The event, expected to attract over 500 participants from across the consumer goods value chain, aims to enable those at the core of global production to exchange insights, strengthen capabilities, and apply established practices for a fairer and more resilient supply chain.
The forum will bring together manufacturers, brands, retailers, non-governmental organisations, policymakers, and solution providers for two days of plenaries, workshops, and practical training sessions. The theme of the event is “Action by Design: Accelerating a Fairer, More Resilient Value Chain.”
The agenda is designed to focus on effective brand-manufacturer collaboration and hands-on learning with Cascale’s industry tools, including the Higg Index and Better Buying. In-person only attendance is available.
This year’s programme will also introduce side meetings and factory tours coordinated by local organisations. These activities are intended to give delegates direct exposure to regional operational methods, sustainability initiatives, workforce management strategies, and environmental performance improvements within Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector.
Sri Lanka’s role as host reflects its significance in the global apparel supply chain. The country’s textile and apparel export sector represents nearly half of national exports and accounts for 6% of GDP.
Manufacturers in Sri Lanka have implemented high environmental and social standards as well as early adoption of sustainability frameworks such as the Higg Index.
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), which represents Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel exporters will act as Association Collaborator for Cascale Forum: Colombo.
JAAF chairman Saifuddin Jafferjee said: “Sri Lanka has long played an important role in advancing responsible manufacturing. Cascale Forum: Colombo provides a valuable platform to share regional experience, strengthen collaboration across the value chain, and contribute practical insights that support a fairer, more resilient industry.”
The Cascale Forum rotates annually among key manufacturing regions; Colombo follows Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, which hosted the previous forum in 2025.
Lead sponsorship for the 2026 event comes from Worldly alongside MAS Holdings, TÜV Rheinland, Komar and GSCS.
Hirdaramani director and Cascale’s Programme Advisory Group member Nikhil Hirdaramani said: “South Asia is known in the global apparel industry for combining innovation, quality, and responsible manufacturing. Cascale Forum: Colombo showcases how that leadership contributes meaningfully to global industry progress.”
