Global fashion brands join CanopyStyle initiative to protect forests

These companies are uniting with the 478 brands already signed on to CanopyStyle to save forests. CanopyStyle is a collaborative initiative dedicated to transforming viscose supply chains away from sourcing from forests and accelerating the production of low-carbon, next generation solutions like recycled-textile or agricultural residue derived viscose, the organisation said in a media release.

“This is the turnaround decade for our planet, and forests have a huge part to play in mitigating the climate crisis and conserving biodiversity,” said Nicole Rycroft, Canopy’s executive director. “That’s why, on Earth Day, we are so encouraged to see this new wave of global fashion brands committing to revolutionize their supply chains to keep vital forests standing and scale the production of Next Gen alternatives.”

“At Hanky Panky, we have always had high standards for social responsibility and sustainability,” said Gale Epstein, president and creative director of Hanky Panky. “So we are pleased today to be adding to this legacy by joining CanopyStyle and Pack4Good, and collaborating to ensure forests stay out of our supply chains, and are conserved for generations to come.”

“At Shein, we understand that protecting our forests is essential to creating a better planet for future generations," said Adam Whinston, global head of ESG at Shein. "Canopy has made important advancements in addressing the social and environmental concerns associated with man-made cellulosic fibres, and we are excited to join peer companies in the commitment to responsible viscose.”

More than 200 million trees are logged every year to make cellulosic fabrics such as viscose and rayon — many from the world’s most vital forest ecosystems. If placed end-to-end those trees would circle the Earth seven times. Currently, forests in Indonesia, Canada’s Boreal, Australia, and Brazil are being logged for next season’s fashion and apparel.

The brands have committed to ensure their viscose supply chain is free of ancient and endangered forests; maximises alternative next generation fibres such as recycled textiles and agricultural residues; and uses FSC-certified wood if virgin forest fibre needs to be used.

A majority of these brands have also joined Pack4Good, Canopy’s initiative to make sure they are implementing smart packaging design and using the most eco-friendly paper packaging.