The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) has rebranded itself as Cascale. The change was announced on 26 February. The celebrations are slated for today (27 February) at a networking event in London.
- The SAC rebranding comes in the backdrop of its spin-off organisation Higg Inc being rebranded as Worldly.
- Both SAC and Higg Inc had been at the receiving end of criticism from both activists and consumer authorities since the second half of 2022 when they were hauled up for enabling greenwashing by brands.
- Earlier this month, the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) was hived off as an independent non-profit.
- The SAC was founded in 2009 by Walmart and Patagonia.
THE JUSTIFICATION: As home furnishings, sporting and outdoor goods, and bags and luggage companies began joining the SAC and using the Higg Index tools alongside existing corporate and non-corporate SAC members, the organisation felt the need for a more expansive name.
- As of January 2024, 10% of Cascale’s members serve or operate in product categories adjacent to apparel and footwear.
THE NEW NOMENCLATURE: The “Cas” in Cascale is “SAC” reversed, while “CA” refers to “collective action,” and “scale” references scaled ambitions.
- The new logo’s visual elements are meant to evoke a new “phase” similar to lunar cycles in nature, as well as moonlight or a mirrored reflection.
- The elements symbolise the organisation’s three member categories and external stakeholders, all critical players in advancing the unified strategy announced in September 2023.
- Cascale is pronounced “kæsk eɪl.”
PLANS AHEAD: Cascale will seek to drive impact at scale through three foundational pillars—Combat Climate Change, Decent Work for All, and Nature Positive Future—forming a unified strategy for industry transformation through collective action programmes that guide members from action to impact.
- The Decarbonisation Program, launched in 2022, is being projected as a leading example of these programmes in action.
- Cascale will be building and expanding impact programs focused on responsible corporate practices, circular product design, and responsible manufacturing, while advocating for effective policy that aims to leverage collective action, making systemic change not just possible but inevitable.
