Tag: 3BL

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

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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.

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.

KeyBank is partnering with Buffalo GoGreen and Providence Farm Collective for the fifth consecutive year to launch a weekly farmers market in the city’s Delavan-Grider neighborhood. The market helps address food insecurity by bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to neighborhoods with few options.

The market will be held at the Delavan-Grider Community Center located at 877 East Delavan Avenue. It will take place from 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. each Thursday from May 28 through fall. The market is planned to run rain or shine, with the facility gymnasium designated as an alternate location in the case of inclement weather.

“At its core, this market is about meeting people where they are and making healthy food more accessible for our community,” said Chiwuike “Chi-Chi” Owunwanne, Corporate Responsibility Officer for KeyBank in Buffalo. “Five seasons in, we’ve seen what’s possible when partners show up consistently, and we’re proud to keep building on that momentum with Buffalo Go Green, Providence Farm Collective, and the Delavan Grider Community Center.”

“The return of the farmers market for its fifth year, supported by ongoing partnerships with KeyBank, Buffalo GoGreen and Providence Farms at the Delavan Grider Community Center, brings invaluable options to our community,” said Delavan-Grider Community Center Executive Director Candace Moppins. “This initiative not only allows residents to purchase fresh produce but also introduces them to a variety of new and less familiar choices. As our neighborhoods grow in diversity, our palates have the chance to expand, leading to healthier eating habits. This is truly a win for everyone involved. Together, we are fostering a vibrant, healthier community.”

“The Delavan Grider Farmers Market supports not only me as a farmer but also Providence Farm Collective and the community,” said Osman Chivala, Owner of Kwachinyika Farm and Providence Farm Collective Incubator Farm Program graduate. “The coupons provided by the market helps me earn money as a small scale farmer and also helps bring food to the neighborhood.”

“We are very excited to be back partnering with KeyBank, the Delavan-Grider Community Center and Providence Farm Collective for the 2026 Farmers Market,” said Buffalo GoGreen CEO and Executive Director Allison DeHonney. “It is our honor to again serve the community by providing locally grown nutrient dense fruits and vegetables. We have been working to bring more partners to the market to educate and offer services to the loyal patrons that have been shopping with us over the past four years.”

In addition to produce vendors, other merchants from around Western New York will take part in the market. Accepted forms of payment are cash, checks, Mastercard, Visa, SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC and Senior Farmers checks. In addition, those who sign up on site for the Double Up Food Bucks program will receive a $10 food voucher to the market courtesy of KeyBank.

Learn more about how KeyBank helps clients, teammates, and communities thrive by making meaningful investments in the places it’s proud to call home.

KeyBank is partnering with Buffalo GoGreen and Providence Farm Collective for the fifth consecutive year to launch a weekly farmers market in the city’s Delavan-Grider neighborhood. The market helps address food insecurity by bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to neighborhoods with few options.

The market will be held at the Delavan-Grider Community Center located at 877 East Delavan Avenue. It will take place from 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. each Thursday from May 28 through fall. The market is planned to run rain or shine, with the facility gymnasium designated as an alternate location in the case of inclement weather.

“At its core, this market is about meeting people where they are and making healthy food more accessible for our community,” said Chiwuike “Chi-Chi” Owunwanne, Corporate Responsibility Officer for KeyBank in Buffalo. “Five seasons in, we’ve seen what’s possible when partners show up consistently, and we’re proud to keep building on that momentum with Buffalo Go Green, Providence Farm Collective, and the Delavan Grider Community Center.”

“The return of the farmers market for its fifth year, supported by ongoing partnerships with KeyBank, Buffalo GoGreen and Providence Farms at the Delavan Grider Community Center, brings invaluable options to our community,” said Delavan-Grider Community Center Executive Director Candace Moppins. “This initiative not only allows residents to purchase fresh produce but also introduces them to a variety of new and less familiar choices. As our neighborhoods grow in diversity, our palates have the chance to expand, leading to healthier eating habits. This is truly a win for everyone involved. Together, we are fostering a vibrant, healthier community.”

“The Delavan Grider Farmers Market supports not only me as a farmer but also Providence Farm Collective and the community,” said Osman Chivala, Owner of Kwachinyika Farm and Providence Farm Collective Incubator Farm Program graduate. “The coupons provided by the market helps me earn money as a small scale farmer and also helps bring food to the neighborhood.”

“We are very excited to be back partnering with KeyBank, the Delavan-Grider Community Center and Providence Farm Collective for the 2026 Farmers Market,” said Buffalo GoGreen CEO and Executive Director Allison DeHonney. “It is our honor to again serve the community by providing locally grown nutrient dense fruits and vegetables. We have been working to bring more partners to the market to educate and offer services to the loyal patrons that have been shopping with us over the past four years.”

In addition to produce vendors, other merchants from around Western New York will take part in the market. Accepted forms of payment are cash, checks, Mastercard, Visa, SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC and Senior Farmers checks. In addition, those who sign up on site for the Double Up Food Bucks program will receive a $10 food voucher to the market courtesy of KeyBank.

Learn more about how KeyBank helps clients, teammates, and communities thrive by making meaningful investments in the places it’s proud to call home.

KeyBank is partnering with Buffalo GoGreen and Providence Farm Collective for the fifth consecutive year to launch a weekly farmers market in the city’s Delavan-Grider neighborhood. The market helps address food insecurity by bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to neighborhoods with few options.

The market will be held at the Delavan-Grider Community Center located at 877 East Delavan Avenue. It will take place from 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. each Thursday from May 28 through fall. The market is planned to run rain or shine, with the facility gymnasium designated as an alternate location in the case of inclement weather.

“At its core, this market is about meeting people where they are and making healthy food more accessible for our community,” said Chiwuike “Chi-Chi” Owunwanne, Corporate Responsibility Officer for KeyBank in Buffalo. “Five seasons in, we’ve seen what’s possible when partners show up consistently, and we’re proud to keep building on that momentum with Buffalo Go Green, Providence Farm Collective, and the Delavan Grider Community Center.”

“The return of the farmers market for its fifth year, supported by ongoing partnerships with KeyBank, Buffalo GoGreen and Providence Farms at the Delavan Grider Community Center, brings invaluable options to our community,” said Delavan-Grider Community Center Executive Director Candace Moppins. “This initiative not only allows residents to purchase fresh produce but also introduces them to a variety of new and less familiar choices. As our neighborhoods grow in diversity, our palates have the chance to expand, leading to healthier eating habits. This is truly a win for everyone involved. Together, we are fostering a vibrant, healthier community.”

“The Delavan Grider Farmers Market supports not only me as a farmer but also Providence Farm Collective and the community,” said Osman Chivala, Owner of Kwachinyika Farm and Providence Farm Collective Incubator Farm Program graduate. “The coupons provided by the market helps me earn money as a small scale farmer and also helps bring food to the neighborhood.”

“We are very excited to be back partnering with KeyBank, the Delavan-Grider Community Center and Providence Farm Collective for the 2026 Farmers Market,” said Buffalo GoGreen CEO and Executive Director Allison DeHonney. “It is our honor to again serve the community by providing locally grown nutrient dense fruits and vegetables. We have been working to bring more partners to the market to educate and offer services to the loyal patrons that have been shopping with us over the past four years.”

In addition to produce vendors, other merchants from around Western New York will take part in the market. Accepted forms of payment are cash, checks, Mastercard, Visa, SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC and Senior Farmers checks. In addition, those who sign up on site for the Double Up Food Bucks program will receive a $10 food voucher to the market courtesy of KeyBank.

Learn more about how KeyBank helps clients, teammates, and communities thrive by making meaningful investments in the places it’s proud to call home.

Key points

• GLP 1 medications can support weight loss, but long term success often requires more than medication alone.
• Pairing medical therapy with nutrition, behavioral, and lifestyle support helps people—like Mistie Mace, a licensed practical nurse and thyroid cancer survivor—build sustainable habits and maintain progress.
• The CVS Weight Management program combines personalized coaching and accountability to support better health outcomes and optimize the use of GLP 1s.

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

Like millions of Americans, Mistie Mace spent years trying to manage her weight with limited success. A licensed practical nurse and thyroid cancer survivor, she had lived with obesity since childhood, despite repeated efforts and ongoing medical care. At her heaviest, she weighed 416 pounds.

What made the difference wasn’t just a prescription—it was a more comprehensive approach. After enrolling in the CVS Weight Management program for employers and health plans, Mistie began combining medical therapy with behavioral coaching, nutrition guidance, and consistent accountability. Within a few months, she lost more than 50 pounds and saw meaningful improvements in her health, including increased mobility, higher energy levels, and normalized blood sugar.

“This is the easiest it’s ever been for me to lose weight,” Mistie said. “A doctor who listens, a structured program, and the right support made all the difference. For the first time, I feel hopeful.”

Through the program, she established new routines, adopted a high protein, lower carb nutrition plan with portion control, increased physical activity, and relied on accountability from both her care team and her family.

The big picture

Mistie’s experience reflects a broader shift in medical weight loss. GLP 1 medications have reshaped obesity treatment, helping many people manage weight more effectively than ever before. But experts increasingly agree that medication alone is rarely enough to drive significant, sustained change.

That’s why CVS Health offers a more comprehensive approach—pairing GLP 1 medications with structured nutrition, behavioral, and lifestyle support through the CVS Weight Management program.

Why medication alone often falls short

GLP 1 medications are FDA approved for use alongside diet and physical activity. Yet many people begin treatment without guidance on how to build habits that support ongoing progress. Before enrolling in the CVS Weight Management program, 70% of participants were using a weight management medication without any lifestyle or nutrition support.

Without a clear plan, some people struggle to achieve their goals—or see weight return after stopping medication. Real world experience, including journeys like Mistie’s, shows that successful weight loss depends on addressing daily routines, mindset, and behavior—not just biology.

A whole-person approach to weight management

The CVS Weight Management program is designed to support people beyond the prescription, helping participants translate medication use into real, lasting change.

Program features include:

• One on one virtual support from a dedicated registered dietitian.
• Personalized nutrition planning tailored to individual health needs, preferences, and culture.
• Ongoing coaching and accountability to help participants reinforce healthy habits over time.

This integrated approach helps optimize the effectiveness of GLP 1 medications and supports people working toward better health—with or without medication.

Results reinforce the value of weight-management support

After six months in the CVS Weight Management program, 92% of participants reported satisfaction. Employers and health plans that adopted the program also reported up to 26% lower spending on GLP 1 weight loss medications compared with those without the program.

“Medication alone isn’t enough to achieve meaningful change,” said Dr. Michelle Gourdine, chief medical officer at CVS Caremark and SVP at CVS Health. “Combining medical therapy with behavioral support and sustainable routines is key to long term wellness.”

Before starting any weight management program, individuals should discuss their medical history, goals, and readiness for change with their health care provider.

Key points

• GLP 1 medications can support weight loss, but long term success often requires more than medication alone.
• Pairing medical therapy with nutrition, behavioral, and lifestyle support helps people—like Mistie Mace, a licensed practical nurse and thyroid cancer survivor—build sustainable habits and maintain progress.
• The CVS Weight Management program combines personalized coaching and accountability to support better health outcomes and optimize the use of GLP 1s.

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

Like millions of Americans, Mistie Mace spent years trying to manage her weight with limited success. A licensed practical nurse and thyroid cancer survivor, she had lived with obesity since childhood, despite repeated efforts and ongoing medical care. At her heaviest, she weighed 416 pounds.

What made the difference wasn’t just a prescription—it was a more comprehensive approach. After enrolling in the CVS Weight Management program for employers and health plans, Mistie began combining medical therapy with behavioral coaching, nutrition guidance, and consistent accountability. Within a few months, she lost more than 50 pounds and saw meaningful improvements in her health, including increased mobility, higher energy levels, and normalized blood sugar.

“This is the easiest it’s ever been for me to lose weight,” Mistie said. “A doctor who listens, a structured program, and the right support made all the difference. For the first time, I feel hopeful.”

Through the program, she established new routines, adopted a high protein, lower carb nutrition plan with portion control, increased physical activity, and relied on accountability from both her care team and her family.

The big picture

Mistie’s experience reflects a broader shift in medical weight loss. GLP 1 medications have reshaped obesity treatment, helping many people manage weight more effectively than ever before. But experts increasingly agree that medication alone is rarely enough to drive significant, sustained change.

That’s why CVS Health offers a more comprehensive approach—pairing GLP 1 medications with structured nutrition, behavioral, and lifestyle support through the CVS Weight Management program.

Why medication alone often falls short

GLP 1 medications are FDA approved for use alongside diet and physical activity. Yet many people begin treatment without guidance on how to build habits that support ongoing progress. Before enrolling in the CVS Weight Management program, 70% of participants were using a weight management medication without any lifestyle or nutrition support.

Without a clear plan, some people struggle to achieve their goals—or see weight return after stopping medication. Real world experience, including journeys like Mistie’s, shows that successful weight loss depends on addressing daily routines, mindset, and behavior—not just biology.

A whole-person approach to weight management

The CVS Weight Management program is designed to support people beyond the prescription, helping participants translate medication use into real, lasting change.

Program features include:

• One on one virtual support from a dedicated registered dietitian.
• Personalized nutrition planning tailored to individual health needs, preferences, and culture.
• Ongoing coaching and accountability to help participants reinforce healthy habits over time.

This integrated approach helps optimize the effectiveness of GLP 1 medications and supports people working toward better health—with or without medication.

Results reinforce the value of weight-management support

After six months in the CVS Weight Management program, 92% of participants reported satisfaction. Employers and health plans that adopted the program also reported up to 26% lower spending on GLP 1 weight loss medications compared with those without the program.

“Medication alone isn’t enough to achieve meaningful change,” said Dr. Michelle Gourdine, chief medical officer at CVS Caremark and SVP at CVS Health. “Combining medical therapy with behavioral support and sustainable routines is key to long term wellness.”

Before starting any weight management program, individuals should discuss their medical history, goals, and readiness for change with their health care provider.