The annual Hot Button report by Canopy, which has been compiling data for a decade, evaluates the MMCF producers based on 25 distinct criteria. These criteria encompass aspects such as the risk associated with sourcing from forests, the ability to trace materials back to their origins, and efforts towards conservation. 

The report notes that nearly all or 97.5% of global MMCF production is now under scrutiny, with more than two-thirds or 70% of producers achieving favourable “Green Shirt” rankings in 2024.

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These producers represent 53% of the global MMCF production volume.

Since the first assessment in 2016, the findings show a notable shift towards sustainability, with the “Green” rating signifying producers at the forefront of adopting Next Gen innovations and eradicating supply chain links to ancient and endangered forests.

Canopy’s director, founder and executive Nicole Rycroft said: “We’ve seen what’s possible when brands and producers galvanize around clear performance expectations. The Hot Button Report creates that common reference point for the viscose and MMCF value chain — and it’s helping shape how decisions get made and forests get protected.”

Canopy report’s key highlights

  • Projections suggest that over the next ten years, Next Gen textile production could reduce landfill waste by around 34m million tonnes (t)
  • As of June 2025, 12 producers have initiated commercial-scale production of Next Gen fibres with companies like Lenzing, Aditya Birla, and Sanyou leading the way
  • Four producers, namely Jilin Chemical Fiber, Bailu Group, Yibin Grace, and Tangshan Sanyou, have developed in-house Next Gen MMCF or pulp capabilities
  • In 2024, at COP16, 78% of producers endorsed a call for enhanced biodiversity protection under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity
  • To date, more than 35 CanopyStyle audits have been conducted and their results are accessible to the public. These audits have examined producers across 11 countries, representing over three-quarters of those evaluated in the Hot Button Report
  • Numerous companies have committed to updating their audits on a regular basis, fostering continuous accountability within the industry.

Canopy’s scoring system awards “buttons” to producers based on their actions towards better forest sourcing practices.

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The total count of “buttons” determines an overall shirt score out of 40. A green shirt rating signifies a low risk of sourcing from ancient and endangered forests. Conversely, any presence of red in a producer’s shirt score indicates a high risk associated with sourcing from these vulnerable areas.

Recently, Cellulosic fibre and nonwovens manufacturer Tangshan Sanyou inaugurated a test facility dedicated to enhancing circular textile innovation within MMCF production.

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