At COP27, a number of fashion companies took to new fiber sourcing commitments.
By Canopy’s estimates, this commitment will save local communities where mills operate 2.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions as compared to conventional production. As it stands, the brand partners already committed to stop sourcing from ancient and endangered forests, defined as those that are at high risk of depletion.
Madelene Ericsson, environmental sustainability business expert at H&M Group, said: “Innovative low-carbon solutions, such as regenerated cellulosic fibers from waste, microbial cellulose or agricultural residues, will play a vital role to help us reduce our impact on climate and protect forests, so no ancient and endangered forests are put at risk to make fashion.
Kering’s Yoann Régent, head of sustainable sourcing and nature initiatives also expressed excitement to continue a “longtime” partnership with Canopy to support the scale-up of sustainable materials. Kering, for one, aims to ensure half of all consumer-facing plastic packaging is made with 100-percent recycled content by 2025. The group has also committed to using only certified and recyclable materials in its supply chain operations.
Stella McCartney also offered the following statement on the news: “We are collaborating with Canopy to accelerate the development and adoption of Next Generation Solutions within supply chains rooted in forests. I am proud to say we have been partnering with Canopy since 2014 and have been a zero-deforestation brand since 2017 — never sourcing from ancient, endangered or protected forests. We must take action today in order to protect our forests for tomorrow.