Where are we in the fight to save our forests?

CanopyStyle has used science-based arguments to spur clothing brands, retailers and viscose producers into action – to get them more committed to cleaner and more sustainable viscose supply chains:

CanopyStyle has analysed industry trends and has authored an evidence-based argument on viscose production, strengthening relationships with a wide set of organisations (brands, retailers, viscose producers, public agencies and the environmental movement). The initiative's integrated approach involves creating a shared understanding with brands to initiate change in the viscose supply chain and then sharing this message with producers, finding tools to monitor forest-friendly supply chain behaviours, aiming to widen fibre alternatives and consumer messaging through brands. In an e-survey sent during the evaluation, 87% of respondents reported that a multi-pronged approach was the right way to move the viscose supply chain in support of protecting the world’s forests

The initiative has been able to address the complexities of the forest-to-fibre segment of the viscose supply chain due to its specific focus. The myopic view on sourcing has, however, prevented work on damaging practices in the supply chain. Another problem is the lack of advocacy work aimed at consumers

At the grant mid-term, more brands/retailers had CanopyStyle policies in place - significantly exceeding targets , however forest commitments were being implemented at uneven levels

CanopyStyle requires commitments on sourcing practices that avoid ancient or endangered forest systems and resolutions to promote adoption of circular fibre alternatives. Brands/retailers implementing CanopyStyle policies cover a diversity of organisations in terms of their size, and include fast fashion and boutique names. At the end of the first year of the current contract, CanopyStyle reported 191 brands and retailers implementing CanopyStyle policies (at the time of the mid-point evaluation this number was 202), with 67 policy holders having circular fibre targets in place. In both cases, the 2023 targets have been exceeded

However, CanopyStyle's focus has been limited to global retailers and brands originating from Europe and North America leaving a significant and untapped segment of Chinese and Indian companies using viscose in apparel manufacturing 

CanopyStyle's monitoring has suggested that not all organisations are acting with equal purpose regarding their commitments and this could turn into a potential disincentive to producers aiming to meet demands for sustainably sourced viscose

CanopyStyle plays a significant role in helping brands implement their policies, but more needs to be done to increase the target of total land area under formal protection

CanopyStyle is influential in getting brand participants to implement their policies. The independent CanopyStyle audit and Hot Button scoring system has been important in reforming and transforming the supply chain. ForestMapper is also a satisfactory information tool and is moving towards being positioned as a sourcing tool

So far, brand engagement in ancient and endangered forest conservation is limited to a core of committed brands. The initiative needs to secure more total land area under formal protection as per its ambitious targets. It is challenging to communicate with brands more directly regarding landscape protection/ conservation work and brand willingness appears hinged on the proximity of the brands’ supply chains to those landscapes 

Various organisations have indicated high levels of trust in CanopyStyle. Its approach towards brands, producers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has also received positive feedback