Verification audit by the Rainforest Alliance of German viscose filament yarn producer, ENKA, indicates low risk of sourcing from the world’s ancient and endangered forests
Obernburg, New York and Vancouver – July 12, 2018 Today, environmental not-for-profit Canopy and the Rainforest Alliance released independent verification audit results of ENKA’s pulp sourcing. The audit uses a risk-based approach and requires verifiable evidence that pulp used by ENKA for the production viscose filament yarn meets the requirements of a robust verification framework and audit process that was developed by Canopy, in partnership with the auditor Rainforest Alliance.
ENKA’s current supply chain is confirmed as low risk of sourcing wood from ancient and endangered forests or other controversial sources.
“Luxury designers and CanopyStyle’s 160 other brands are excited that the first filament yarn producer is now verified at low risk of sourcing from ancient and endangered forests,” said Nicole Rycroft, Canopy’s Executive Director. “ENKA’s CanopyStyle audit places it in the ranks of viscose producers that have industry leading results and positions ENKA to perform strongly in Canopy’s 2018 Hot Button Issue.”
“ENKA is proud to be part of the CanopyStyle initiative,” said Dr. Till Boldt, Managing Director of ENKA. “We are in continuous contact with key fashion brands and we recognize the value of the CanopyStyle audit to validate our raw material sustainability track record which in turn enhances market loyalty.”
“The Rainforest Alliance is pleased to participate in this important initiative that furthers our mission to conserve biodiversity and help ensure sustainable livelihoods,” stated Richard Donovan, Rainforest Alliance Senior Forests Advisor. “Our role includes serving as the trusted auditor, evaluating ENKA’s progress and delivering audit results that are a snapshot in time.”
The recommendations based on audit findings include:
- ENKA promote FSC certification, and as committed, develops a strategic plan to increase FSC certified sourcing. The company is expected to set clear targets and timelines to increase FSC intake over time, with a focus on FSC 100% to build the FSC demand.
- Despite the current technological challenges, it is expected that a commitment towards the research, development and promotion of alternative fibers be reconsidered by ENKA and inserted into the company’s forest sourcing policy and strategic planning.
- As mentioned in the CanopyStyle audit framework, the company is expected to notify Canopy should it decide to expand its supplier list beyond the current source.
- It is expected that the company continue to implement its policy and meet the expectations of the CanopyStyle initiative.
The release of ENKA’s audit comes quickly on the heels of public release of audits by viscose giants Sateri and Tangshan Sanyou, and indicates a growing momentum behind the CanopyStyle initiative, which requires robust third party auditing as well as supply-chain transparency.
Since its launch in 2013, CanopyStyle has been recognized as one of the fastest moving environmental issues within the apparel industry. Over the past four years, and now with the support of 160 brands, designers and retailers representing $170 billion USD in annual sales, CanopyStyle has secured sourcing commitments from producers representing 70% of the global production capacity of viscose. To date, 52% of the global production capacity of viscose has made its audit results public.
These audits are to be conducted annually and are a key tool to document performance on the implementation of forest commitments. Audit findings will contribute to the 2018 update of the CanopyStyle’s Hot Button Issue Report, which assesses viscose producers overall performance on forest conservation, advancements on developing fabrics made from recycled fabrics and straw, and transparency.
The public report from audit evaluation of ENKA’s operations is available here:
Audit report on ENKA website.
Audit report on Rainforest Alliance website.
For more Information:
Laura Repas
Canopy
Brittany Wienke
Rainforest Alliance
Dr. Till Boldt
ENKA
till.boldt@enka.de
The Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017, is an international non-profit organization that works around the world to conserve forests and natural resources while advancing sustainable livelihoods through a focus on transforming land use practices, business practices, and consumer behavior. This CanopyStyle Audit was conducted by auditors from the Rainforest Alliance certification division, which has provided expert certification in farm and forestry sectors, as well as assurance services since 1989. To learn more about the Rainforest Alliance, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org or https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/business/
Canopy
Canopy is an international not-for-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting our forests, species and climate. Canopy collaborates with more than 750 companies to develop innovative solutions, to make their fiber supply chains more sustainable, and to help protect our world’s remaining ancient and endangered forests. Canopy’s partners include H&M, Sprint, Penguin Random House, Zara, TC Transcontinental, The Globe and Mail, and Scholastic. Canopy’s work relies on the support of individual donors who share our passion for the planet.
ENKA
ENKA, whose roots are dating back to the end of the 19th century, is the leading European quality manufacturer of textile viscose filament yarns and offers sustainable yarn solutions for the global fashion industry. ENKA has a powerful European heritage and operates under the strict European regime for environmental controls and chemical management systems. It is certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 50001 and holds FSC® Chain of Custody certification. ENKA® viscose is a 100% wood-based product and regenerated from pure cellulose, the most common and renewable organic material in the world. It is fully bio-degradable and offers outstanding luster and dyeability, softness, hand feel as well as moisture control and breathability.
ENKA® viscose filament yarns are manufactured from softwood pulp, which is gained from sustainable and FSC® certified forestation in Scandinavia. ENKA employs closed-loop production techniques and recovery units and uses the latest biological waste water treatment systems. ENKA® viscose is certified according to Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® Class I & Appendix 6 (Z1.0.0541).
http://www.enka.de
