Latest news with #IndustryDecarbonizationRoadmap
Business Wire
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Bangladesh Positioned to Lead Sustainable Apparel Manufacturing
AMSTERDAM & HONG KONG & OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition) has released ' Bangladesh Country Report: Macroeconomic and Sustainability Analysis,' a comprehensive report detailing Bangladesh's progress and potential to drive sustainable progress in the consumer goods industry. The report also reveals a pivotal opportunity to align with the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), a sector-wide initiative to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45 percent by 2030. This follows Cascale's April publication of the ' Vietnam Country Report: Macroeconomic, Socioeconomic, and Industry Analysis ' report, developed with the support of Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). Similar in scope, Cascale's new report emphasizes Bangladesh's impressive strides toward sustainability, including ambitious environmental targets, the rise of green manufacturing, and a growing culture of industry collaboration. 'Scaling up the decarbonization of the energy supply will be crucial for Bangladesh to meet its 2030 climate ambitions.' –Jeremy Lardeau, SVP, Higg Index, Cascale. 'The workforce is both Bangladesh's RMG sector's greatest asset – providing the people power behind its competitive advantage – and its greatest responsibility to protect. By investing in organisational health and safety, fair labor practices, and skill development, Bangladesh aims to uphold and protect the wellbeing of the millions who form the backbone of this industrial activity.' –Carolina van Loenen, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Cascale. With a robust apparel sector that contributes over 80 percent of national exports and employs more than four million people – most of them women – Bangladesh stands behind China as the world's second-largest garment exporter, commanding 7.4 percent of the global market share. With its strong economic growth and proactive sustainability initiatives, the country is positioned to leverage both domestic policies and international collaboration to advance its low-carbon transition amid evolving global market dynamics. In 2024, Bangladesh installed an interim government that issued a 2025 Renewable Energy Policy including tax incentives and measures designed to cut fuel imports, balancing continued economic growth with a shift toward cleaner energy. The interim government has set general elections for April 2026. Key Highlights from the Bangladesh Country Report include: Economic Strength & Global Relevance With a GDP of USD 451 billion in 2024 and projected growth of 3.8 percent in 2025 (IMF), Bangladesh's economic trajectory is powered by its textile and garment sector, now expanding into higher-value products and man-made fibers. Decarbonization Commitments The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has launched a Sustainability Vision 2030 to guide the industry, pledging: 30 percent GHG emissions reduction 50 percent sustainable material sourcing 20 percent energy from renewable sources Zero discharge of hazardous chemicals Exclusive Environmental Performance Insights from the Higg FEM Nearly 1,300 factories in Bangladesh used Cascale's Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) in 2023. Results show stronger performance than global averages, with opportunities to scale renewable energy use and reduce dependence on natural gas. Leadership in Green Factories Bangladesh boasts over 240 LEED-certified green garment factories – the most of any country in the world. Among these are 62 of the world's top 100 highest-rated facilities, with over 500 more in the certification pipeline. Collaborative Industry Transformation In 2024, BGMEA signed a partnership MoU with Cascale to drive unified sustainability efforts across the supply chain and, in 2025, the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and International Textile Manufacturers' Federation (ITMF) launched the Apparel and Textile Transformation Initiative (ATTI). The initiative is an innovative manufacturer-led, nationally oriented, globally coordinated program. It aims to advance environmental improvements across the supply chain by promoting manufacturer leadership on systemic challenges relating to energy use, water consumption, emissions and other key sustainability impacts, in collaboration with brands and industry initiatives. ATTI's pilot countries are Bangladesh and Türkiye, and BGMEA and BKMEA lead the ATTI Bangladesh Chapter. Under the initiative, the associations will lead the development of an ATTI Bangladesh Transformation Plan with support from the ATTI Global Council. Energy Landscape & Transition Efforts With 57 percent of national energy from gas and only two percent from renewables, Bangladesh faces challenges for a green energy transition. However, there are also many opportunities: Factories are increasingly investing in solar PV systems, bioenergy, and energy-efficient technologies to future-proof operations. A Critical Moment for the Industry The report concludes that Bangladesh is at a turning point — leveraging past progress to chart a path toward a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive future. The country's alignment with global decarbonization goals, including its role in the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, signals readiness to lead a new era of responsible manufacturing. Cascale urges brands, investors, and policymakers to support Bangladesh's transition by aligning sourcing practices with sustainability goals, offering financial mechanisms for factory upgrades, and promoting inclusive growth across the value chain. ABOUT CASCALE Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Focused Impact: Cascale's Path to 2030
In our latest blog post, Cascale CEO Colin Browne unveils our refined strategy for accelerating collective action across the consumer goods industry. He shares key insights into our renewed focus on driving measurable impact through two strategic pillars: tackling climate change and supporting decent work for all. From the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap to Better Buying, Browne outlines how Cascale is aligning its members around shared priorities, practical tools, and measurable outcomes to create lasting change. Read the full blog, titled: Focused Impact: Cascale's Path to 2030 Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Cascale
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cascale's Higg FEM Reveals Opportunities for Low-Carbon Transition in Vietnam
AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG AND OAKLAND, CA / / April 17, 2025 / Cascale Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR) could help deliver on sustainability goals as consumer goods manufacturing continues to drive GDP growth, projected at 6.5% in 2025. Issued today, the "Vietnam Country Report: Macroeconomic, Socioeconomic, and Industry Analysis" report, developed by Cascale with support from the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), highlights the evolving macroeconomic landscape, sustainability challenges facing apparel and footwear manufacturing, and the rapid expansion of the consumer goods market in Vietnam. A strong economic outlook coupled with bold sustainability initiatives reveals a country poised to play a crucial role in global decarbonization efforts, even as tariffs threaten to put 5.5% of Vietnam's GDP at risk and raise prices for American consumers (New York Times, April 6). Tariffs and other key topics impacting Vietnam will be on the agenda at the Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City on May 14-15, as Cascale members and non-members alike - including manufacturers, leading brands, service providers, and supply chain partners - come together for an immersive event to address urgent sustainability challenges and opportunities. The report includes critical analysis of data from Cascale's Higg Facility Environment Module (FEM) tool, exclusively available on Worldly. It is the first in a series of actionable reports filtering Higg FEM insights through a regional lens. In 2023, over 1,200 verified Higg FEM submissions showed coal exacerbates carbon emissions in the region: 12% of apparel and footwear facilities use coal for energy, while 94% rely on electricity purchased from Vietnam's coal-dependent grid. Although renewable energy accounts for less than 2% of the sector's energy use, the analysis underscores opportunities for transformation to a low-carbon economy, including through the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR) developed by Cascale and Aii. The report shows Vietnam can couple growth with sustainable manufacturing. Vietnam's economy is expected to grow by 6.5% in 2025, outpacing regional peers. The manufacturing sector continues to be a key driver, contributing 23.88% to GDP in 2023. Additionally, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remains robust, reaching US$31.4 billion in the first 11 months of 2024, signaling investor confidence in Vietnam's economic resilience. Employing around three million workers and generating an estimated US$71 billion in export revenues for 2024, the apparel and footwear sector is a vital component of Vietnam's economy but faces significant sustainability challenges, including high energy consumption and carbon emissions. With commitments in place for a 65-70% increase in renewable energy by 2045 - reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a projected 70-80% - Vietnam is committed to supply chain decarbonization, in line with the IDR. The report brings Cascale and Aii's IDR into focus as a potential solution. By uniting manufacturers, brands, retailers, and stakeholders around shared goals, the IDR emphasizes collective accountability and pre-competitive collaboration to accelerate systemic change across the supply chain. With a science-based target of reducing supply chain emissions by 45% by 2030, the IDR drives measurable progress through various interventions, solutions, and programs. The IDR ensures resources are targeted, so low-carbon sourcing and other benefits can be realized. This means prioritizing action in the 10% of facilities across the textile and apparel supply chain - including some in Vietnam - that account for over 80% of global manufacturing emissions. By aligning with these initiatives, facilities in Vietnam can play a pivotal role in the global transition to a low-carbon economy. "This isn't merely about compliance-it's about long-term competitiveness," said Colin Browne, Cascale CEO. "Brands increasingly prefer suppliers who meet robust sustainability standards. Manufacturers investing in sustainability today will secure long-term brand partnerships tomorrow." ABOUT CASCALE Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cascale on Contact Info:Spokesperson: CascaleWebsite: info@ SOURCE: Cascale View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
07-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Cascale CEO Calls for Sustainability in Sporting Goods at FESI Conference Keynote
At the recent Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) annual conference in Brussels, Cascale CEO Colin Browne gave a keynote speech on the state of the sports and outdoor goods industry and the importance of prioritizing sustainability to combat the climate crisis. With the theme of 'Clarifying and simplifying sustainability rules: building effective policies for the European sporting goods industry,' the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss and address key issues related to the sustainability and policy landscape within the European sporting goods industry. Following an overview of Cascale's origins and its vision to convene stakeholders across the industry on a pre-competitive basis to develop a common approach to measuring sustainability, Browne highlighted that while 52 percent of companies in the sports and outdoor industry have set carbon reduction targets, only 22 percent have committed to science-based targets. He noted inconsistent progress on sustainability across the industry, with some companies stagnating while others lead on adaptation and innovation. Browne shared statistics on the industry's decarbonization progress and urged companies to act on their sustainability commitments to maintain their competitive edge. Reaffirming Cascale's commitment to driving industry-wide decarbonization through the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), Browne emphasized that by engaging the right players, the industry could cut emissions fast and at scale. Browne shared how IDR focuses on high-impact suppliers, ensuring resources go where they matter most. Browne acknowledged the lack of harmonized legislation to drive industry-wide progress but urged companies to set their own sustainability strategies, leading by example and ensuring optimal future positioning. He emphasized the importance of leadership in business to achieve real impactful change. Closing with a call to action, Browne encouraged attendees to register for the Cascale Forum, which will take place May 14-15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The two-day event will bring manufacturers, suppliers, brands, retailers, and key industry stakeholders together to drive actionable solutions on decarbonization, foundational environmental performance, responsible purchasing practices, and audit fatigue.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cascale Explores How MCAP Can Accelerate Climate Action for Manufacturers at Komar Events
NORTHAMPTON, MA / / March 31, 2025 / Cascale: Joyce Tsoi, senior director of the Decarbonization Program at Cascale, recently presented at the virtual Komar Supply Chain Sustainability Forums in Vietnam and Cambodia. The event brought together Komar Brands' Tier 1 and 2 suppliers and featured presentations from industry experts on supplier best practices and brainstorming sessions on environmental and product sustainability initiatives. Tsoi kicked off her presentation by giving an overview of Cascale's origins and its vision to convene stakeholders across the industry on a pre-competitive basis to develop a common approach to measuring sustainability. After an overview of Cascale's growth in membership and evolution, Tsoi highlighted Cascale's strategic pillars - Combat Climate Change and Support Decent Work for All - as critical to the organization's renewed focus. Decarbonization remains a critical focus for the industry. In Vietnam and Cambodia alone, we've seen only 27 companies committed to set science-based targets (SBTs), and out of those, 12 companies have validated targets from the apparel, footwear, and textile sector. From Higg FEM data insight, we need to continue to strive for significant actions in South East Asia. Without significant actions and progress, the economic, environmental, and social impacts will continue to escalate. Tsoi shared Cascale's efforts to combat climate change and accelerate industry-wide decarbonization through the new Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), developed in partnership with Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) and with the support of RESET Carbon. She noted how science-based targets (SBTs) and science-aligned targets (SATs) provided a focused first step for companies embarking on their decarbonization journey, complementing the broader IDR roadmap. IDR is a bold, industry-wide initiative to tackle supply chain emissions at scale, aiming to decarbonize global manufacturing from tier 1 finished production assembly, tier 2 material production to tier 3 raw material processing facilities. Central to IDR, Tsoi highlighted the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) framework and how Cascale works with manufacturers to commit and set SATs for validation, evaluate their climate risks, develop a decarbonization plan, and communicate progress with stakeholders. She detailed the program's benefits, including peer-to-peer learning, best practice sharing in the industry, as well as technical advisory support, training, and guidance. She shared how capacity-building programs - such as MCAP - enable knowledge and skills to be scaled to support manufacturers step-by-step in their target-setting process to support developing their decarbonization plan. In tandem, Tsoi emphasized the importance of leveraging tools such as the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) in establishing a firm environmental foundation for effective action. With this accurate energy and carbon baseline measurement, companies can determine their focus on tangible energy and carbon reduction opportunities, develop an action plan to take necessary actions, and achieve meaningful progress. Delving deeper into the Higg FEM, Tsoi shared key insights on its adoption in facilities in Vietnam and Cambodia, which showed a significant growth, with more facilities recognizing the Higg FEM as a core tool for measuring environmental performance. Lastly, she noted the critical value of responsible purchasing practices in moving the industry forward, highlighting Cascale's recent purchase of key assets of Better Buying Institute (BBI) as a testament of its commitment to advance responsible purchasing practices across the consumer goods industry. Tsoi concluded her presentation by inviting attendees to register for the Cascale Forum, which will take place May 14-15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The two-day event will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, brands, retailers, and key industry stakeholders to drive actionable solutions for decarbonization, environmental performance, responsible purchasing practices, and audit fatigue. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cascale on Contact Info: Spokesperson: CascaleWebsite: info@ SOURCE: Cascale View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
