Canopy vouches for recycled viscose to protect forests

01 Nov '13

4 min read

An exciting and innovative development in global forest conservation and fashion sustainability is being unveiled in North America's style capital. Visionary fashion industry leader Eileen Fisher and award winning environmental organization Canopy are announcing a new partnership that will see them follow the thread that leads directly from the world's runways to our last remaining intact forests.

These new efforts set the apparel sector and Canopy on a path to bolster protection of ancient and endangered forest ecosystems. Also at the helm of this compelling campaign to raise awareness and work towards solutions are cutting-edge sustainability frontrunners Quiksilver, prAna, Patagonia and lululemon athletica along with 14 progressive designers.

Fashion frequently has an environmental cost that doesn't show up on the price tag. Canopy research has found that the planet's ancient and endangered forests, from the lush tropical rainforests of Indonesia to the great northern boreal forests, are increasingly being cut down and pulped to make fabrics like rayon and viscose.

The forest conservation organization has documented fiber from these rare forests turning up in suit jacket linings, dresses and skirts, t-shirts and tank tops. It's a growing and harmful trend.

In another step forward on sustainability, Eileen Fisher, Quiksilver, prAna and Patagonia are the first to begin working with Canopy to tackle the problem. These companies have developed purchasing policies to help eliminate the use of endangered forest fiber, are engaging their suppliers to further understand their supply chain, supporting research and development of solutions such as recycled viscose and have committed to partner with Canopy in raising awareness of the link between fashion and forest conservation.

"At Eileen Fisher, honoring the earth and its connection to human well-being is a company priority," said Amy Hall, Director of Social Consciousness. "The current role of fashion in forest depletion is alarming but we know designers and leading fashion houses can make a difference.”

“Working with Canopy to address our use of forest fiber, develop mechanisms to ensure our fabrics are free of endangered forests and to craft long-term solutions for sustainable fabric sourcing are the first steps in turning the tide for the world's rare forests."

"Canopy is thrilled to be working with these conscientious leaders of the clothing industry," said Nicole Rycroft, Canopy Executive Director. "Their actions are setting a new bar for sustainability within the sector and inspiring other large global players. That's good news for the world's forests, species and climate. And for those of us who love

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