Accountability Framework initiative and Canopy: Statement of Alignment

The Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) and Canopy both support companies in reducing their impacts on the world’s natural forests, biodiversity, and climate. The two are distinct and employ approaches that are different but complementary.  

• AFi is a collaborative programme to protect forests, other natural ecosystems, and human rights by making ethical production and trade the new normal. To achieve this critical transformation, the AFi promotes and supports implementation of the Accountability Framework, a detailed roadmap for setting goals, taking action, and reporting progress towards ethical supply chains. The initiative is led by the AFi Coalition: a diverse group of environmental and human rights organizations from around the world that developed the Accountability Framework and work to drive positive impact in the agriculture and forestry sectors.   

• Canopy is a solutions-focused not-for-profit forest conservation organization that works collaboratively with over 900 global companies to eliminate the use of carbon- and biodiversity-rich forests in the paper, textile, and packaging supply chains. Specifically, Canopy works to eliminate the use of Ancient and Endangered Forests through procurement policies and the development of low-impact, Next Generation alternative fibre solutions.  

While the AFi and Canopy each has its own scope and focus, the two are aligned in their efforts to eliminate deforestation from supply chains related to forestry. AFi Coalition member organizations and Canopy provide support to brands that are seeking to comply with emerging deforestation legislations. Global brands have embedded both Canopy requirements and the Accountability Framework’s good practice guidance in their overarching sustainability commitments, policies, and actions. This helps companies lessen their impacts on natural forest ecosystems, such as through supply chain mapping and strengthened procurement practices.  

Canopy has developed initiatives, like CanopyStyle for textiles and Pack4Good for paper packaging, and supportive tools to help brands avoid products that involve the destruction of Ancient and Endangered Forests and the conversion of natural forests. These initiatives and tools also incentivize companies to source Next Generation Solutions for forest fibre use that are low-impact, low-carbon, and often circular. The Accountability Framework offers companies a holistic and integrated approach to managing deforestation and conversion risk across their entire businesses. Both the Framework and Canopy guide companies to embed the protection of human rights in their operations and supply chains. This includes the rights of workers, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities, including the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).  

Canopy has focused on these issues through the development of brand and producer commitments, and tools to verify compliance. An example is the CanopyStyle Audit framework, which assesses producers of forest-based man-made cellulosic fibre textiles, such as rayon and viscose. More than 70 sustainability tools, resources, and initiatives have aligned with the Accountability Framework. These address a wide range of contexts and needs, from goal setting to monitoring and reporting. Companies can use these resources to implement ethical supply chains in an aligned manner, under the global 'umbrella' of the Accountability Framework. 

The Accountability Framework and Canopy are pleased to collaborate with global brands that embrace conservation and sustainability commitments.