Tag: 3BL

Introduction

By Patrick Smith, VP, EMEA Field CTO, Everpure

AI can do more and more. Think of any topic and an AI or genAI tool can effortlessly generate an image, video or text. Yet the environmental impact of, say, generating a video by AI is often forgotten. For example, generating one image by AI consumes about the same amount of power as charging your mobile phone. A relevant fact when you consider that more and more organizations are betting on AI.

After all, training AI models requires huge amounts of data, and massive data centers are needed to store all this data. In fact, there are estimates that AI servers (in an average scenario) could consume in the range of 85 to 134Twh of power annually by 2027. This is equivalent to the total amount of energy consumed in the Netherlands in a year.

The message is clear: AI consumes a lot of energy and will, therefore, have a clear impact on the environment.

Does AI Have a Sustainability Problem?

To create a useful AI model, a number of things are needed. These include training data, sufficient storage space and GPUs. Each component consumes energy, but GPUs consume by far the largest amount of power. According to researchers at OpenAI, the amount of computing power used has been doubling every 3.4 months since 2012. This is a huge increase that is likely to continue into the future, given the popularity of various AI applications. This increase in computing power is having an increasing impact on the environment.

Organizations wishing to incorporate an AI approach should therefore carefully weigh the added value of AI against its environmental impact; while it’s unlikely a decision maker would put off a project or initiative, this is about having your cake and eating it. Looking at the bigger picture and picking technology which meets both AI and sustainability goals. In addition to this, the underlying infrastructure and the GPUs themselves need to become more energy-efficient. At its recent GTC user conference, NVIDIA highlighted exactly this, paving the way for more to be achieved with each GPU with greater efficiency.

Reducing the Impact of AI on the Environment

A number of industries are important during the process for training and deploying an AI model: The storage industry, data center industry, and semiconductor industry. To reduce AI’s impact on the environment, steps need to be taken in each of these sectors to improve sustainability.

The Storage Industry and the Role of Flash Storage

In the storage industry, concrete steps can be taken to reduce the environmental impact of AI. An example is all-flash storage solutions which are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional disk-based storage (HDD). In some cases, all-flash solutions can deliver a 69% reduction in energy consumption compared to HDD. Some vendors are even going beyond off-the-shelf SSDs and developing their own flash modules, allowing the array’s software to communicate directly with flash storage. This makes it possible to maximize the capabilities of the flash and achieve even better performance, energy usage and efficiency, that is, data centers require less power, space and cooling.

Data Centers Power Efficiency

Data centers can take a sustainability leap with better, more efficient cooling techniques, and making use of renewable energy. Many organizations, including the EU, are looking at Power Usage Efficiency (PUE) as a metric — how much power is going into a data center vs how much is used inside. While reducing the PUE is a good thing, it’s a blunt and basic tool which doesn’t account for, or reward, the efficiency of the tech installed within the data center.

Semiconductor Industry

The demand for energy is insatiable, not least because semiconductor manufacturers — ,especially of the GPUs that form the basis of many AI systems — are making their chips increasingly powerful. For instance, 25 years ago, a GPU contained one million transistors, was around 100mm² in size and did not use that much power. Today, GPUs just announced contain 208 billion transistors, and consume 1200W of power per GPU. The semiconductor industry needs to be more energy efficient. This is already happening, as highlighted at the recent NVIDIA GTC conference, with CEO Jensen Huang saying that due to the advancements in the chip manufacturing process, GPUs are actually doing more work and so are more efficient despite the increased power consumption.

Conclusion

It’s been clear for years that AI consumes huge amounts of energy and therefore can have a negative environmental impact. The demand for more and more AI generated programmes, projects, videos and more will keep growing in the coming years. Organizations embarking on an AI initiative need to carefully measure the impact of their activities. Especially with increased scrutiny on emissions and ESG reporting, it’s vital to understand the repercussions of energy consumption by AI in detail and mitigate wherever possible.

Initiatives such as moving to more energy efficient technology, including flash storage, or improving data center capabilities can reduce the impact. Every sector involved in AI can and should take concrete steps towards a more sustainable course. It is important to keep investing in the right areas to combat climate change!

Learn More About Sustainability at Everpure

Introduction

By Patrick Smith, VP, EMEA Field CTO, Everpure

AI can do more and more. Think of any topic and an AI or genAI tool can effortlessly generate an image, video or text. Yet the environmental impact of, say, generating a video by AI is often forgotten. For example, generating one image by AI consumes about the same amount of power as charging your mobile phone. A relevant fact when you consider that more and more organizations are betting on AI.

After all, training AI models requires huge amounts of data, and massive data centers are needed to store all this data. In fact, there are estimates that AI servers (in an average scenario) could consume in the range of 85 to 134Twh of power annually by 2027. This is equivalent to the total amount of energy consumed in the Netherlands in a year.

The message is clear: AI consumes a lot of energy and will, therefore, have a clear impact on the environment.

Does AI Have a Sustainability Problem?

To create a useful AI model, a number of things are needed. These include training data, sufficient storage space and GPUs. Each component consumes energy, but GPUs consume by far the largest amount of power. According to researchers at OpenAI, the amount of computing power used has been doubling every 3.4 months since 2012. This is a huge increase that is likely to continue into the future, given the popularity of various AI applications. This increase in computing power is having an increasing impact on the environment.

Organizations wishing to incorporate an AI approach should therefore carefully weigh the added value of AI against its environmental impact; while it’s unlikely a decision maker would put off a project or initiative, this is about having your cake and eating it. Looking at the bigger picture and picking technology which meets both AI and sustainability goals. In addition to this, the underlying infrastructure and the GPUs themselves need to become more energy-efficient. At its recent GTC user conference, NVIDIA highlighted exactly this, paving the way for more to be achieved with each GPU with greater efficiency.

Reducing the Impact of AI on the Environment

A number of industries are important during the process for training and deploying an AI model: The storage industry, data center industry, and semiconductor industry. To reduce AI’s impact on the environment, steps need to be taken in each of these sectors to improve sustainability.

The Storage Industry and the Role of Flash Storage

In the storage industry, concrete steps can be taken to reduce the environmental impact of AI. An example is all-flash storage solutions which are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional disk-based storage (HDD). In some cases, all-flash solutions can deliver a 69% reduction in energy consumption compared to HDD. Some vendors are even going beyond off-the-shelf SSDs and developing their own flash modules, allowing the array’s software to communicate directly with flash storage. This makes it possible to maximize the capabilities of the flash and achieve even better performance, energy usage and efficiency, that is, data centers require less power, space and cooling.

Data Centers Power Efficiency

Data centers can take a sustainability leap with better, more efficient cooling techniques, and making use of renewable energy. Many organizations, including the EU, are looking at Power Usage Efficiency (PUE) as a metric — how much power is going into a data center vs how much is used inside. While reducing the PUE is a good thing, it’s a blunt and basic tool which doesn’t account for, or reward, the efficiency of the tech installed within the data center.

Semiconductor Industry

The demand for energy is insatiable, not least because semiconductor manufacturers — ,especially of the GPUs that form the basis of many AI systems — are making their chips increasingly powerful. For instance, 25 years ago, a GPU contained one million transistors, was around 100mm² in size and did not use that much power. Today, GPUs just announced contain 208 billion transistors, and consume 1200W of power per GPU. The semiconductor industry needs to be more energy efficient. This is already happening, as highlighted at the recent NVIDIA GTC conference, with CEO Jensen Huang saying that due to the advancements in the chip manufacturing process, GPUs are actually doing more work and so are more efficient despite the increased power consumption.

Conclusion

It’s been clear for years that AI consumes huge amounts of energy and therefore can have a negative environmental impact. The demand for more and more AI generated programmes, projects, videos and more will keep growing in the coming years. Organizations embarking on an AI initiative need to carefully measure the impact of their activities. Especially with increased scrutiny on emissions and ESG reporting, it’s vital to understand the repercussions of energy consumption by AI in detail and mitigate wherever possible.

Initiatives such as moving to more energy efficient technology, including flash storage, or improving data center capabilities can reduce the impact. Every sector involved in AI can and should take concrete steps towards a more sustainable course. It is important to keep investing in the right areas to combat climate change!

Learn More About Sustainability at Everpure

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

Grassroots advocacy is often associated with large-scale campaigns – mass emails, petitions, and sweeping calls to action. But in practice, the most effective efforts are far more focused, grounded in real conversations, preparation, and trust.

That perspective was shared by Mary Kay’s Anne Crews, Vice President of Public Affairs, at the Public Affairs Council’s 2026 Advocacy Conference on March 17-19, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. It reflects the company’s broader grassroots approach, shaped by Mary Kay’s Public Affairs team, including Michelle Erbeyi, Public Affairs Manager.

At Mary Kay, grassroots are informed by a network of independent beauty consultants whose firsthand experiences bring a human dimension to policy discussions. The approach prioritizes authenticity, preparation, and long-term relationships with policymakers—reflecting both the company’s culture and its community of entrepreneurs, leaders, and storytellers.

Rather than measuring success by how many people participate, Mary Kay focuses on ensuring the right voices are in the room and prepared to share meaningful experiences with lawmakers. The goal isn’t simply activity – it is trust.

Below are insights from Anne and Michelle on Mary Kay’s approach – a series of real-life learnings and true inspiration for public affairs professionals.

---

Q: Mary Kay has a unique business model. How does that shape your approach to advocacy?

Anne:

• To understand our advocacy, it helps to understand our company. Mary Kay was founded in Texas in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash with a mission to enrich women’s lives. That mission remains unchanged today. Our products are sold exclusively by our independent beauty consultants – entrepreneurs who build their own businesses and connect with customers in their communities.
• These consultants are not employees. They are independent small business owners who define success on their own terms while being supported by Mary Kay corporate and the broader Mary Kay community.
• Public policy often intersects with how independent entrepreneurs operate, making engagement important for ensuring their perspectives are understood. When our consultants speak with policymakers, they share firsthand experiences in entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and economic opportunity.
• Authentic stories often add a powerful human dimension to policy discussions.

Q: Culture plays a key role in your advocacy strategy. How does it influence your grassroots work?

Michelle:

• Mary Kay’s culture has been consistent since our founding, and it truly shapes how we engage in public policy discussions.
• Three values are especially important:
  1. Authenticity: Our consultants build genuine relationships in their communities. When they share their stories with lawmakers, those experiences are real and personal. That level of authenticity is powerful.
  2. Respectful Engagement: Mary Kay has always emphasized the Golden Rule – treating others the way you’d want to be treated. That philosophy carries into our policy conversations. Our advocates approach discussions with civility and a focus on solutions.
  3. Service mindset, which we call the “Go-Give spirit.” Our consultants show up wanting to contribute, not confront. They are deeply invested in issues affecting women, families, and small businesses.
• These cultural values create the foundation for advocacy that is thoughtful, respectful, and credible.

Q: Is more participation always better in grassroots advocacy?

Anne:

• We focus on ensuring participants feel prepared and confident to engage in an advocacy setting. When you have a smaller group of advocates, you can invest more time in preparation and alignment. That preparation shows immediately when they sit down with policymakers.
• And in advocacy, credibility matters. When policymakers consistently encounter thoughtful, well-prepared advocates, trust builds over time.

Q: How do you measure the effectiveness of grassroots engagement?

Michelle:

• Quantitative metrics are important, but they rarely tell the full story.
• What really matters is the quality of the interaction. Were advocates prepared? Did the conversation have substance? Did it lead to follow-up dialogue?
• We also pay close attention to tone. Are our advocates reflecting our values? Are discussions respectful and solutions-oriented?
• Those qualitative insights often tell us far more than raw numbers. In our experience, professionalism and authenticity consistently outperform volume.
• In many cases, the quality of a single conversation can have more lasting impact than a high volume of interactions.

Q: How do you communicate the value of grassroots advocacy to executives and corporate leadership?

Anne:

• Leadership teams don’t need more data – they need better signals.
• When we report on advocacy efforts, we focus on outcomes rather than activity. We ask: Did this engagement move an issue forward? Did it deepen a relationship? Did it help policymakers better understand our business model?
• We also connect advocacy directly to business priorities. That might mean protecting flexibility for independent entrepreneurs, strengthening Mary Kay’s reputation, or reducing long-term regulatory risk.
• And whenever possible, we involve leaders from other parts of the company. When colleagues from sales, marketing, or operations participate in advocacy engagements, the value becomes very tangible.
• It becomes more than a report – it’s an experience.

Q: Can you share examples of how this strategy works in real life?

Michelle:

• One example was our Mary Kay Day on the Hill, which marked our company’s 60th anniversary. Rather than inviting a large group, we prioritized participants who were prepared to share their experiences clearly and effectively. The result was a series of meaningful conversations with policymakers because the advocates were prepared and authentic.
• We also host smaller events that help policymakers understand our business model. For example, we’ve organized skincare and entrepreneurship sessions where legislators meet local consultants and hear firsthand how they run their businesses. Those gatherings are intentionally small, but they often lead to deeper conversations and long-term relationships.
• Another important aspect of our work is connecting policymakers with their constituents. We help policymakers understand the presence of entrepreneurs in their communities and the broader economic impact they represent. And sometimes the most effective advocacy happens through site visits, where policymakers visit Mary Kay facilities and meet the employees and entrepreneurs connected to our business. Each of these efforts reflects the same principle: meaningful engagement matters more than volume.

Q: What advice would you offer to other public affairs professionals building grassroots programs?

Anne:

• Start with purpose. If you’re clear about your objectives and grounded in your organization’s values, your advocacy efforts will naturally become more focused and effective.
• Invest in preparation. Advocates who feel confident and informed create stronger interactions with policymakers.
• And remember that advocacy is about relationships, not transactions. Trust develops over time through consistent, respectful engagement.
• When organizations focus on authenticity and preparation, the impact is far greater than any mass campaign.

The Bigger Lesson

While advocacy approaches vary across organizations, our experience has shown that thoughtful, well-prepared engagement consistently leads to more meaningful outcomes. For Mary Kay, grassroots advocacy isn’t simply a public affairs strategy; it’s an extension of Mary Kay’s mission and culture. By empowering women entrepreneurs to share their stories, focusing on thoughtful engagement, and prioritizing long-term relationships with policymakers, Mary Kay has built an advocacy model rooted in authenticity.

And in today’s policy environment, that authenticity may be the most powerful tool advocates have.

The Bigger Picture: Direct Selling’s Economic Impact

• Direct selling contributes an estimated annual $79.2 billion to the U.S. economy, supporting household spending, supply chains, and government revenue.^[1]
• More than 12.2 million independent contractors participate in direct selling in the U.S., earning supplemental income and/or building their own businesses (representing every U.S. state).^[2]
• 34.7 billion: retail sales generated directly through direct selling activities.^[3]
• Nationally, $1.00 in direct selling retail sales drives $2.34 of economic activity.^[4]

Learn more about Mary Kay’s advocacy efforts around the world in the 2025 Sustainability Report.

 

***

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.
 

---

^{[1] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[2] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[3] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[4] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

Grassroots advocacy is often associated with large-scale campaigns – mass emails, petitions, and sweeping calls to action. But in practice, the most effective efforts are far more focused, grounded in real conversations, preparation, and trust.

That perspective was shared by Mary Kay’s Anne Crews, Vice President of Public Affairs, at the Public Affairs Council’s 2026 Advocacy Conference on March 17-19, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. It reflects the company’s broader grassroots approach, shaped by Mary Kay’s Public Affairs team, including Michelle Erbeyi, Public Affairs Manager.

At Mary Kay, grassroots are informed by a network of independent beauty consultants whose firsthand experiences bring a human dimension to policy discussions. The approach prioritizes authenticity, preparation, and long-term relationships with policymakers—reflecting both the company’s culture and its community of entrepreneurs, leaders, and storytellers.

Rather than measuring success by how many people participate, Mary Kay focuses on ensuring the right voices are in the room and prepared to share meaningful experiences with lawmakers. The goal isn’t simply activity – it is trust.

Below are insights from Anne and Michelle on Mary Kay’s approach – a series of real-life learnings and true inspiration for public affairs professionals.

---

Q: Mary Kay has a unique business model. How does that shape your approach to advocacy?

Anne:

• To understand our advocacy, it helps to understand our company. Mary Kay was founded in Texas in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash with a mission to enrich women’s lives. That mission remains unchanged today. Our products are sold exclusively by our independent beauty consultants – entrepreneurs who build their own businesses and connect with customers in their communities.
• These consultants are not employees. They are independent small business owners who define success on their own terms while being supported by Mary Kay corporate and the broader Mary Kay community.
• Public policy often intersects with how independent entrepreneurs operate, making engagement important for ensuring their perspectives are understood. When our consultants speak with policymakers, they share firsthand experiences in entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and economic opportunity.
• Authentic stories often add a powerful human dimension to policy discussions.

Q: Culture plays a key role in your advocacy strategy. How does it influence your grassroots work?

Michelle:

• Mary Kay’s culture has been consistent since our founding, and it truly shapes how we engage in public policy discussions.
• Three values are especially important:
  1. Authenticity: Our consultants build genuine relationships in their communities. When they share their stories with lawmakers, those experiences are real and personal. That level of authenticity is powerful.
  2. Respectful Engagement: Mary Kay has always emphasized the Golden Rule – treating others the way you’d want to be treated. That philosophy carries into our policy conversations. Our advocates approach discussions with civility and a focus on solutions.
  3. Service mindset, which we call the “Go-Give spirit.” Our consultants show up wanting to contribute, not confront. They are deeply invested in issues affecting women, families, and small businesses.
• These cultural values create the foundation for advocacy that is thoughtful, respectful, and credible.

Q: Is more participation always better in grassroots advocacy?

Anne:

• We focus on ensuring participants feel prepared and confident to engage in an advocacy setting. When you have a smaller group of advocates, you can invest more time in preparation and alignment. That preparation shows immediately when they sit down with policymakers.
• And in advocacy, credibility matters. When policymakers consistently encounter thoughtful, well-prepared advocates, trust builds over time.

Q: How do you measure the effectiveness of grassroots engagement?

Michelle:

• Quantitative metrics are important, but they rarely tell the full story.
• What really matters is the quality of the interaction. Were advocates prepared? Did the conversation have substance? Did it lead to follow-up dialogue?
• We also pay close attention to tone. Are our advocates reflecting our values? Are discussions respectful and solutions-oriented?
• Those qualitative insights often tell us far more than raw numbers. In our experience, professionalism and authenticity consistently outperform volume.
• In many cases, the quality of a single conversation can have more lasting impact than a high volume of interactions.

Q: How do you communicate the value of grassroots advocacy to executives and corporate leadership?

Anne:

• Leadership teams don’t need more data – they need better signals.
• When we report on advocacy efforts, we focus on outcomes rather than activity. We ask: Did this engagement move an issue forward? Did it deepen a relationship? Did it help policymakers better understand our business model?
• We also connect advocacy directly to business priorities. That might mean protecting flexibility for independent entrepreneurs, strengthening Mary Kay’s reputation, or reducing long-term regulatory risk.
• And whenever possible, we involve leaders from other parts of the company. When colleagues from sales, marketing, or operations participate in advocacy engagements, the value becomes very tangible.
• It becomes more than a report – it’s an experience.

Q: Can you share examples of how this strategy works in real life?

Michelle:

• One example was our Mary Kay Day on the Hill, which marked our company’s 60th anniversary. Rather than inviting a large group, we prioritized participants who were prepared to share their experiences clearly and effectively. The result was a series of meaningful conversations with policymakers because the advocates were prepared and authentic.
• We also host smaller events that help policymakers understand our business model. For example, we’ve organized skincare and entrepreneurship sessions where legislators meet local consultants and hear firsthand how they run their businesses. Those gatherings are intentionally small, but they often lead to deeper conversations and long-term relationships.
• Another important aspect of our work is connecting policymakers with their constituents. We help policymakers understand the presence of entrepreneurs in their communities and the broader economic impact they represent. And sometimes the most effective advocacy happens through site visits, where policymakers visit Mary Kay facilities and meet the employees and entrepreneurs connected to our business. Each of these efforts reflects the same principle: meaningful engagement matters more than volume.

Q: What advice would you offer to other public affairs professionals building grassroots programs?

Anne:

• Start with purpose. If you’re clear about your objectives and grounded in your organization’s values, your advocacy efforts will naturally become more focused and effective.
• Invest in preparation. Advocates who feel confident and informed create stronger interactions with policymakers.
• And remember that advocacy is about relationships, not transactions. Trust develops over time through consistent, respectful engagement.
• When organizations focus on authenticity and preparation, the impact is far greater than any mass campaign.

The Bigger Lesson

While advocacy approaches vary across organizations, our experience has shown that thoughtful, well-prepared engagement consistently leads to more meaningful outcomes. For Mary Kay, grassroots advocacy isn’t simply a public affairs strategy; it’s an extension of Mary Kay’s mission and culture. By empowering women entrepreneurs to share their stories, focusing on thoughtful engagement, and prioritizing long-term relationships with policymakers, Mary Kay has built an advocacy model rooted in authenticity.

And in today’s policy environment, that authenticity may be the most powerful tool advocates have.

The Bigger Picture: Direct Selling’s Economic Impact

• Direct selling contributes an estimated annual $79.2 billion to the U.S. economy, supporting household spending, supply chains, and government revenue.^[1]
• More than 12.2 million independent contractors participate in direct selling in the U.S., earning supplemental income and/or building their own businesses (representing every U.S. state).^[2]
• 34.7 billion: retail sales generated directly through direct selling activities.^[3]
• Nationally, $1.00 in direct selling retail sales drives $2.34 of economic activity.^[4]

Learn more about Mary Kay’s advocacy efforts around the world in the 2025 Sustainability Report.

 

***

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.
 

---

^{[1] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[2] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[3] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[4] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

Heart conditions can impact anyone, anywhere, and often without warning. Fifty-nine-year-old Ana Florencio experienced this first-hand when what began as an otherwise typical day quickly turned into one of the scariest moments of her life.

While walking down the streets of New York City a couple of years ago, Ana fainted twice without warning. She later learned she suffered a hypertensive crisis¹ — meaning she had an extreme and sudden spike in blood pressure. The experience marked a turning point in her heart health — one she shares with over 1 in 3 Hispanic women in the U.S. who live with high blood pressure.²

A threat among Hispanic communities

High blood pressure is a chronic condition often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can go undetected until a serious event occurs, as it did with Ana. When symptoms do appear, they may include headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath. If not controlled, high blood pressure can lead to significantly increased health risks including heart attack and stroke.^3,4

The condition affects 39% of Hispanic adults in the U.S.,⁵ and around 83% of Hispanic adults with high blood pressure don’t have it under control,⁵ making the condition even more dangerous.

Prior to her fainting episode, Ana was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition closely linked to high blood pressure.³ Realizing she was now managing multiple chronic conditions, she knew now was the time to take action.

When medication falls short

In the time that followed, Ana worked with her care team, Dr. Prakash Krishnan at The Mount Sinai Hospital,^* to manage her blood pressure with medication. While medication is effective for most, many do not maintain a routine to keep taking their medication; in fact, 50% of people with high blood pressure stop taking their medication within one year.⁶ Despite her best efforts, her blood pressure continued to rise. U.S. guidelines from AHA define high blood pressure as any value greater than 130/80 mmHg,³ but Ana’s remained higher than recommended guidelines and she still experienced spikes in her blood pressure. In addition, Ana experienced severe side effects from her medications ranging from chronic nausea to headaches. These symptoms made it difficult for Ana to do the things she once loved, like taking long walks, cooking, cleaning and turning family gatherings into memorable celebrations.

Finding hope through renal denervation

Determined to take control of her health, Ana began researching alternative treatment options with her doctors. After extensive consultations, she learned about a one-time procedure called the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure, a minimally invasive procedure for people with uncontrolled blood pressure despite lifestyle modifications and medications.⁷

The Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation system works by calming excessively active nerves near the kidneys that may be contributing to high blood pressure.⁸ The procedure doesn’t require any implant and once done, the effects keep working 24 hours a day.^9,10 

Seeing this as a chance to reclaim her physical and mental health, Ana decided to undergo the procedure. “The results were incredible,” she shared. “Now, I have readings in the normal range, and it has given me the energy to enjoy the little things in life, like going on long walks without the fear of fainting again.” In two clinical studies, over 50% of patients who received the blood pressure procedure saw a 10 millimeters of mercury drop in blood pressure regardless of if they were taking medications or not.^9-11 Medication is still part of Ana’s routine to control her blood pressure.

“So many patients like Ana who continue to struggle with uncontrolled hypertension, despite lifestyle changes and medication – renal denervation offers a meaningful adjunctive therapy,” said Dr. Prakash Krishnan. “Seeing her blood pressure stabilized is exactly why we perform this procedure. My team and I at Mount Sinai Fuster Hospital along with the entire Mount Sinai Health System are very excited to be offering this procedure to help patients.”

Forging your path

Ana’s story is a powerful reminder that treatment for high blood pressure, like most things, isn’t one-size-fits-all. While medications and lifestyle changes (like eating less salt and managing weight) are important tools, they aren’t always enough for every patient. In Ana’s case, a procedure like the Symplicity blood pressure procedure proved to be the missing piece she needed to regain control over her blood pressure numbers.

While public health experts continue to raise awareness about chronic conditions like high blood pressure,¹² Ana’s journey emphasizes the importance of understanding personal risks and demonstrates that, with the right care team and determination, it’s possible to reclaim your health.

This patient testimonial is an individual’s experience and opinion. Not every person will experience the same results.

The Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system is indicated to reduce blood pressure as an adjunctive treatment in patients with hypertension for whom lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure. People with higher blood pressure before the procedure may see greater reductions in blood pressure and a decrease in the need for blood pressure medication following the procedure.

The Symplicity procedure has known risks that should be considered in relation to the potential benefits of the procedure. Potential procedure-related adverse events including pain, vascular access site complications, and vasospasm are most common.

To learn more about renal denervation and view additional important safety and risk information, visit beyondHBP.com. 

 

*In the past, this physician has been paid for participation in speaking events by Medtronic.

 

¹ Hypertensive crisis: What are the symptoms? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/hypertensive-crisis/faq-20058491. Accessed October 29, 2025.

² Martin SS, Aday AW, Allen NB, et al. 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2025 Feb 25;151(8):e41-e660.

³ Jones DW, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025 Nov 4;86(18):1567-1678.

⁴ High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension’s effects on your body. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/highblood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868. Accessed Oct 16, 2024.

⁵ Health and Economic Benefits of High Blood Pressure Interventions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/high-blood-pressure.html. Accessed October 29, 2025.

⁶ Berra E, Azizi M, Capron A, et al. A. Evaluation of Adherence Should Become an Integral Part of Assessment of Patients With Apparently Treatment-Resistant Hypertension. Hypertension. 2016 Aug;68(2):297-306.

⁷ Medtronic Symplicity Spyral multi-electrode renal denervation catheter Instructions for Use.

⁸ Coates P, Tunev S, Trudel J, Hettrick DA. Time, Temperature, Power, and Impedance Considerations for Radiofrequency Catheter Renal Denervation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. September 2022;42:171–177.

⁹ Kandzari DE, Townsend RR, Kario K, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Renal Denervation in Patients Taking Antihypertensive Medications. J Am Coll Cardiol. November 7, 2023;82(19):1809–1823.

¹⁰ Böhm M, Kario K, Kandzari DE, et al. Efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Pivotal): a multicentre, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Lancet. May 2, 2020;395(10234):1444-1451.

¹¹ Symplicity Spyral^TM Renal Denervation System. FDA Presentation. US FDA Circulatory Systems Devices Panel. Meeting date August 23, 2023.

¹² Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/call-to-action-to-control-hypertension.pdf. Accessed October 29, 2025.

US-SE-2500594 v 5.0

©2026 Medtronic. Medtronic, Medtronic logo, and Engineering the extraordinary are trademarks of Medtronic. All other brands are trademarks of a Medtronic company

Heart conditions can impact anyone, anywhere, and often without warning. Fifty-nine-year-old Ana Florencio experienced this first-hand when what began as an otherwise typical day quickly turned into one of the scariest moments of her life.

While walking down the streets of New York City a couple of years ago, Ana fainted twice without warning. She later learned she suffered a hypertensive crisis¹ — meaning she had an extreme and sudden spike in blood pressure. The experience marked a turning point in her heart health — one she shares with over 1 in 3 Hispanic women in the U.S. who live with high blood pressure.²

A threat among Hispanic communities

High blood pressure is a chronic condition often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can go undetected until a serious event occurs, as it did with Ana. When symptoms do appear, they may include headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath. If not controlled, high blood pressure can lead to significantly increased health risks including heart attack and stroke.^3,4

The condition affects 39% of Hispanic adults in the U.S.,⁵ and around 83% of Hispanic adults with high blood pressure don’t have it under control,⁵ making the condition even more dangerous.

Prior to her fainting episode, Ana was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition closely linked to high blood pressure.³ Realizing she was now managing multiple chronic conditions, she knew now was the time to take action.

When medication falls short

In the time that followed, Ana worked with her care team, Dr. Prakash Krishnan at The Mount Sinai Hospital,^* to manage her blood pressure with medication. While medication is effective for most, many do not maintain a routine to keep taking their medication; in fact, 50% of people with high blood pressure stop taking their medication within one year.⁶ Despite her best efforts, her blood pressure continued to rise. U.S. guidelines from AHA define high blood pressure as any value greater than 130/80 mmHg,³ but Ana’s remained higher than recommended guidelines and she still experienced spikes in her blood pressure. In addition, Ana experienced severe side effects from her medications ranging from chronic nausea to headaches. These symptoms made it difficult for Ana to do the things she once loved, like taking long walks, cooking, cleaning and turning family gatherings into memorable celebrations.

Finding hope through renal denervation

Determined to take control of her health, Ana began researching alternative treatment options with her doctors. After extensive consultations, she learned about a one-time procedure called the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure, a minimally invasive procedure for people with uncontrolled blood pressure despite lifestyle modifications and medications.⁷

The Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation system works by calming excessively active nerves near the kidneys that may be contributing to high blood pressure.⁸ The procedure doesn’t require any implant and once done, the effects keep working 24 hours a day.^9,10 

Seeing this as a chance to reclaim her physical and mental health, Ana decided to undergo the procedure. “The results were incredible,” she shared. “Now, I have readings in the normal range, and it has given me the energy to enjoy the little things in life, like going on long walks without the fear of fainting again.” In two clinical studies, over 50% of patients who received the blood pressure procedure saw a 10 millimeters of mercury drop in blood pressure regardless of if they were taking medications or not.^9-11 Medication is still part of Ana’s routine to control her blood pressure.

“So many patients like Ana who continue to struggle with uncontrolled hypertension, despite lifestyle changes and medication – renal denervation offers a meaningful adjunctive therapy,” said Dr. Prakash Krishnan. “Seeing her blood pressure stabilized is exactly why we perform this procedure. My team and I at Mount Sinai Fuster Hospital along with the entire Mount Sinai Health System are very excited to be offering this procedure to help patients.”

Forging your path

Ana’s story is a powerful reminder that treatment for high blood pressure, like most things, isn’t one-size-fits-all. While medications and lifestyle changes (like eating less salt and managing weight) are important tools, they aren’t always enough for every patient. In Ana’s case, a procedure like the Symplicity blood pressure procedure proved to be the missing piece she needed to regain control over her blood pressure numbers.

While public health experts continue to raise awareness about chronic conditions like high blood pressure,¹² Ana’s journey emphasizes the importance of understanding personal risks and demonstrates that, with the right care team and determination, it’s possible to reclaim your health.

This patient testimonial is an individual’s experience and opinion. Not every person will experience the same results.

The Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system is indicated to reduce blood pressure as an adjunctive treatment in patients with hypertension for whom lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure. People with higher blood pressure before the procedure may see greater reductions in blood pressure and a decrease in the need for blood pressure medication following the procedure.

The Symplicity procedure has known risks that should be considered in relation to the potential benefits of the procedure. Potential procedure-related adverse events including pain, vascular access site complications, and vasospasm are most common.

To learn more about renal denervation and view additional important safety and risk information, visit beyondHBP.com. 

 

*In the past, this physician has been paid for participation in speaking events by Medtronic.

 

¹ Hypertensive crisis: What are the symptoms? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/hypertensive-crisis/faq-20058491. Accessed October 29, 2025.

² Martin SS, Aday AW, Allen NB, et al. 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2025 Feb 25;151(8):e41-e660.

³ Jones DW, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025 Nov 4;86(18):1567-1678.

⁴ High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension’s effects on your body. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/highblood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868. Accessed Oct 16, 2024.

⁵ Health and Economic Benefits of High Blood Pressure Interventions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/high-blood-pressure.html. Accessed October 29, 2025.

⁶ Berra E, Azizi M, Capron A, et al. A. Evaluation of Adherence Should Become an Integral Part of Assessment of Patients With Apparently Treatment-Resistant Hypertension. Hypertension. 2016 Aug;68(2):297-306.

⁷ Medtronic Symplicity Spyral multi-electrode renal denervation catheter Instructions for Use.

⁸ Coates P, Tunev S, Trudel J, Hettrick DA. Time, Temperature, Power, and Impedance Considerations for Radiofrequency Catheter Renal Denervation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. September 2022;42:171–177.

⁹ Kandzari DE, Townsend RR, Kario K, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Renal Denervation in Patients Taking Antihypertensive Medications. J Am Coll Cardiol. November 7, 2023;82(19):1809–1823.

¹⁰ Böhm M, Kario K, Kandzari DE, et al. Efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Pivotal): a multicentre, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Lancet. May 2, 2020;395(10234):1444-1451.

¹¹ Symplicity Spyral^TM Renal Denervation System. FDA Presentation. US FDA Circulatory Systems Devices Panel. Meeting date August 23, 2023.

¹² Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/call-to-action-to-control-hypertension.pdf. Accessed October 29, 2025.

US-SE-2500594 v 5.0

©2026 Medtronic. Medtronic, Medtronic logo, and Engineering the extraordinary are trademarks of Medtronic. All other brands are trademarks of a Medtronic company

国際WELLビルディング協会（IWBI）とパナソニック エレクトリックワークス株式会社（以下、パナソニックEW）は、本日(2026年5月19日)、WELL認証の効果に関する調査結果を発表しました。WELL認証を受けたオフィス（以下、WELL認証オフィス）では、認証を受けていないオフィス（以下、非認証オフィス）に比べて、従業員のウェルビーイング、エンゲージメント、オフィス環境に対する満足感などすべての項目で、高い結果が得られており、ウェルビーイングを重視した空間戦略と従業員のパフォーマンス、そして組織レジリエンスとの間に関係性があったことが示唆されています。これらは、日本国内の41のオフィスプロジェクト、4,200名以上の従業員を対象に実施されたアンケート調査の結果に基づくものであり、WELL認証の効果に関してのエビデンスと貴重な知見を提示しています。

 

“IWBIの協力の下、日本におけるWELL認証オフィスの効果を調査しました。WELL認証オフィスでは、空気・音・照明といった環境面に加え、組織面においても一貫して高い満足度が確認され、それらが従業員ウェルビーイングやエンゲージメントに貢献していることが今回の調査結果から明らかになりました。これらの結果は、ウェルビーイングを重視したオフィス設計の重要性を裏付けるものと考えています。”と、パナソニックEWのWellコンサル・サービス推進部 村上部長は述べています。

 

 

WELL認証オフィスは、非認証オフィスに比べて、ウェルビーイングが19％高く、ワーク・エンゲージメントが20％高い結果を示しています。従業員の健康やパフォーマンスに有効とされる室内環境の項目において、WELL認証オフィスでは、自然へのアクセス（+36%）、水質（+26%）、室内空気質（+23%）、音環境（+21%）、スピーチプライバシー（+21%）、熱的快適性（+20%）、自然光（+18%）、照明環境（+13%）などと、満足度が有意に高いことが示されました。重要な点として、この優位性は、最近改修されたオフィスと比較しても同様の傾向を示しており、WELL認証オフィスは、最近改修された非認証オフィスと比較しても、ウェルビーイングで10%、エンゲージメントで8%高いパフォーマンスを示しました。これは、従来型のオフィス改修だけではエンゲージメントやウェルビーイングにおいて十分な効果をもたらすことができないことを裏付けています。

 

“本調査は、人々の健康、ウェルビーイング、そしてパフォーマンスに対して、WELL認証オフィスで一貫して優れた成果を示していることを裏付けており、急速に拡大し十分に実証されたエビデンス群に新たな知見を加えるものです”と、IWBI President & CEO のRachel Hodgdon氏は述べています。“さらに本調査結果は、健康への投資はコストではなく、より高いパフォーマンス、より深いエンゲージメント、そしてより強靭な組織レジリエンスを生み出す原動力である点について、あらゆる組織に対して強いメッセージを発しています。”

 

また、本調査では室内環境にとどまらず、WELL認証が働く環境に及ぼす広範な影響も浮き彫りにしています。WELL認証オフィスで働く従業員は、プライバシー、心理的安全性、社会的つながり、そして勤務時間中の休息やリチャージの機会など、職場の文化やデザインにおける主要な要素に対しても満足度が高いことが確認されました。レイアウトや家具から清潔さ、運営方針に至るまでのデザインの要素も高い評価結果が得られており、包括的で支援性の高い職場環境が構築されていたことを示唆しています。

 

“ウェルビーイングの重要性は多くの組織で認識されている一方で、その効果や価値を定量的に示すことには課題がありました。本調査結果は、WELL認証オフィスがもたらす効果を明確に示すものであり、人的資本経営を重要視する企業にとって、ウェルビーイングへの投資判断を支援する重要なエビデンスになると考えています”と、パナソニックEW Well-Being事業開発室 室長の原氏は述べています。

“パナソニックEWは、今回得られた知見を活用し、まずは日本市場を中心に、お客様のウェルビーイングなオフィスづくりを支援してまいります。また、将来的には、アジアおよびグローバル市場においても、ウェルビーイングの推進に貢献してまいります。”

本調査では、ウェルビーイングやパフォーマンスの効果を裏付けるエビデンスを示すほかに、これらの効果に影響を与えた要因について分析を加えています。本調査で実施した回帰分析によると、リフレッシュとリチャージに関連する主要因子が、主観的なウェルビーイングに大きく寄与しており、その割合は31%を占め、次いでチーム文化が16%、室内環境品質が15%、デザインが14%となっています。仕事へのエンゲージメントについても同様の傾向が見られ、リフレッシュが18％、チーム文化が14％、デザインが14％を占めています。ここでのデザインにはコミュニケーションの取りやすさなど働き方のデザインも含まれており、ウェルビーイングな働き方を考慮したデザインの重要性も示唆されています。これらの知見は、オフィス環境、組織文化や人との関係性、デザインが連携して健康と生産性の両方を支える、包括的なパフォーマンスモデルを浮き彫りにしています。

 

本調査は、WELL認証オフィスと非認証オフィスを比較した大規模な調査の一つであり、その調査結果は健康とウェルビーイングをオフィス投資戦略の基盤として位置づけるためのエビデンスとなります。これらを総合すると、従業員のパフォーマンスと組織のレジリエンスを促すため、ウェルビーイングが企業経営における中心的役割になってきていることを示唆しています。

 

https://www2.panasonic.biz/jp/solution/office/column/wellbeing/002.html

 

IWBIについて

International WELL Building Institute（IWBI）は、建築物、組織、コミュニティにおける健康とウェルビーイングの向上を推進するグローバルな権威機関であり、公益法人（Public Benefit Corporation）です。IWBIはWELL Building Standard（WELL認証）、住宅向けWELL、WELL Community Standard、各種WELLレーティング、およびWELL AP資格制度の開発・運営を通じて、コミュニティを結集しています。また、研究成果を実践へとつなげるとともに、教育リソースの開発や、「人を中心に据えた空間」を世界中で推進するための政策提言にも取り組んでいます。WELLに関する詳細はこちらをご覧ください。

 

International WELL Building Institute、IWBI、WELL Building Standard、WELL v2、WELL Certified、WELL AP、WELL EP、WELL Score、The WELL Conference、We Are WELL、WELL Community Standard、WELL Health-Safety Rated、WELL Performance Rated、WELL Equity Rated、WELL Equity、WELL Coworking Rated、WELL Residence、Works with WELL、WELLおよびその他関連ロゴは、米国およびその他の国におけるInternational WELL Building Institute PBCの商標または認証マークです。

パナソニックEWについて

会社名：パナソニックエレクトリックワークス株式会社

所在地：〒105-8301 東京都港区東新橋1-5-1 パナソニック東京汐留ビル

代表者：代表取締役 社長執行役員 CEO 大瀧 清

ウェブサイト：https://panasonic.co.jp/ew/

「いい今日と いい未来を 電気設備から」をパーパスに掲げ、電気設備を起点に、Well-BeingやEnergy Managementなどの新たな価値創出を通じて、持続可能で豊かな社会の実現を目指しています。

Well-Being事業においては、日本国内でWELL認証取得支援コンサルティングを展開するとともに、Well-Beingを実際に体感できるワークプレイスづくりや、人々の健康・快適性・働きやすさにつながる各種ソリューションを提供しています。これらの取り組みを通じて、パナソニックEWは日本におけるWell-Beingな空間づくりへの貢献を推進しています。

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The global apparel industry is entering a defining policy moment.

Governments are introducing new sustainability disclosure requirements, evolving labor standards, and climate-related regulations at a pace that reflects growing ambition. This momentum matters.

And it’s why Cascale recently released its “2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation” that examines 21 critical pieces of legislation across Europe, the United States, the broader Americas, and Asia-Pacific. This region-by-region picture of current and upcoming obligations also shows the relevance of the Higg Index suite of tools in helping companies meet today’s data demands.

With the right governance systems, performance measurement practices, and policy guidance, companies can be proactive in evolving business landscapes.

Download the Report Today

The APAC Advantage

Based in Hong Kong, I am privileged to be close to the action. APAC sits squarely at the center of global apparel and footwear manufacturing, and the policies adopted across the region will determine whether the industry can meaningfully deliver on global climate and decent work goals.

But ambition alone is not enough. The current trajectory risks creating a fragmented compliance landscape that overwhelms manufacturers, sidelines small and medium-sized enterprises, and prioritizes paperwork over actual progress. As Europe and the United States continue to shape many of the global sustainability rules, APAC is increasingly the region responsible for implementing them at scale. If global systems cannot work together, supply chains will slow under the weight of duplication, complexity, and competing standards.

To bridge the gap, Cascale’s APAC Policy Member Expert Team (MET) successfully launched the APAC Policy Priorities Paper. We highlighted four core regional priorities of harmonization, interoperability, climate incentives, and overlooked decent work challenges, serving as the essential “policy bridge” that turns high-level global policy into operational manufacturing reality.

Top Takeaways:

• From policy takers to action makers: APAC is no longer just passively absorbing sustainability rules; through initiatives like our report and the policy priorities paper, it is defining how goals are operationalized on the factory floor.
• The fragmentation threat: Overlapping requirements risk shifting focus from carbon reduction and fair labor practices to passive compliance management.
• The isolation cost: Without harmonized data systems, global supply chains could face costly inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks.
• The SME safeguard: SMEs are disproportionately impacted as brands consolidate sourcing with suppliers that can absorb rising compliance costs.
• Unified implementation: The industry needs a standardized implementation layer that enables companies to measure once and report many.

Bridging the Regional Data Divide

The industry’s biggest challenge is no longer whether sustainability data exists — it is whether digital data systems can communicate across borders. Europe’s Digital Product Passport requirements, China’s Social Compliance 9000 for Textile and Apparel Industry (CSC9000T) framework, India’s environmental and social corporate governance (ESG) disclosure rules, and other national systems are evolving independently. Without technical interoperability, manufacturers serving multiple markets will face duplicative reporting obligations and conflicting methodologies. This creates operational inefficiencies that slow implementation and increase costs across supply chains.Manufacturers already manage overlapping audits, customer questionnaires, emissions reporting requests, and due diligence assessments. Facilities producing for multiple brands are often asked to provide nearly identical information in different formats and under slightly different criteria. The result is an administrative burden that diverts resources away from emissions reduction, worker wellbeing, and operational improvements.

The SME Paradox

As enforcement deadlines for regulations such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) approach, many brands are responding with what could be described as a “flight to compliance.” Orders increasingly consolidate around large suppliers with dedicated compliance teams and sophisticated reporting capabilities. While this may reduce short-term risk for brands, it creates long-term risks for the industry. We captured some of this SME nuance in the report. SMEs form the backbone of APAC’s manufacturing economy, supporting employment, entrepreneurship, and regional development. If smaller suppliers are pushed out because they cannot absorb the growing complexity of fragmented compliance systems, the industry risks weakening the very supply chain ecosystem it depends on.

From More Laws to Coordinated Implementation

The solution is not to slow ambition or reduce accountability. The industry needs stronger coordination between policymakers, manufacturers, brands, and solution providers to create greater alignment across systems and requirements.What the sector lacks is not regulation, but a unified implementation layer. Harmonized measurement frameworks and interoperable data systems can reduce duplication while maintaining transparency and enforcement. This is where industry collaboration becomes critical. Shared approaches – and frameworks such as the Higg Index – can help manufacturers measure once and report many, reducing administrative burden while improving consistency and comparability across markets.

Turning Policy Momentum into Measurable Progress

APAC has a historic opportunity to lead the next phase of sustainable supply chain transformation. The region is no longer simply reacting to policies developed elsewhere. It is increasingly defining how sustainability goals are operationalized in practice.Success will depend on whether governments, brands, and manufacturers can align around practical implementation. Predictable policy signals, interoperable reporting systems, and coordinated standards will enable facilities to invest confidently in decarbonization, energy transition, workforce resilience, and operational improvements.If the industry can move beyond fragmented compliance toward coordinated implementation, APAC can become the model for how global supply chains translate ambition into measurable impact.

And in this policy state of play, Cascale is uniquely positioned to support brands, retailers, and manufacturers in preparing for, and adapting to, this fast-evolving regulatory landscape. And where noted in the report, the Higg Index provides support and a foundation for mobilizing key social and environmental data points.

Download Cascale’s Report

Howard Kwong is senior manager of public affairs, APAC, at Cascale.

The global apparel industry is entering a defining policy moment.

Governments are introducing new sustainability disclosure requirements, evolving labor standards, and climate-related regulations at a pace that reflects growing ambition. This momentum matters.

And it’s why Cascale recently released its “2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation” that examines 21 critical pieces of legislation across Europe, the United States, the broader Americas, and Asia-Pacific. This region-by-region picture of current and upcoming obligations also shows the relevance of the Higg Index suite of tools in helping companies meet today’s data demands.

With the right governance systems, performance measurement practices, and policy guidance, companies can be proactive in evolving business landscapes.

Download the Report Today

The APAC Advantage

Based in Hong Kong, I am privileged to be close to the action. APAC sits squarely at the center of global apparel and footwear manufacturing, and the policies adopted across the region will determine whether the industry can meaningfully deliver on global climate and decent work goals.

But ambition alone is not enough. The current trajectory risks creating a fragmented compliance landscape that overwhelms manufacturers, sidelines small and medium-sized enterprises, and prioritizes paperwork over actual progress. As Europe and the United States continue to shape many of the global sustainability rules, APAC is increasingly the region responsible for implementing them at scale. If global systems cannot work together, supply chains will slow under the weight of duplication, complexity, and competing standards.

To bridge the gap, Cascale’s APAC Policy Member Expert Team (MET) successfully launched the APAC Policy Priorities Paper. We highlighted four core regional priorities of harmonization, interoperability, climate incentives, and overlooked decent work challenges, serving as the essential “policy bridge” that turns high-level global policy into operational manufacturing reality.

Top Takeaways:

• From policy takers to action makers: APAC is no longer just passively absorbing sustainability rules; through initiatives like our report and the policy priorities paper, it is defining how goals are operationalized on the factory floor.
• The fragmentation threat: Overlapping requirements risk shifting focus from carbon reduction and fair labor practices to passive compliance management.
• The isolation cost: Without harmonized data systems, global supply chains could face costly inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks.
• The SME safeguard: SMEs are disproportionately impacted as brands consolidate sourcing with suppliers that can absorb rising compliance costs.
• Unified implementation: The industry needs a standardized implementation layer that enables companies to measure once and report many.

Bridging the Regional Data Divide

The industry’s biggest challenge is no longer whether sustainability data exists — it is whether digital data systems can communicate across borders. Europe’s Digital Product Passport requirements, China’s Social Compliance 9000 for Textile and Apparel Industry (CSC9000T) framework, India’s environmental and social corporate governance (ESG) disclosure rules, and other national systems are evolving independently. Without technical interoperability, manufacturers serving multiple markets will face duplicative reporting obligations and conflicting methodologies. This creates operational inefficiencies that slow implementation and increase costs across supply chains.Manufacturers already manage overlapping audits, customer questionnaires, emissions reporting requests, and due diligence assessments. Facilities producing for multiple brands are often asked to provide nearly identical information in different formats and under slightly different criteria. The result is an administrative burden that diverts resources away from emissions reduction, worker wellbeing, and operational improvements.

The SME Paradox

As enforcement deadlines for regulations such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) approach, many brands are responding with what could be described as a “flight to compliance.” Orders increasingly consolidate around large suppliers with dedicated compliance teams and sophisticated reporting capabilities. While this may reduce short-term risk for brands, it creates long-term risks for the industry. We captured some of this SME nuance in the report. SMEs form the backbone of APAC’s manufacturing economy, supporting employment, entrepreneurship, and regional development. If smaller suppliers are pushed out because they cannot absorb the growing complexity of fragmented compliance systems, the industry risks weakening the very supply chain ecosystem it depends on.

From More Laws to Coordinated Implementation

The solution is not to slow ambition or reduce accountability. The industry needs stronger coordination between policymakers, manufacturers, brands, and solution providers to create greater alignment across systems and requirements.What the sector lacks is not regulation, but a unified implementation layer. Harmonized measurement frameworks and interoperable data systems can reduce duplication while maintaining transparency and enforcement. This is where industry collaboration becomes critical. Shared approaches – and frameworks such as the Higg Index – can help manufacturers measure once and report many, reducing administrative burden while improving consistency and comparability across markets.

Turning Policy Momentum into Measurable Progress

APAC has a historic opportunity to lead the next phase of sustainable supply chain transformation. The region is no longer simply reacting to policies developed elsewhere. It is increasingly defining how sustainability goals are operationalized in practice.Success will depend on whether governments, brands, and manufacturers can align around practical implementation. Predictable policy signals, interoperable reporting systems, and coordinated standards will enable facilities to invest confidently in decarbonization, energy transition, workforce resilience, and operational improvements.If the industry can move beyond fragmented compliance toward coordinated implementation, APAC can become the model for how global supply chains translate ambition into measurable impact.

And in this policy state of play, Cascale is uniquely positioned to support brands, retailers, and manufacturers in preparing for, and adapting to, this fast-evolving regulatory landscape. And where noted in the report, the Higg Index provides support and a foundation for mobilizing key social and environmental data points.

Download Cascale’s Report

Howard Kwong is senior manager of public affairs, APAC, at Cascale.

The global apparel industry is entering a defining policy moment.

Governments are introducing new sustainability disclosure requirements, evolving labor standards, and climate-related regulations at a pace that reflects growing ambition. This momentum matters.

And it’s why Cascale recently released its “2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation” that examines 21 critical pieces of legislation across Europe, the United States, the broader Americas, and Asia-Pacific. This region-by-region picture of current and upcoming obligations also shows the relevance of the Higg Index suite of tools in helping companies meet today’s data demands.

With the right governance systems, performance measurement practices, and policy guidance, companies can be proactive in evolving business landscapes.

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The APAC Advantage

Based in Hong Kong, I am privileged to be close to the action. APAC sits squarely at the center of global apparel and footwear manufacturing, and the policies adopted across the region will determine whether the industry can meaningfully deliver on global climate and decent work goals.

But ambition alone is not enough. The current trajectory risks creating a fragmented compliance landscape that overwhelms manufacturers, sidelines small and medium-sized enterprises, and prioritizes paperwork over actual progress. As Europe and the United States continue to shape many of the global sustainability rules, APAC is increasingly the region responsible for implementing them at scale. If global systems cannot work together, supply chains will slow under the weight of duplication, complexity, and competing standards.

To bridge the gap, Cascale’s APAC Policy Member Expert Team (MET) successfully launched the APAC Policy Priorities Paper. We highlighted four core regional priorities of harmonization, interoperability, climate incentives, and overlooked decent work challenges, serving as the essential “policy bridge” that turns high-level global policy into operational manufacturing reality.

Top Takeaways:

• From policy takers to action makers: APAC is no longer just passively absorbing sustainability rules; through initiatives like our report and the policy priorities paper, it is defining how goals are operationalized on the factory floor.
• The fragmentation threat: Overlapping requirements risk shifting focus from carbon reduction and fair labor practices to passive compliance management.
• The isolation cost: Without harmonized data systems, global supply chains could face costly inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks.
• The SME safeguard: SMEs are disproportionately impacted as brands consolidate sourcing with suppliers that can absorb rising compliance costs.
• Unified implementation: The industry needs a standardized implementation layer that enables companies to measure once and report many.

Bridging the Regional Data Divide

The industry’s biggest challenge is no longer whether sustainability data exists — it is whether digital data systems can communicate across borders. Europe’s Digital Product Passport requirements, China’s Social Compliance 9000 for Textile and Apparel Industry (CSC9000T) framework, India’s environmental and social corporate governance (ESG) disclosure rules, and other national systems are evolving independently. Without technical interoperability, manufacturers serving multiple markets will face duplicative reporting obligations and conflicting methodologies. This creates operational inefficiencies that slow implementation and increase costs across supply chains.Manufacturers already manage overlapping audits, customer questionnaires, emissions reporting requests, and due diligence assessments. Facilities producing for multiple brands are often asked to provide nearly identical information in different formats and under slightly different criteria. The result is an administrative burden that diverts resources away from emissions reduction, worker wellbeing, and operational improvements.

The SME Paradox

As enforcement deadlines for regulations such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) approach, many brands are responding with what could be described as a “flight to compliance.” Orders increasingly consolidate around large suppliers with dedicated compliance teams and sophisticated reporting capabilities. While this may reduce short-term risk for brands, it creates long-term risks for the industry. We captured some of this SME nuance in the report. SMEs form the backbone of APAC’s manufacturing economy, supporting employment, entrepreneurship, and regional development. If smaller suppliers are pushed out because they cannot absorb the growing complexity of fragmented compliance systems, the industry risks weakening the very supply chain ecosystem it depends on.

From More Laws to Coordinated Implementation

The solution is not to slow ambition or reduce accountability. The industry needs stronger coordination between policymakers, manufacturers, brands, and solution providers to create greater alignment across systems and requirements.What the sector lacks is not regulation, but a unified implementation layer. Harmonized measurement frameworks and interoperable data systems can reduce duplication while maintaining transparency and enforcement. This is where industry collaboration becomes critical. Shared approaches – and frameworks such as the Higg Index – can help manufacturers measure once and report many, reducing administrative burden while improving consistency and comparability across markets.

Turning Policy Momentum into Measurable Progress

APAC has a historic opportunity to lead the next phase of sustainable supply chain transformation. The region is no longer simply reacting to policies developed elsewhere. It is increasingly defining how sustainability goals are operationalized in practice.Success will depend on whether governments, brands, and manufacturers can align around practical implementation. Predictable policy signals, interoperable reporting systems, and coordinated standards will enable facilities to invest confidently in decarbonization, energy transition, workforce resilience, and operational improvements.If the industry can move beyond fragmented compliance toward coordinated implementation, APAC can become the model for how global supply chains translate ambition into measurable impact.

And in this policy state of play, Cascale is uniquely positioned to support brands, retailers, and manufacturers in preparing for, and adapting to, this fast-evolving regulatory landscape. And where noted in the report, the Higg Index provides support and a foundation for mobilizing key social and environmental data points.

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Howard Kwong is senior manager of public affairs, APAC, at Cascale.