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Associated Press
08-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Cascale and Worldly Release New Policy Deep Dive on APAC Corporate Sustainability and Supply Chain Regulation
AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., May 8, 2025 /3BL/ - Cascale, the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry, and Worldly, the leading supply chain sustainability data insights platform, today released a new policy deep dive: Navigating Regulation and Building Resilience: Key Trends in Corporate Supply Chain Responsibility for APAC in 2025. This report examines the growing trend of climate- and supply chain-related regulations across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and their implications for global brands, manufacturers, and suppliers. Released ahead of the Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City, taking place on May 14–15, the analysis provides key insights that can inform conversations on regulatory readiness, facility-level data, and regional leadership. The urgency of these shifts is underscored by the region's exposure to climate risk,' said Elisabeth von Reitzenstein, senior director of policy and public affairs at Cascale. 'The APAC region is home to the majority of the world's 100 most environmentally at-risk cities. Our industry has a responsibility—and an opportunity—to lead in shaping more resilient, transparent supply chains. This deep dive is designed to equip our members with the foresight to do exactly that.' In addition to spotlighting major national and international regulatory developments, the deep dive outlines clear recommendations for companies, including how to invest in localized data systems, set science-based targets, and build stronger brand-manufacturer partnerships. As part of its expanded focus on the APAC region, Cascale plans to launch a new APAC Policy Member Expert Team (MET) in 2025, which will advise on regulatory priorities and help shape the organization's advocacy efforts across the region. Cascale also continues to work closely with local industry associations such as VITAS and BGMEA to support members in navigating compliance and aligning with policy momentum. 'We're committed to amplifying local voices and building policy alignment from the ground up,' said Howard Kwong, senior manager of public affairs, APAC at Cascale. 'This deep dive is part of a broader effort to equip our members in and sourcing from the APAC region with the insight, partnerships, and tools needed to lead in a shifting global landscape.' Tools such as the Higg Index continue to play a critical role in enabling companies to meet emerging regulatory and buyer expectations, offering standardized, facility-level data on environmental and social performance. To build resilient, future-ready businesses, companies must look beyond compliance and deeply understand the policy shifts unfolding across the Asia-Pacific region,' said JR Siegel, vice president, sustainability at Worldly. 'As APAC governments move from voluntary guidance to mandatory regulation, the leading companies of tomorrow will be the ones that invest in transparency, climate adaptation, and clean energy today. This paper is a call to action for businesses to treat these policy changes as an opportunity to shape the future of responsible commerce.' This publication builds on previous Cascale and Worldly policy deep dives, including reports on the EU's CS3D and IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. It reflects the organizations' ongoing commitment to delivering expert insight, regional engagement, and practical support to help the consumer goods industry meet its sustainability and compliance goals. Download the Full Report Today Get expert analysis, regional insights, and strategic recommendations to help your company meet evolving expectations and build resilience in the world's most dynamic manufacturing region. 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 ABOUT WORLDLY Worldly is the planet's leading sustainability data insights platform, trusted by 40,000+ major brands, retailers, and manufacturers in fashion, outdoor, home goods, toys, and more. Worldly uniquely collects high-resolution primary data specific to companies' value chains, operations, and products, providing insight into true impacts across carbon, water, chemistry, and labor. Featuring the most comprehensive source of ESG data for global manufacturers and the largest library of materials and product impacts, Worldly empowers businesses to scale responsibility into their global operations, faster and more accurately. Hosting, connecting with, and supporting the leading industry solutions and methodologies including ZDHC, Bluesign, and the Higg Index — developed and owned by the global nonprofit alliance Cascale — Worldly delivers the insights businesses need to reduce their impact, comply with emerging regulatory and financial disclosure requirements, and meet the expectations of a new generation of customers. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Cascale
Associated Press
10-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City Challenges Consumer Goods Industry To Act
AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, and OAKLAND, Calif., March 10, 2025 /3BL/ - The Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City, taking place on May 14-15, 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. With a focus on sustainable production, the forum underscores the critical role Vietnam plays as the world's second-largest textile, apparel, and footwear exporter. Open to both members and industry stakeholders, the event marks the first time Cascale's Manufacturer and Brand & Retail Forums are combined into one unifying platform. Set in one of the world's most critical manufacturing hubs, the two-day immersive event will address urgent sustainability challenges and opportunities, fostering collaboration between key industry actors and associated stakeholders. This year's agenda is shaped by leaders from the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), Crystal International, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Hirdaramani Group, New Balance, Puma Group, and the Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS), who serve on the event's advisory council. 'There could not be a better time or place to convene on sustainability challenges given the evolving regulatory landscape and resounding appeal for industry to fill in the gaps where promises are often falling short. Sustainability is no longer a 'nice to have,' it's a business imperative,' said Colin Browne, Cascale CEO, who will deliver the opening address. 'Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City is an opportunity for stakeholders to embed future-proofing practices into core business strategies to drive growth, resilience, and lasting impact. We are honored to host it in Vietnam, a country who remains committed to delivering on green initiatives while being in close proximity to the sourcing regions and manufacturer networks who see the first-hand impacts of the climate crisis and deepening injustices.' 'Partnering with Cascale at its forum in Vietnam is a great opportunity to bring together manufacturers and brand leaders in one of the world's key manufacturing hubs,' said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly, Lead Partner of Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City. 'Suppliers are facing growing pressure to meet sustainability targets, navigate complex reporting requirements, and manage audit fatigue—all while continuing to run their businesses. By working together, Worldly and Cascale are creating solutions that increase visibility, improve transparency, and foster real collaboration between brands and their suppliers. Our goal is to make it easier for manufacturers to share data once, reduce redundancies, and focus on meaningful progress—reducing environmental impact while improving working conditions. This partnership is about breaking down barriers and helping the entire supply chain move forward together.' Vietnam is a critical region for sustainable consumer goods production, with a particular concentration in textile, apparel, and footwear, and luggage. With $44 billion in revenue in 2024 – an over 11 percent increase, as compared to the previous year – it is now the world's second largest textile, apparel, and footwear exporter, next to China. VITAS aims for over $47 billion in export revenue this year, while continuing to deliver on commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources, part of the country's ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050. This reflects Cascale's goal of delivering a 45% reduction of GHGs across the apparel industry value chain by 2030, executed through collaborative climate action programs like the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap and GIZ PDP Solar Rooftop Initiative, which support decarbonization efforts for manufacturers in Vietnam. As one of just a few events where the entire consumer goods value chain can gather to align on shared objectives, Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City reflects the theme: 'Co-Creating Tomorrow: Unified Action for People & Planet.' The event will feature thought-provoking sessions including updates on Cascale's Higg Index tools, exclusively available on Worldly, as well as visionary speakers, a dynamic exhibition area, and specialized training sessions that provide certifications to enhance organizational credibility and demonstrate commitment to environmental and social sustainability. 'Echoing the theme 'Co-Creating Tomorrow: Unified Action for People & Planet,' I look forward to joining all the industry peers at the Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City to drive collective actions and bring actionable insights for our shared vision. Representing the voice from the manufacturers' perspective, I envision driving impactful change in the global fashion value chain,' said Kyle Chung, assistant general manager, corporate quality and sustainability, Crystal Group Limited. 'The Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City serves as an invaluable platform for driving meaningful discussions and collaboration on sustainability. At Hirdaramani Apparel, we are committed to fostering innovation and shared solutions that promote sustainable practices. This forum empowers industry leaders to collectively shape a more sustainable future for the global apparel sector,' said Leonie Vaas, general manager, sustainability at Hirdaramani Apparel. 'At New Balance, we believe in fostering greater sustainability through collective action. The only way to create a more responsible apparel and footwear industry for the future is by collaborating closely with peers, supply chain partners, and communities,' said Tony Hung, supply chain sustainability manager, New Balance. 'We've listened closely to our members and the broader industry, taking a hard look at where we can make the greatest impact. The Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City is the culmination of that effort—a program designed to bring together key players across the value chain, with the manufacturer's voice at the core. This event offers a unique platform to collaborate, learn, and take action on the most pressing issues in sustainability. It's more than just an event; it's an opportunity to be part of the movement toward real, measurable change in our industry,' said Lee Green, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, Cascale. event webpage. 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.
