Natural fiber producer Crailar has entered into a partnership with Canopy, an NGO working to protect ancient and endangered forests by transforming the impacts of the paper and fabric supply chains. Crailar uses an environmentally friendly process to make flax and other bast fiber residue into high-quality products while dramatically reducing chemical and water use. It is one of a growing number of solutions technology enterprises in the textile and nonwovens supply chain and a leading innovator in its commitment to only source agricultural residues.

In using agricultural residue fibers to make the next generation of fabrics, Crailar offers eagerly anticipated options for brands and retailers seeking sustainable alternatives to fabrics currently made from ancient and endangered forests.

Believing that the fastest way to protect the world’s last endangered forests is to ease market demand for their treasures, Canopy is working with 100 brand and retail partners to kick-start next generation solutions such as viscose and rayon made from straw.

Four years ago it launched an initiative, which now has over 100 international clothing brands and fashion designers, committed to end the use of ancient and endangered forests. A key component is to kickstart commercial production of fabrics and textiles made from lower-impact fibers such as straw and recycled fabrics.