Cascale Acquisition of Key Assets

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

SFC’s key assets—including its signature programs, and exclusive member tools—are being acquired by Cascale to ensure that the work of advancing sustainability in the home furnishings industry can grow within a larger, global alliance. Cascale provides the infrastructure, science-based tools, and international network needed to scale SFC’s impact. By bringing SFC’s key assets under Cascale’s umbrella, we can preserve the value created for our members, expand opportunities for collaboration, and secure a stronger long-term future for sustainability leadership in home furnishings. SFC, as a membership organization, will remain as an entity for a transitional period, with Cascale managing the tools and programs.

The sustainability challenges facing our industry require more collaboration, better tools, and stronger infrastructure. The acquisition of key SFC assets by Cascale ensures that our members can access global best practices, science-based tools, and a broader network to support their sustainability journeys.

Over time, as the transition progresses, SFC members will gain access to:

• A global network of sustainability and industry leaders
• Innovative, research-based tools like the Higg Index and the Cascale Better Buying surveys
• New member resources, training, education
• World-leading events bringing together industry leaders and experts to share best practices and innovative solutions to drive sustainability
• Collaborative opportunities that drive transformative sustainability
• A stronger voice in global sustainability efforts.

SFC’s mission and focus on the furnishings sector will remain active. SFC will continue to operate as a stand-alone 501(c)(6) membership association for approximately the next 12 months. This ensures continuity of programs, recognition, and member services while Cascale builds out the structure to integrate home furnishings fully.

SFC’s core mission—to promote sustainable practices in the home furnishings industry—will continue under Cascale’s management. Signature programs like the Wood Furniture Scorecard and GREENleaders will be supported and potentially expanded. In addition, SFC members will continue to access the Eco-Insight Assessment Tool (EIA) and other SFC education and networking programs throughout the transition. SFC will also remain active with live learning opportunities at furniture trade shows and through virtual working groups and webinars. The SFC brand will stay visible and meaningful during this period, ensuring continuity for members and the industry.

The same services and brand will continue for the time being as we work out the best way of integrating SFC’s assets into Cascale, after the transition period.

Over the past year, the SFC Board of Directors—composed of industry peers—voted unanimously to pursue a strategic plan to scale SFC’s impact. After extensive consideration, legal review, and collaborative planning, the SFC Board and staff worked diligently to facilitate this proposed transaction. As a 501(c)(6) membership organization, we invited our member companies to participate in a vote on the proposed resolution. To pass, the resolution required approval from at least 51% of all eligible voting members. When the election concluded, 97.3% of the votes were in favor of approving the written resolution, with 62% of members voting. 

The Higg Index

The Higg Index is the most widely used standardized measurement framework within the apparel and footwear industry. Today, 40,000 organizations around the world use the Higg Index tools. Covering water use, carbon emissions, labor conditions, and more, the Higg Index tools provide a deep well of data that can be used by brands, retailers, manufacturers, NGOs, and others to identify pain points and develop sustainability strategies that are transforming the industry.

Combating Climate Change:

• Cascale convenes and collaborates with industry stakeholders to identify where best to spend resources and energy around decarbonization, enable the deep decarbonization investments required to be made in a fair and equitable way, and to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of efforts in support of an accelerated industry decarbonization roadmap.
• Welcoming Cascale members and non-members alike, the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) helps manufacturers develop and validate Science-Aligned Targets (SATs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the consumer goods industry.
• Cascale’s Decarbonization Program requires Brand & Retailer members to set Science-Based Targets (SBTs) with the aim of reducing carbon emissions, and supports manufacturers develop and validate Science-Aligned Targets (SATs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the consumer goods industry. Nearly 60 percent of Cascale members have set or have begun the process of setting SBTs or SATs.

Supporting Decent Work for All

• Cascale scales collective action to champion workers’ rights, ensure fair purchasing practices, and streamline audits to foster safe, equitable workplaces. Initially developed by the Better Buying Institute, Cascale’s acquisition of Better Buying’s tools and methodologies earlier this year reflects its commitment to advancing responsible purchasing practices and promoting fair, accountable, and socially just supply chains.

The SFC tools will remain separate for the foreseeable future. Cascale will be reviewing the SFC tools as part of Cascale member benefits at a later date.

During the transitional phase, SFC members will remain as members of SFC. Cascale’s member benefits packages are currently being reviewed, with SFC members having the opportunity to become Cascale members once that process is complete.

Current partnerships with NGOs, trade shows, academic and media affiliates will continue during the transition.

Consumers will continue to see the SFC brand, seal, and Scorecard through 2026. Over time, these initiatives will be incorporated into Cascale’s global sustainability programs, giving home furnishings even greater visibility alongside apparel and other consumer goods sectors.

Your current membership and benefits will be honored through the end of your existing SFC membership term. We do not at this stage anticipate any changes, for renewals, however any changes will be communicated well in advance.

Your current SFC membership remains fully valid through the transition period, with continued access to all programs, tools, and recognition. While Cascale’s current membership categories do not specifically include Interior Designers, Cascale recognizes the important and unique role designers play in advancing sustainability in home furnishings. Over the coming year, Cascale will work to develop a membership level tailored to designers, ensuring that your expertise and leadership are fully represented within the new structure.

No. You will not need to pay additional dues. We will keep you informed in good time about any proposed changes to the fee structure.

Your SFC member benefits will continue uninterrupted through the transition. We will communicate in advance any changes clearly as they become available.

Yes. Any dues you paid for a recent renewal will cover you through the full term you paid for—no adjustments needed.

Yes. Renewing ensures you are a voting member and eligible for all benefits.

Yes. Cascale’s structure includes broader, global programming and member categories. However, SFC membership structure will remain unchanged during transition and members will be informed and guided through any future changes.

Yes. Current members will retain the right to use the SFC member seal through the transition. Any updates to branding or co-branding will be shared with members in advance.

Please reach out to Scarlette Tapp at scarlette@sustainablefurnishings.org or Angie Kenny at angie@sustainablefurnishings.org or call 1-336-252-4443. We’re here to support you through this transition.