Canopy Launches Partnership with Circular Economy Producer CRAiLAR

A Step Closer to Fashion that is Free of Ancient and Endangered Forests

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Vancouver - May 11 ^th , 2017: Canopy is pleased to announce today that innovative natural fiber producer, CRAiLAR Fiber Technologies International Inc., has a launched a leading-edge policy. CRAiLAR 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 fibres 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.

“The fastest way to protect the world’s last endangered forests is to ease market demand for logging in these global treasures. Canopy is working with 100 brand and retail partners to kick-start next generation solutions such as viscose and rayon made from straw,” said Nicole Rycroft, Executive Director of Canopy. “CRAiLAR already has straw-based products on the market. We are thrilled to have this growing and innovative solutions provider as a partner in our work to protect forests.”

Canopy is an award winning environmental not for profit working to protect ancient and endangered forests by transforming the impacts of the paper and fabric supply chains. Four years ago it launched the CanopyStyle initiative, which now has over 100 international clothing brands and fashion designers, including H&M, Zara/Inditex, Stella McCartney and VF Corporation, committed to end their use of ancient and endangered forests. A key component of CanopyStyle and brands’ commitments is to kick-start commercial production of fabrics and textiles made from lower-impact fibres such as straw and recycled fabrics.

“Partnering with Canopy by putting in place an ancient forest friendly policy is a natural fit. We have a product that has a lower environmental footprint than many traditional forest products and textiles and Canopy is driving a collective demand for sustainable innovation like ours,” said Jason Finnis of CRAiLAR. .

CRAiLAR uses an environmentally friendly process to make flax and other bast fiber residue into high-quality products while dramatically reducing chemical and water usage.

Over 120 million trees are felled every year to produce textiles, with approximately 30% originating from ancient and endangered forests. Canopy and our partners are committed to reducing the impact of the fashion and dissolving pulp industries on the world’s threatened forests. CRAiLAR’s products are made from straw left over from various bast fibre harvests (flax, hemp, etc.) and have the potential to diversify fibre sourcing and ensure healthy forests into the future.

Read CRAiLAR’s new policy here . For more information contact: Laura Repas
Canopy, Communications Director
416-729-7484  

Larisa Harrison
Crailar, Communications
info@crailar.com

  Canopy is a not-for-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting forests, species and climate. Canopy collaborates with more than 700 companies to develop innovative solutions, make their supply chains more sustainable and help protect our world’s remaining ancient and endangered forests. Canopy’s partners include H&M, Sprint, Penguin/Random House, Zara, TC Transcontinental, The Globe and Mail and Scholastic. Canopy’s work relies on the support of individual donors who share our passion for the planet. www.canopyplanet.org   CRAiLAR Fiber Technologies International Inc . is a leading producer of bast fiber-based products including flax and hemp for the non-woven and textile markets. Our unique, environmentally friendly technology produces individualized fibers with superior, properties to cotton and other natural or man-made fibers in nonwoven wiper applications. www.crailar-fti.com