Cascale collaborates with Modaes’ Move! to break down EU PEF and guide Spanish brands on actionable steps for aligning with product-level environmental measurement standards.
Highlights from Move! PEFCR Webinar:
Cascale recently collaborated with Modaes, Spain’s leading fashion business journal, to deliver a webinar on the European Union’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) framework. The session, titled “PEF or How to Measure the Environmental Footprint According to the EU,” was livestreamed on LinkedIn, engaging professionals across the Spanish consumer goods industry.
The webinar trails a recent collaboration between the organizations, with Cascale participating in a PEFCR launch event in Madrid earlier this month.
Introduced by Sònia Flotats, director of Modaes’ MOVE! platform, Melissa Ortuño de Leon – senior manager, Higg Product Tools – reinforced Cascale’s role as a technical contributor and coordinator of the Apparel and Footwear PEFCR. By translating complex regulatory developments into actionable guidance, the webinar aimed to support Spanish brands and industry-wide stakeholders in navigating evolving sustainability requirements.
Ortuño de Leon provided a clear and accessible introduction to PEF and the Apparel and Footwear Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR). She shared practical insights on how brands can prepare to assess the environmental impact of their products, including key requirements and implementation steps aligned with EU expectations.
Engagement was clear throughout the webinar. Attendee questions spanned the similarities between PEF and France’s mandate on Environmental Cost, the potential inclusion of traceability information, and product differentiators between organic and non-organic fabrics.
A recording of the webinar is now publicly available through Modaes’ MOVE! platform, extending its reach to a broader audience.
Looking ahead, Cascale will continue to explore opportunities to collaborate with Modaes to support industry alignment, strengthen understanding of sustainability frameworks, and enable credible, consistent measurement across the value chain.
Cascale convened a roundtable in Brussels focused on practical reporting realities across global value chains.
CSRD Roundtable, At a Glance
Recently, Cascale convened members for a follow-up roundtable on the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to explore practical implementation challenges for complex global value chains. Building on insights from the 2025 Annual Meeting in Hong Kong, the discussion focused on translating regulatory requirements into workable, proportionate reporting practices.
The session was held in Brussels, Belgium, and was titled “CSRD in Practice: Bridging Policy Expectations and Supply Chain Realities.” Held under Chatham House rules, participants representing the textile and apparel value chain — from manufacturers to brands, retailers, and service providers — shared perspectives on implementation questions following the adoption of Omnibus I, including topics such as data infrastructure, assurance expectations, proportionality, and supplier engagement.
“CSRD transforms sustainability reporting from a voluntary activity into something closer to financial reporting,” said Gabriele Ballero, public affairs manager at Cascale. “Our goal is to help members navigate these requirements using practical tools like the Higg Index, while conveying industry perspectives to policymakers.”
Cascale highlighted early structural alignment work between the Higg Brand & Retail Module (Higg BRM) and the first iteration of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), along with planned mapping of the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) to support responsible use of verified facility data for CSRD-related reporting.
The roundtable also emphasized interoperability and shared infrastructures as enablers of proportionality, helping reduce duplicative data requests and support reliable reporting across supply chains—particularly as questions continue to emerge around the value-chain cap and the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs (VSME).
Cascale synthesized non-attributed discussion themes into an internal summary to support member learning and inform future implementation-focused engagement. Cascale members can access related resources and ongoing updates in the Policy & Public Affairs Knowledge Hub on Cascale Connect, an online member-exclusive community.
Facilities are improving energy efficiency and reporting is more consistent, yet policy remains a critical unlock for embedding climate performance into operational decision-making.
Cascale’s latest “Decarbonization Progress in the Apparel, Footwear, and Textiles Industry” report is grounded in verified, facility-level data from thousands of manufacturing sites globally. That matters. It means the insights reflect operational reality, not projections or pledges.
Results show us that there is progress in the system: facilities are improving energy efficiency and reporting is more consistent. Climate performance is increasingly embedded into operational decision-making.
But the overall trajectory is not yet aligned with a 1.5°C pathway. That is not a failure of intent, it is a signal that we have reached the limits of what incremental, company-level improvements can deliver on their own.
One of the clearest findings from the report is the continued reliance on fossil fuels in key sourcing regions. Renewable penetration remains low in many markets, and coal continues to play a significant role in industrial energy systems.
This is not simply a procurement issue nor something brands or manufacturers can solve independently. Already, evolving European regulation coupled with existing grid challenges creates a “confusing” landscape for Asia-Pacific suppliers looking to decarbonize, as a recent Cascale policy workshop revealed. Efficiency gains help, but they cannot compensate for structural energy realities. If we want emissions reductions at scale, industrial decarbonization and energy policy must move in parallel.
And for that to happen, we cannot overlook the necessity of collaboration, data readiness, and proactive industry engagement. That’s where Cascale has a convening role to play.
The report reinforces something many in the industry already recognize: climate ambition in global supply chains is inseparable from national policy frameworks. Grid decarbonization, renewable access for industrial users, electrification strategies, and financing mechanisms are not abstract policy debates. They are direct determinants of whether climate targets in our sector are achievable.
This is where Cascale’s role becomes more assertive.
We are not simply publishing data. We are providing an evidence base that can inform smarter, more implementable policy. Verified facility-level data gives policymakers insight into where emissions are concentrated, where barriers exist, and where intervention can be most effective.
Regulation that reflects operational reality is more likely to drive impact. Regulation layered on top of fragmented reporting systems risks adding burden without accelerating emissions reductions.
Alignment matters.
The data also highlights the opportunity in greater coherence. As climate-related disclosure and due diligence frameworks evolve globally, there is a risk of increasing complexity for manufacturers and brands.
At the same time, there is an opportunity to align regulatory expectations with credible, existing data systems. When policy frameworks and industry tools move in the same direction, implementation becomes more efficient and more scalable.
Cascale is uniquely positioned at that intersection: between brands and manufacturers, between data and policy, between ambition and implementation. We see firsthand where the barriers lie. That perspective is invaluable in informing how policy evolves. From callouts at COP30 to mentions by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) in a recent report, our team is grateful to see our contributions increasingly recognized where it counts for industry-wide change
The industry is not standing still. The report shows real effort and measurable improvement, but progress at the current pace will not close the gap on its own.
The next phase of decarbonization in apparel and textiles will depend on coordinated action across industry, governments, and finance. Energy systems must transition faster and industrial users need clearer pathways and incentives. Policy must be designed with operational feasibility in mind. It must understand the realities on the ground.
Today, the data gives us a shared reference point. The responsibility now is to use it to shape the conditions that enable faster change. That is not just a sustainability challenge. It is a policy one.
Read the latest APAC political priorities paper to further understand the state of play for industry decarbonization.
Policy Guidance for a Resilient APAC Apparel and Footwear Industry
New paper from Cascale’s APAC Policy Member Expert Team calls for harmonized reporting, practical decarbonization incentives, and stronger alignment on decent work.
Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Oakland (CA) – March 17, 2026: Cascale today announced the publication of its APAC Policy Priorities Paper, developed by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Policy Member Expert Team (MET) to identify key regional sustainability challenges and provide practical, aligned recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.
As the primary hub for global apparel and footwear manufacturing, the APAC region plays a critical role in delivering credible progress on climate and decent work. The paper outlines a unified industry perspective on how governments, manufacturers, brands, and multi-stakeholder initiatives can work together to strengthen policy coherence, reduce duplicative reporting burdens, and accelerate measurable impact across complex value chains.
With sustainability regulations emerging unevenly across jurisdictions — including new climate disclosure requirements, greenhouse gas inventory obligations, and evolving labor frameworks — companies across the region are navigating increasing complexity. The APAC Policy Priorities Paper calls for greater alignment to:
The paper was co-developed by Cascale and members of its APAC Policy MET, representing manufacturers, service providers, affiliates, industry associations, and multi-stakeholder initiatives. Insights were informed by discussions at the “Aligning APAC Policy Priorities” workshop during Cascale’s Annual Meeting 2025 in Hong Kong, as well as continued input from APAC Policy MET members and ongoing member engagement activities, including regional roundtables and virtual events.
“The APAC region sits at the heart of global apparel and footwear production,” said Howard Kwong, senior manager of public affairs (APAC), Cascale. “For sustainability policy to be effective, it must reflect the operational realities of manufacturers while remaining aligned with international standards. Our members are signaling that policy ambition must be matched with practical implementation pathways.”
“Policy alignment is essential to unlocking real progress across supply chains,” said Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy, senior program manager, Textile & Manufacturing Program, IDH. “When governments and industry collaborate on consistent frameworks and credible measurement, we can reduce duplication, improve transparency, and accelerate climate and decent work outcomes in a way that works for the region.”
“Manufacturers in Asia are ready to take action, but fragmented requirements across multiple initiatives continue to increase costs and operational complexity,” said Shein Han, Director of Compliance & Sustainability at GG International Manufacturing. “Improving interoperability between tools and reporting systems will enable factories to focus their efforts where they matter most—driving better performance while strengthening support for workers.”
By bringing together diverse industry perspectives, the APAC Policy MET reinforces Cascale’s commitment to credible methodologies and tools, aligned standards, and collective action. The paper supports Cascale’s broader strategy to strengthen foundational measurement systems, combat climate change, and advance decent work through coordinated public affairs and industry engagement.
Cascale members are invited to join the “APAC Policy Priorities: Industry-Led Insights and Recommendations” webinar on April 2; click here to register on Cascale Connect.
Cascale will carry this work forward through ongoing regional engagement in 2026, including in-person dialogue with members and stakeholders to support practical implementation and coordinated policy engagement.
Media Contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk
This policy deep dive, published by Cascale and Worldly, examines how growing water scarcity and tightening regulation are reshaping the operating environment for the apparel, textile, and wider consumer goods industry — and what this means for companies navigating risk, resilience, and long-term value creation.
What you’ll learn:
As coordinator of the Technical Secretariat, Cascale highlights collaboration and convergence toward harmonized environmental measurement at Paris event.
As coordinator of the Technical Secretariat, Cascale highlights PEFCR’s emphasis on collaboration and convergence toward harmonized environmental measurement at Paris launch event.
Last month, Cascale participated in the official Paris launch event for the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for apparel and footwear. The event, held in the French Ministry of Ecological Transition in La Défense and co-organized by the French Ministry and 2BPolicy, brought together leading brands, retailers, and NGOs, including many Cascale members, to explore pathways toward convergence between France’s national Écobalyse methodology and the European PEFCR framework — two complementary approaches that share the same goal of measuring, comparing, and improving environmental performance across the apparel and footwear sector.
Gabriele Ballero, manager of policy and public affairs at Cascale, delivered opening remarks and offered reflections on the collaborative, multi-stakeholder process that led to the development of the PEFCR. He emphasized Cascale’s role as a coordinator and convener of the PEF Technical Secretariat — bringing together industry, policymakers, and experts through its global membership to develop a robust, science-based framework for measuring product-level environmental impacts. Ballero also highlighted the shared ambition of Écobalyse and the PEFCR to foster greater harmonization and transparency in sustainability measurement across the EU.
The meeting began with 2B Policy providing context on the development of the PEFCR Apparel & Footwear and its main technical choices. This was followed by a presentation from the French Ministry’s General Commission for Sustainable Development (CGDD) comparing the PEFCR framework with the Ecobalyse methodology, highlighting where elements align and where new additions have been introduced. A technical roundtable then discussed the ongoing work to update the PEFCR, including possible areas of flexibility and key open technical questions.
The final panel focused on timelines and governance for future updates to the PEFCR, examining how revisions could be structured over time and coordinated with regulatory processes. The session provided a structured exchange between technical experts, industry representatives, and policymakers.
The Paris session followed earlier events in Brussels and London and is part of an ongoing series of PEF events taking place across the EU this autumn, with additional sessions planned in Munich and potentially Milan.
As coordinator of the Technical Secretariat for the Apparel & Footwear PEFCR, Cascale continues to champion harmonized, science-based measurement frameworks that drive credible progress and alignment with evolving EU sustainability regulations.
Learn more about Cascale’s work on the Apparel & Footwear PEFCR here.
Exclusive member briefing highlights critical policy and regulatory developments shaping the consumer goods industry
Exclusive member briefing highlights critical policy and regulatory developments shaping the consumer goods industry
Cascale has released its Q3 2025 Global Legislative Update, providing members with an exclusive briefing on recent policy and regulatory developments shaping the consumer goods industry. Covering the third quarter of 2025 (July-September), the resource details both progress and setbacks in global efforts to combat climate change and support decent work. From international rulings on climate obligations to new rules on textile waste in Europe and expanding worker protections in Asia, the policy landscape continues to evolve in ways that directly affect the consumer goods industry.
Available exclusively on the members-only platform Cascale Connect, the update distills complex negotiations and emerging regulations into actionable insights. This resource is designed to help members stay informed of evolving policy landscapes across key markets worldwide.
Below is a summary from the full report:
These developments highlight the complex and fast-moving nature of the policy landscape. While some regions are advancing climate ambition and workers’ protections, others are scaling back or delaying implementation. For companies in the consumer goods industry, staying informed is essential to anticipating risks, meeting evolving compliance requirements, and identifying leadership opportunities.
Cascale’s Policy & Public Affairs team is dedicated to helping members stay prepared through continuous monitoring of global policy, expert publications, and targeted advocacy. By equipping members with actionable insights, Cascale supports collective progress toward combating climate change and supporting decent work for all.
Stay informed: Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Cascale updates, events, and public affairs activities.
Not yet a member? Explore Cascale membership today.
EFRAG highlights Higg FEM among leading platforms supporting SMEs in meeting EU sustainability requirements.
In September, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) published its Mapping of Digital Platforms and Initiatives for SME Sustainability Reporting, a comprehensive review of tools helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) align with EU sustainability requirements, including the new Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standards for SMEs (VSME).
Out of 223 platforms and initiatives surveyed, Cascale’s Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) – available exclusively on the Worldly platform – was highlighted among a small group of platforms shortlisted for deeper review. This recognition underscores Higg FEM’s credibility and strong positioning within Europe’s sustainability reporting ecosystem, particularly the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standards for SMEs (VSME).
As EU policymakers explore ways to ease compliance challenges for SMEs, EFRAG’s findings highlight the critical role of industry-developed, data-driven solutions like Higg FEM in delivering practical and scalable pathways for environmental transparency and performance improvement.
Please note that the inclusion of a tool, platform, or initiative in these reports should not be interpreted as a form of direct or indirect endorsement or certification by EFRAG.
Elisabeth von Reitzenstein, Cascale’s Senior Director of Policy and Public Affairs, highlights how Cascale and Policy Hub are partnering to shape the rules of the game in Brussels.
As sustainability regulation accelerates, Cascale’s members face an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
Legislative frameworks are advancing faster than voluntary action, which means it is critical that Cascale’s Higg Index tools are aligned with evolving requirements and continue to serve as effective pathways to support compliance.
Our members expect more than just tools: they expect foresight, influence, and support in navigating new obligations. Our manufacturer members, in particular, need support in interpreting complex regulations into practical guidance and in ensuring their perspectives are well represented.
Cascale advances policy influence, alignment, and education through two complementary channels: The Cascale Public Affairs function and collaboration with the Policy Hub, a unique Brussels-based coalition for the textile sector. Cascale co-founded the Policy Hub in 2019 to help the textile sector speak with one strong, unified voice and to ensure that all stakeholders have an equal say in shaping ambitious yet practical EU legislation.
Today, Cascale continues to play a key role by bringing insights from the Higg Index tools and its global network of members into the Policy Hub’s discussions, bridging practical experience with policy action. By working together through these two channels, we give members a holistic view of global legislation and contribute to the mission of ensuring a stronger, more unified voice of the textile sector in Brussels and globally.
Cascale holds a unique position to shape industry practices, influence regulation, and provide members with effective tools to support their compliance obligations via the Higg Index, the most widely used standardized measurement framework within the apparel and footwear industry, developed and owned by Cascale and exclusively licensed to Worldly. Cascale is actively working to maximize compliance by aligning the Higg Index and other Cascale methodologies with global legislation. To continuously improve the relevance of the Higg Index, Cascale contributes to Policy Hub’s workstreams and position papers, ultimately providing greater clarity and simplification for members.
In Brussels, Cascale leverages the Policy Hub as its primary advocacy channel. The Policy Hub leads the sector-wide dialogue to build consensus across the entire textile value chain on EU policy priorities, while also engaging directly with policymakers on the technical details needed to make legislation both ambitious and implementable. Through its workstreams and position papers, Policy Hub provides collective credibility and efficiency, ensuring that its members, including Cascale, are meaningfully represented in EU discussions, avoiding duplication via advocacy for standardized industry tools, and amplifying their impact.
This collaboration allows Cascale to combine its technical and global leadership with Policy Hub’s Brussels-based mandate, ensuring members have both the tools and the policy engagement necessary to thrive in a fast-changing environment.
Over the next few months, we will keep the industry informed about how we are working to influence forthcoming EU legislation and highlight ways in which Cascale members can get involved in shaping the regulatory environment of the future.
Also, look out for more content from me and the team on how Cascale is supporting members globally to understand better the global policy landscape and what it means for them specifically.
