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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
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cascale, Aii report shows Vietnam gains ground in apparel's low-carbon shift
The report titled "Vietnam Country Report: Macroeconomic, Socioeconomic, and Industry Analysis" provides an in-depth look at Vietnam's economic and industrial landscape. It is the first of a series that integrates insights from Cascale's sustainability assessment tool, Higg Facility Environment Module (FEM), exclusively featured on Worldly. An analysis of over 1,200 verified Higg FEM submissions from 2023 reveals a significant carbon footprint due to coal usage, with 12% of facilities directly using coal and 94% dependent on Vietnam's coal-heavy electricity grid. Despite this, renewable energy makes up less than 2% of energy consumption within the sector, presenting a substantial opportunity for transitioning to greener practices as outlined in the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR) by Cascale and Aii. As per the report, Vietnam's economic forecast shows a promising 6.5% growth rate by 2025, surpassing its regional counterparts. The manufacturing industry remains a cornerstone of this growth, accounting for nearly 23.88% of GDP in 2023. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) also reflects strong investor confidence, with $31.4bn recorded in the initial 11 months of 2024. The apparel and footwear industry generates three million workers and was estimated to contribute $71bn in export revenues for Vietnam in 2024. However, it also confronts serious sustainability issues, such as high energy use and carbon emissions. Vietnam has pledged to enhance its renewable energy usage by 65-70% by 2045, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 70-80%, demonstrating its commitment to supply chain decarbonisation aligned with the IDR. The IDR ensures that resources are allocated effectively, enabling the realisation of low-carbon sourcing and additional advantages. This involves concentrating efforts on the critical 10% of sites within the textile and apparel supply chain, some of which are located in Vietnam, as these are responsible for more than 80% of the worldwide manufacturing emissions. The report recommends prioritising the uptake of renewable energy and the implementation of circular economy practices. It urges brands to cultivate enduring partnerships with their supply chain collaborators, which will promote fairness and catalyse reformative business methods. There is an emphasis on investing in the enhancement of employee skills, especially in areas related to sustainability and environmentally friendly technologies. The report also recommended staying informed about changes in Vietnam's regulatory landscape to guarantee adherence to regulations and to take advantage of emerging market prospects. Cascale CEO Colin Browne said: 'This isn't merely about compliance—it's about long-term competitiveness. Brands increasingly prefer suppliers who meet robust sustainability standards. Manufacturers investing in sustainability today will secure long-term brand partnerships tomorrow.' In March this year, Cascale revised its Higg Brand and Retail Module (Higg BRM), which is part of the Higg Index, to correspond with EU sustainability reporting rules and legislation. "Cascale, Aii report shows Vietnam gains ground in apparel's low-carbon shift" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cascale, Aii report shows Vietnam gains ground in apparel's low-carbon shift
The report titled "Vietnam Country Report: Macroeconomic, Socioeconomic, and Industry Analysis" provides an in-depth look at Vietnam's economic and industrial landscape. It is the first of a series that integrates insights from Cascale's sustainability assessment tool, Higg Facility Environment Module (FEM), exclusively featured on Worldly. An analysis of over 1,200 verified Higg FEM submissions from 2023 reveals a significant carbon footprint due to coal usage, with 12% of facilities directly using coal and 94% dependent on Vietnam's coal-heavy electricity grid. Despite this, renewable energy makes up less than 2% of energy consumption within the sector, presenting a substantial opportunity for transitioning to greener practices as outlined in the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR) by Cascale and Aii. As per the report, Vietnam's economic forecast shows a promising 6.5% growth rate by 2025, surpassing its regional counterparts. The manufacturing industry remains a cornerstone of this growth, accounting for nearly 23.88% of GDP in 2023. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) also reflects strong investor confidence, with $31.4bn recorded in the initial 11 months of 2024. The apparel and footwear industry generates three million workers and was estimated to contribute $71bn in export revenues for Vietnam in 2024. However, it also confronts serious sustainability issues, such as high energy use and carbon emissions. Vietnam has pledged to enhance its renewable energy usage by 65-70% by 2045, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 70-80%, demonstrating its commitment to supply chain decarbonisation aligned with the IDR. The IDR ensures that resources are allocated effectively, enabling the realisation of low-carbon sourcing and additional advantages. This involves concentrating efforts on the critical 10% of sites within the textile and apparel supply chain, some of which are located in Vietnam, as these are responsible for more than 80% of the worldwide manufacturing emissions. The report recommends prioritising the uptake of renewable energy and the implementation of circular economy practices. It urges brands to cultivate enduring partnerships with their supply chain collaborators, which will promote fairness and catalyse reformative business methods. There is an emphasis on investing in the enhancement of employee skills, especially in areas related to sustainability and environmentally friendly technologies. The report also recommended staying informed about changes in Vietnam's regulatory landscape to guarantee adherence to regulations and to take advantage of emerging market prospects. Cascale CEO Colin Browne said: 'This isn't merely about compliance—it's about long-term competitiveness. Brands increasingly prefer suppliers who meet robust sustainability standards. Manufacturers investing in sustainability today will secure long-term brand partnerships tomorrow.' In March this year, Cascale revised its Higg Brand and Retail Module (Higg BRM), which is part of the Higg Index, to correspond with EU sustainability reporting rules and legislation. "Cascale, Aii report shows Vietnam gains ground in apparel's low-carbon shift" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
17-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Cascale's Higg FEM Reveals Opportunities for Low-Carbon Transition in Vietnam
AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and Oakland, Calif., April 17, 2025 /3BL/ - 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 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
