The non-profit organisation, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, said 2024 was pivotal, marked by a phase of reinvention, the formation of strategic alliances, and action across the entire system.
“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,” said Cascale board chair and Solidaridad sustainable fashion senior policy director Tamar Hoek.
Key developments and organisational growth in 2024
The report revealed that Cascale made notable progress in enhancing the Higg Index, with the introduction of Higg FEM 4.0 aimed at better environmental performance measurement throughout supply chains.
In collaboration with Worldly, the organisation further integrated its Higg Index tools into the leading sustainability data analytics platform, facilitating improved data management.
The Higg Index is a framework to measure sustainability performance in the apparel sector.
Progress in decarbonisation efforts
Cascale’s expanded the membership of its Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) to 57, aiming to potentially reduce CO₂ emissions by 419,607.92 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Additionally, Cascale released the inaugural Industry Decarbonisation Roadmap in partnership with the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) and Reset Carbon.
Progress in decent work data alignment
Cascale initiated a strategic process leading to the acquisition of selected assets from Better Buying Institute in February 2025.
This deal is expected to promote responsible purchasing practices and help achieve Cascale’s goal of Decent Work for All.
Cascale CEO Colin Browne said: “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.”
Global policy presence and advocacy
Cascale saw its global policy influence grow with the publication of its Global Policy Priorities paper and active participation in policy roundtables in Brussels, Copenhagen, and Paris.
The organisation also worked alongside the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) to craft a joint vision statement and initiated a secondment with the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), contributing to the development of new sustainability reporting standards.
Strengthening industry collaboration
Cascale established independent partnerships with BGMEA and Open Supply Hub, while also formalising an agreement with ZDHC to harmonise sustainability protocols.
The co-publication of the Apparel Alliance Supply Chain Taxonomy with industry partners aimed to standardise reporting frameworks for enhanced transparency.
Cascale Higg product tools director Joël Mertens said: “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.”
Member engagement and educational initiatives
With over 300 members worldwide, Cascale saw active member participation in various programmes, including the Fashion LEAP for Climate e-learning initiative and the GIZ PDP Solar Rooftop Initiative.
In addition to these initiatives, the organisation launched the "Source of Good" podcast to share practical applications of sustainability tools and leadership stories from around the world, reaching listeners in 51 countries.
In a separate development, Cascale appointed Harsh Saini as interim CEO, effective 1 August 2025, replacing Colin Browne, who will step down from his role on 31 July, in a decision made out of “personal choice”.
Saini previously held senior executive roles at The Fung Group and Nike and currently serves on Cascale’s board of directors.
