Canopy's latest Hot Button Report reveals that 71 per cent of rated man-made cellulosic fibre (MMCF) producers have achieved green shirt status or higher, a designation recognizing leadership in eliminating Ancient and Endangered Forests and prioritizing low-carbon, circular fibres in supply chains. These top producers now account for 53 per cent of the global supply of viscose, rayon, lyocell, and other MMCF textiles.
For the first time, three major global producers - Aditya Birla (India), Lenzing (Austria), and Tangshan Sanyou (China), have all earned dark green shirt status, reflecting a global commitment to sustainable sourcing in MMCF production. The report arrives at a critical moment, with MMCF demand surging by nearly half a million tonnes this year. However, a significant portion of this expansion comes from producers flagged with red shirts, indicating sourcing risks from high-carbon and biodiverse forests.
Madelene Ericsson Ryman, Sustainability Business Expert at H&M Group, expressed optimism about the growing number of producers prioritizing sustainability. Since 2020, H&M has exclusively sourced from green shirt producers, aligning with its environmental goals.
The report highlights key advancements, noting that 97.5 per cent of global MMCF production is now rated, with several producers advancing in their rankings. Chinese manufacturers such as Tangshan Sanyou and Yibin Grace, along with global players like Eastman, have achieved dark green status. Most engaged producers are incorporating low-carbon, Next Gen materials, often derived from waste textiles, or are investing in advanced research and development.
Nicole Rycroft, Founder of Canopy, emphasized the report’s progress, noting that 71 per cent of MMCF producers now align with brands' sustainability goals. She underscored the need for continued collaboration to scale Next Gen production, protect forests, support local economies, and promote environmental stewardship.
Since 2016, the Hot Button Report has served as a crucial resource for over 550 brands, retailers, and designers, guiding sustainable sourcing in forest-based fabric supply chains. CanopyStyle partners remain committed to sourcing exclusively from green shirt producers, fostering the shift toward more sustainable, circular materials.
