Joining the ranks of fashion companies addressing human rights and deforestation, Lingerie giant Victoria's Secret known for its racy bras and thongs has pledged to trace the source of its wood-based fabrics, its parent company has said. In a new policy statement, the parent company, L Brands said it aimed to eliminate sources of wood pulp, used to make rayon, viscose and modal that contribute to rainforest destruction or violate the rights of local people.
L Brands is the latest in a growing number of US fashion companies to commit to investigate its supply chain for products from destructive regions and stop using those sources by the end of 2017, according to Rainforest Action Network (RAN). Ralph Lauren Corp, whose designs are popular on Hollywood's red carpets, adopted a similar policy earlier this month.
Production of wood pulp can involve clearing forests to build eucalyptus plantations and taking land traditionally used by indigenous communities, campaigners say. The issue is particularly acute in Indonesia, a major producer of wood pulp. The Victoria's Secret catalogue features voluptuous models clad in tiny thongs, push-up bras and cheekini panties, and its top models who appear in its popular fashion shows are known as its Angels.
