As the global fashion industry continues to grapple with the complexities of sustainability, one truth stands out: the voices of manufacturers are paramount.
This was the resounding message at Cascale’s recent Manufacturer Forum: Shanghai, held in collaboration with ISPO Shanghai. This event, part of our ongoing series, underscores the importance of pre-competitive collaboration and highlights the critical role manufacturers play in driving sustainable change.
The Manufacturer Forum: Shanghai was more than just an event; it was a convergence of ideas, solutions, and partnerships. With over 200 attendees, including manufacturers, business leaders, and stakeholders, the forum provided a platform to address local challenges and explore solutions. These included Cascale’s Higg Index tools and impact initiatives, like those on decarbonization. The event was a testament to our commitment to fostering an open exchange between manufacturers and understanding their needs to jointly develop solutions.
Our CEO, Colin Browne, emphasized the crucial role of manufacturers in his opening address. “China is a premier production hub and manufacturers here are truly the architects of transformation,” Browne stated. “From combating climate change to delivering decent work for all and building a nature-positive future, manufacturers are critical to achieving our collective goals.”
Our forums are designed to be catalysts for change, reflecting our theme for the current series. The Shanghai event covered a wide range of topics, from global policy updates and strategic partnerships to the evolution of Higg FEM, and decarbonization impacts. These sessions are not just about sharing knowledge but about empowering manufacturers to take actionable steps towards sustainability; goals supported by Cascale’s onsite training sessions.
The discussions in Shanghai highlighted that manufacturers –especially those in climate-induced risk zones in China, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam –are poised to offer crucial solutions. Their firsthand experiences with climate adaptation amidst pressing monsoons and heatwaves provide invaluable insights. However, the success of these initiatives depends on the active engagement and collaboration of all stakeholders, including brands and NGOs. Buyers must leverage their platforms and influence to drive change through verifiable decarbonization targets, responsible purchasing practices, and social and labor best practices.
The importance of these conversations will be further amplified at our upcoming Annual Meeting in Munich this September. This event will not only reflect the progress made but will also set the stage for future initiatives. However, it is crucial for our entire membership base to engage beyond attending events. True change comes from implementing the insights gained and working collaboratively towards our shared goals.
At Cascale, we believe events like the Manufacturer Forum are critical in shaping a sustainable future. They provide the necessary platform for open dialogue, shared learning, and collective action. As we move forward, we remain committed to amplifying the voices of manufacturers and ensuring they remain at the forefront of our sustainability efforts.
We look forward to seeing our members actively participate and drive the transformative changes needed to create a more restorative and equitable industry. Members are encouraged to join us in Munich to continue these vital conversations and work together for a better future.
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.
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.
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