Different codes of conduct from various buyers and multiple audits in garment factories not only waste time and money for factories but also complicate the audit process and hinder compliance. To foster sustainability in the industry, it is crucial to establish unified codes of conduct and standardized protocols for factory audits.

In this context, a meeting was held between Colin Browne, CEO of Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition), and leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). 

The objective was to collaborate on harmonizing protocols for developing and auditing unified codes of conduct within the apparel sector.

The meeting, held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara on July 15, was chaired by BGMEA President S. M. Mannan (Kochi) and attended by Vice President Abdullah Hill Rakib, Directors Ashikur Rahman (Tuhin), Shams Mahmud, Abrar Hossain Sayem, Md Mohiuddin Rubel, and Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee.

Key topics of discussion included the necessity of formulating a unified code of conduct universally accepted for social and technical audits in the industry.

President S. M. Mannan (Kochi) urged Cascale to lead the effort in formulating a unified code of conduct that would benefit all stakeholders, including buyers, manufacturers, and workers worldwide. 

He emphasized that sustainability in the industry's long-term future hinges on such measures. 

Cascale's CEO Colin Browne mentioned Bangladesh's progress in the garment sector while highlighting the need for further improvements. By joining forces, BGMEA and Cascale can collaboratively advance sustainable practices in the apparel industry and collectively strive towards bringing positive transformations throughout the supply chain.

The meeting also explored potential areas for cooperation to foster industry development, ensure compliance with forthcoming regulations such as the Due Diligence Directive, and enhance factory capabilities to improve worker welfare.

Cascale is a global platform with over 400 members, including brands and NGOs. 

Both parties agreed that Cascale will conduct training sessions on the Code of Conduct at the factory level. This initiative aims to enhance factory capacities to comply effectively with these standards.