Lenzing Recognized as Responsible MMCF Leader in Canopy Report
As a wood-based regenerative fiber producer, trees are a critical resource for Lenzing Group. We have taken a leadership position in driving sustainable wood sourcing, and these efforts were recently recognized by forest protection organization Canopy.
For its annual Hot Button Report, Canopy assesses man-made cellulosic fiber (MMCF) makers on their wood sourcing and other practices related to fiber production. Based on audits, the nonprofit scores companies on different criteria, and the total “buttons” earned are tallied. The button counts align with shirt colors, and dark green is the most positive.
Lenzing, Aditya Birla and Tangshan Sanyou all received the same score of 33 out of a possible 40, putting them at the top of the rankings with dark green shirts. “Three of the top four MMCF producers in the world have tied for the highest score, with each now elevated into a dark green shirt ranking,” said Nicole Rycroft, founder and executive director of Canopy. “Canopy and our brand partners congratulate the leadership of those producers who have invested significant effort into their sourcing and next-gen R&D in a race to the top.”
We received a dark green shirt score in 2023, but this year’s result marked a one-point improvement from 32 to 33. Canopy noted that there is no known high risk of Lenzing’s wood coming from ancient or endangered forests. Although there had been elevated chance of risk last year due to Lenzing adding new pulp suppliers, we worked with Canopy to get more information on our sources and shifted some sourcing to address and eliminate risk. We continue to do due diligence on our suppliers.
As another highlight, Canopy pointed out that our mill in Brazil is the first to make dissolving pulp that is 100 percent FSC certified. This site is managed with biodiversity in mind, focusing on soil health. The mill also plants trees in patterns that encourage animals to migrate and mate, supporting animal populations. In addition to Brazil, we support conservation and restoration initiatives in Austria and Albania.
Lenzing was recognized for our chemical management, receiving a seven out of a possible eight. Canopy also noted our next-gen fiber solutions, including our REFIBRA™ technology that recycles used textiles into new LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose, reducing the need for virgin materials.
Another criteria that went into Canopy’s score was our fiber-to-fashion traceability solution, which allows our partners to verify where their fibers came from.
“We are delighted that our efforts to make continuous progress and find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time have been recognized and appreciated,” says Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of the Lenzing Group. “At the same time, standards and rankings such as Canopy’s show us where we still have untapped potential and can improve further. These results motivate us to continue to do our best to take care of our customers and bring about the transformation to a green and clean industry.”