Last week, four Canopy staff members across three teams convened in Shanghai for the 2024 autumn edition of the Shanghai Yarn Expo, Asia Pacific’s largest yarn and fibre showcase. This marked Canopy’s fourth visit to China in less than two years, a pivotal market for sustainable transformation.
But why China? As the global leader in Man-Made Cellulosic Fibre (MMCF) production, China is uniquely positioned to shift the fashion and textile industry from being a significant carbon emitter to becoming a global leader in climate solutions. With over 30% of global garment exports and 70% of the world’s MMCF production controlled by Chinese producers, the country is a key partner in Canopy’s mission.
Canopy team with representatives from Tangshan Sanyou and Circulose at Sanyou’s annual event.
Notably, many of the MMCF producers highlighted in Canopy’s Hot Button Report as leading in sustainability are based in China. Producers such as Tangshan Sanyou, Yibin Grace, Jilin Chemical Fibre, and Xinxiang Bailu Group have all achieved Dark Green Shirt status, while also offering innovative Next Generation product lines.
The Canopy team with key members from Yibin Grace following a dinner meeting.
On August 26–27, Canopy participated in the inaugural GREENEXT Expo in Shanghai, hosted by the UN Global Compact. Canopy’s booth attracted significant attention from domestic and international brands, fabric suppliers, students, and the general public.
Canopy attending the GREENEXT Expo in Shanghai.
August 27 was another milestone day. In the evening, Tangshan Sanyou, a long-time partner of Canopy, hosted their second annual Tangcell Night, celebrating their remarkable progress in scaling up circular Next Generation fibre products in collaboration with partners such as Circulose. Jordan Giaconia, Canopy’s Strategic Lead for Next Generation Solutions, delivered a keynote, underscoring Canopy’s enduring collaboration with Tangshan Sanyou and reflecting on the lessons learned over the past year regarding Next Gen MMCF scaling.
Jordan Giaconia delivering his keynote speech at Tangcell Night.
The next day, on August 28, Canopy co-hosted the ‘Green Threads: Advancing Circular Fashion’ event with the Collaboration for Sustainable Development of Viscose (CV) during the Shanghai Yarn Expo. Producer partners, brand representatives from Tesco, Inditex, lululemon, and Fast Retailing, as well as NGOs like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), and Textile Genesis attended. The event featured keynote speeches by Canopy, CV, and CNTAC, with Elly Dinnadge presenting Canopy’s achievements to date, and Jordan Giaconia detailing insights on scaling Next Gen MMCFs and the crucial role of cross-supply-chain collaboration.
Canopy’s Elly Dinnadge offers a keynote speech at the ‘Green Threads’ event, and networks with participants following the presentations.
The event wrapped up with networking, fostering new connections between producers, brands, government officials, and organizations.
Canopy’s Vikram Naik networking with event attendees at the CV and Canopy event.
To conclude the week, Canopy attended dinners with long-standing Chinese producer partners, deepening discussions about collaboration and the importance of scaling Next Gen production to meet global sustainability goals.
Canopy is excited to continue working with leading Chinese MMCF producers and brands, driving innovation, and supporting the industry’s move toward a circular, sustainable future.
Canopy’s Sophia Yang at the booth during the GREENEXT Expo event.
