF Corporation, a Cascale member: “After years of enabling positive impact for people and planet through the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s harmonized methodology, the organization evolves into Cascale, leveraging the SAC’s learnings and tools to create even greater positive impact. We must act with a sense of urgency to elevate our collective action for scaled sustainability improvements. I’m excited about the opportunity ahead and confident, with the conviction and dedication of all stakeholders, the consumer products industries will deliver elevated sustainability performance, supported by Cascale.”
Scott Raskin, chief executive officer at Worldly, the exclusive platform for the Higg Index tools, which has become the leader in environmental and social impact data for the apparel and footwear industry: “This is not a revolution but an evolution – the partnership between Worldly and Cascale is stronger today than ever. We have spent the past fifteen years on measurement and now is the time to scale this impact to provide greater value to members. Together, we are strengthening the Higg Index tools to facilitate industry-wide harmonization, to reduce duplicative efforts, and to provide radical collaboration for tool, program, and policy adoption. We look forward to seeing the impact of our collective action and leading the transformation of the consumer goods industry.”
Paul Wright, group executive director ESG, PDS Multinational, a Cascale member: “The organization’s vision today mirrors its founding, and the significance of the Higg Index tools is even more widely felt. For years, global apparel has been the testing ground for renewed sustainability ambitions. Now, this industry has even more to gain from Cascale’s broadening network, and vice versa. I’m excited to be part of industrial collaboration within our sector for all partners within the supply chain.”
Alexander Kohnstamm, executive director at Fair Wear, a Cascale partner: “Due diligence regulation is here to stay, and stakeholder-validated supply chain risk information is crucial for both impact and compliance. Only through education and collaboration can brands do what it takes, and Cascale facilitates this for its members. Fair Wear is happy to make our 25 years of multi-stakeholder experience in human rights due diligence available to Cascale brands, through a partnership that’s truly unique in the sector.”
Lisa Ly, senior sustainability manager at Dunelm, a home furnishings retailer and Cascale candidate member: “Dunelm is proud to work with Cascale to accelerate collective action fueled by data-driven decision making. We look forward to our continued partnership to drive further progress across home and the entire consumer goods value chain.”
ABOUT CASCALE
Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Spanning over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe, we are united by a singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index and a unified strategy for industry transformation.
On March 6, 2024 we hosted over 200 attendees at the Manufacturer Forum: Dhaka under the theme “Catalyst for Change.”
Event Gallery
We hosted a Manufacturer Forum in Shenzhen, China on July 25 2023, under the theme “Catalyst for Change.”
After a four-year hiatus, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition returned to hosting in-person Manufacturer Forums with the “Catalyst for Change” event in Shenzhen, China.
We hosted our Manufacturer Forum: Bangalore in India, on December 4, 2023, under the theme “Catalyst for Change”
Welcome to Cascale’s Manufacturer Forums! Our Manufacturer Forums are designed to empower business leaders like you to become Catalysts for Change. By participating, you’ll strengthen relationships with customers and value chain partners while championing positive change.
Learn More about our Manufacturer Forums
Welcome to Cascale’s Manufacturer Forums! Our Manufacturer Forums are designed to empower business leaders like you to become Catalysts for Change. By participating, you’ll strengthen relationships with customers and value chain partners while championing positive change.
In the aftermath of the invigorating New York Climate Week, our entire organization came together to ensure the success of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) Annual Meeting. The magnitude and depth of this event was not merely a reflection of our organizational prowess but a testament to the expansive vision SAC embodies.
The gathering of over 500 attendees, spanning both Boston and the digital realm, under our guiding theme of “Evolution for Impact,” underscored the importance of our mission. Every department, every team member, contributed to this annual, flagship moment for our global membership, emphasizing our unwavering commitment to foster a more just and sustainable industry.
The groundbreaking collaborations announced, including our alliance with the International Apparel Federation and the inception of the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), set a firm tone for our agenda.
Our CEO Amina Razvi truly captured the essence of our collective ambition. The path to achieving our goal of a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 isn’t paved with mere intentions—it demands tangible results. This resonated deeply and was a continuation of the messaging we heard in New York. Intention is no longer enough.
The Annual Meeting was structured around three stages that define our revised strategic approach to delivering greater impact at scale: Climate, Nature, and Decent Work. These stages allowed us to dissect and delve into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities our industry faces, ensuring a holistic perspective on sustainable transformation.
From an enlightening keynote by Helen Crowley, Managing Director at Pollination, to dynamic panel discussions, we traversed these key topics, offering a panoramic view of our industry’s potential. Our collaboration with Worldly emerged as a consistent thread, highlighting the value of strategic partnerships. Their commitment to enhancing the Higg Index tools further enriches our quest for sustainable evolution.
The introduction of our new SAC Board members, reflecting our parity-driven approach, added depth to our event, showcasing the expertise steering our future initiatives.
As Shyla Raghav, Chief Climate Officer at TIME, drew the event to its conclusion, her words encapsulated our journey and vision: the future of fashion is unfolding, and together, we are its sculptors.
Expressing my deepest gratitude to every individual within our organization, our attendees, sponsors, and partners: your passion and dedication have been instrumental. A special acknowledgment also to the Global Fashion Agenda for their unwavering behind-the-scenes support.
With our eyes now set on Munich for our 2024 Annual Meeting, the insights and momentum from Boston fuel our onward journey.
Together, we champion an industry that’s equitable, restorative, and continually innovative.
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