ENKA's supply chain is low risk: Canopy audit

22 Jul '18

3 min read

Courtesy: Canopy

ENKA’s current supply chain has been confirmed as low risk of sourcing wood from ancient and endangered forests or other controversial sources, according to independent verification audit results of ENKA’s pulp sourcing by environmental not-for-profit Canopy and the Rainforest Alliance. The audit uses a risk-based approach and requires verifiable evidence.

The audit requires verifiable evidence that pulp used by ENKA for the production viscose filament yarn meets the requirements of a robust verification framework and audit process that was developed by Canopy, in partnership with the auditor Rainforest Alliance.

“Luxury designers and CanopyStyle’s 160 other brands are excited that the first filament yarn producer is now verified at low risk of sourcing from ancient and endangered forests,” said Nicole Rycroft, Canopy’s executive director. “ENKA’s CanopyStyle audit places it in the ranks of viscose producers that have industry leading results and positions ENKA to perform strongly in Canopy’s 2018 Hot Button Issue.”

“ENKA is proud to be part of the CanopyStyle initiative,” said Dr. Till Boldt, managing director of ENKA. “We are in continuous contact with key fashion brands and we recognise the value of the CanopyStyle audit to validate our raw material sustainability track record which in turn enhances market loyalty.”

“The Rainforest Alliance is pleased to participate in this important initiative that furthers our mission to conserve biodiversity and help ensure sustainable livelihoods,” stated Richard Donovan, Rainforest Alliance senior forests advisor. “Our role includes serving as the trusted auditor, evaluating ENKA’s progress and delivering audit results that are a snapshot in time.”

The recommendations based on audit findings include:
The audit recommends that ENKA promote FSC certification, and as committed, develop a strategic plan to increase FSC certified sourcing. The company is expected to set clear targets and timelines to increase FSC intake over time, with a focus on FSC 100 per cent to build the FSC demand.

It also says that despite the current technological challenges, it is expected that a commitment towards the research, development and promotion of alternative fibres be reconsidered by ENKA and inserted into the company’s forest sourcing policy and strategic planning.

As mentioned in the CanopyStyle audit framework, the company is expected to notify Canopy should it decide to expand its supplier list beyond the current source. It is expected that the company continue to implement its policy and meet the expectations of the CanopyStyle initiative.

The release of ENKA’s audit comes quickly on the heels of public release of audits by viscose giants Sateri and Tangshan Sanyou, and indicates a growing momentum behind the CanopyStyle initiative, which requires robust third party auditing as well as supply-chain transparency.

Since its launch in 2013, CanopyStyle has been recognised as one of the fastest moving environmental issues within the apparel industry.

Over the past four years, and now with the support of 160 brands, designers and retailers representing $170 billion in annual sales, CanopyStyle has secured sourcing commitments from producers representing 70 per cent of the global production capacity of viscose. To date, 52 per cent of the global production capacity of viscose has made its audit results public.

These audits are to be conducted annually and are a key tool to document performance on the implementation of forest commitments. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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