Cascale has released its 2024 annual report, showcasing the organization’s advancements and emphasizing the critical need for increased sustainability initiatives and prompt action within the apparel sector.
Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale described 2024 as a transformative year characterized by reinvention, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to action across the entire industry.
“In 2024, we didn’t just rebrand: we refocused. Our members are calling for more clarity, better alignment, and faster progress. This report highlights the steps we’ve taken together, how we’re convening the industry in more focused, effective ways, and where we must go next,” noted Tamar Hoek, board chair of Cascale and senior policy director of Solidaridad sustainable fashion.
Significant Developments and Organizational Growth
The report highlighted Cascale’s impressive strides in refining the Higg Index, with the launch of Higg FEM 4.0 designed to enhance environmental performance assessment across supply chains. In tandem with Worldly, the organization successfully integrated its Higg Index tools into a leading sustainability data analytics platform, allowing for improved data management and accessibility.
The Higg Index serves as a crucial framework for measuring sustainability performance in the apparel industry.
Advancements in Decarbonization Efforts
Cascale has expanded its Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) membership to 57, with an ambitious goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 419,607.92 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. In a collaborative effort with the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) and Reset Carbon, Cascale also unveiled its first Industry Decarbonisation Roadmap, outlining pathways for significant emissions reductions.
Progress in Promoting Decent Work
In February 2025, Cascale initiated a strategic process to acquire select assets from the Better Buying Institute. This acquisition is expected to bolster responsible purchasing practices, furthering Cascale’s commitment to achieving Decent Work for All.
Cascale CEO Colin Browne stated, “2024 was about unity in purpose. Through industry-wide initiatives, deeper stakeholder engagement, and policy innovation, we laid a foundation for the next phase of impact.”
Expanding Global Policy Influence and Advocacy
Cascale’s global policy presence has strengthened, as evidenced by the publication of its Global Policy Priorities paper and active involvement in policy discussions in Brussels, Copenhagen, and Paris. The organization collaborated with the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) to develop a joint vision statement and initiated a secondment with the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), contributing to new sustainability reporting standards.
Strengthening Industry Collaboration
Cascale has forged independent partnerships with organizations such as BGMEA and Open Supply Hub, and formalized an agreement with ZDHC to standardize sustainability protocols. The collaborative publication of the Apparel Alliance Supply Chain Taxonomy with industry partners aims to create a unified reporting framework for improved transparency and accountability.
Joël Mertens, Cascale’s Higg product tools director, remarked, “The development of a shared perspective of the apparel supply chain tiers will provide clarity to our industry and enhance future communications and tool alignment strategies. We look forward to the continuation and release of this work with our apparel alliance partners.”
Engaging Members Through Education Initiatives
With a membership base exceeding 300 worldwide, Cascale has seen enthusiastic participation in various programs, including the Fashion LEAP for Climate e-learning initiative and the GIZ PDP Solar Rooftop Initiative. Additionally, the organization launched the “Source of Good” podcast, which shares practical applications of sustainability tools and leadership stories globally, reaching listeners in 51 countries.
Cascale’s annual report paints a picture of an organization at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the apparel industry, highlighting both its achievements and the challenges that lie ahead. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to education, Cascale aims to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future in fashion, aligning its efforts with the pressing demands of the industry.
