Gap has joined Canopy, which works to protect the world’s endangered and high carbon value forests, species and climate. Over 100 global brands and designers have pledged to end the use of ancient and endangered forests in their rayon and viscose supply chain under Canopy.
There has been a strong surge in US brands taking action to stop their rayon fabrics from contributing to deforestation or forest degradation. Global forests are the second largest storehouses of greenhouse gases and 25 per cent of the global population depends on forests for their survival and livelihood.
Among the brands that have joined Canopy are The North Face, Timberland and Vans. Canopy collaborates with more than 700 companies to develop innovative solutions, make their supply chains more sustainable and help protect the world’s remaining ancient and endangered forests. Canopy’s partners include H&M, Sprint, Penguin/Random House, Zara, TC Transcontinental, The Guardian and Scholastic.
Manmade cellulosic fibers are commonly referred to as either viscose, or as rayon, and encompass rayon, viscose, modal and other trademarked fabrics such as Tencel or Lyocell. Gap is aiming for a dramatic increase in sustainable fibers and textile innovation for its fashion brands including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta. The company plans to source 100 per cent of its cotton from sustainable sources by 2021.
