NYC to Chart Course for Forest Conservation
Published:
by: Aurora Tejeida
- CanopyStyle
- Media release
October 26, 2016 | New York City
Award-winning environmental not-for-profit Canopy and representatives of 81 global fashion brands are gathering for a day-long summit to strategize conservation solutions for the world’s endangered forests. The popular material rayon (aka viscose/lyocell) has become a major driver of forest loss and degradation with more than 120 million trees disappearing into t-shirts, dresses and bed sheets every year. Today’s event, cohosted by Canopy, H&M, ZARA/Inditex, EILEEN FISHER, Stella McCartney and Marks and Spencer, comes on the eve of the third anniversary of the CanopyStyle initiative, which continues to build strong momentum.
“CanopyStyle is moving the dial faster than any other environmental issue that H&M or our industry is currently working on,” said Cecilia Strömblad Brännsten, Environmental Sustainability Business Expert at H&M. “We’re excited about truly transforming this supply chain and look forward to new brands joining us in this initiative.”
Through CanopyStyle, forward-thinking fashion designers and brands have pledged to end the use of endangered forests and controversial supply in their rayon and viscose supply chain. Since Canopy first approached companies about the issue, 69+ brands, representing more than $100 billion in revenues, have signed on to CanopyStyle. The latest brands to join the effort to safeguard forests include multinational fashion chain Gina Tricot, lifestyle brand Mara Hoffman, and ethical clothing company Mantis World, who all announced their endangered forest policies today.
“We’re excited to have three new brands launch their endangered forest commitments today, and welcome the participation at the CanopyStyle Summit of six large global conglomerates that are still to launch their policies this year. Momentum continues to build,” said Nicole Rycroft, founder and executive director of Canopy. “In response to brand’s leadership, producers that represent 70% of global production now have forest commitments and are starting to make concrete progress.”
Canopy has worked to bring these influential global brands together in order to reach decision makers with large-scale influence on fabric supply, and is supporting these efforts by providing brands with tools to help transform their supply chains.
Through their commitments to end sourcing from ancient and endangered forests, and to developing alternative fibre sources, these designers and brands are seizing the opportunity to be leaders in sustainability, and to be part of important conservation solutions.
For more information or press inquiries, please contact Laura Repas, Communications Director,
416-729-7484 or .
Read more about the brands who have just signed forest policies with CanopyStyle.