Nonprofit Cascale's CEO Colin Browne told Just Style exclusively his organisation has an "important role to play" in terms of guiding the apparel sector on sustainability as it is founded on data.
He explained: "Sustainability is moving away from being a voluntary passionate-driven cause to an operational imperative and the standards being rolled out in Europe will ultimately be rolled out into other coutnries."
He also pointed out that sustainability will be a given in all apparel businesses in future and stated: "Most businesses don’t have a profit department and the same will be true for sustainability – you will have to run a sustainable business."
Browne believes his organisation has to "take the half step forward and help manufacturers, brands and civil society."
Cascale is already having talks with the EU on policy given Europe is leading the global charge on ESG legislation within the apparel sector.
He explained: "We have people working with them to help them understand the mechanics of what’s practical for this industry."
He added that Cascale will "lean into that going forward" and there are plans to expand and "double-down" on that part of the business to help legislators understand what practical legislation looks like.
Browne shared Cascale will be hosting a policy-specific event in Brussels on 4-5 December to give his members an opportunity to connect with policymakers and industry leaders, and explore concrete actions for a sustainable transition in the consumer goods industry.
He pointed out Cascale is working hard to help that come together as it becomes an industry imperative for everyone to embrace change when it comes to sustainability.
He admitted that as it stands the apparel industry is "incredibly fragmented" so he accepts that Cascale will have to focus on a "few big things" that will make a difference as opposed to "being passionate about everything".
He was quick to add that he is more optimistic than ever "because we know how to do it"
"Over the next three to five years as the global economy evolves and we get closer to 2030 and continue to lean into the tools we’ve built we can drive meaningful change."
