India CSR News Network
MUMBAI: Today, environmental not-for-profit Canopy and the Rainforest Alliance released results of the first independent verification of the fibre sourcing for viscose producer, Birla Cellulose of the Aditya Birla Group.
The audit uses a risk-based approach and requires verifiable evidence that wood and pulp used by Birla Cellulose for the production of Birla Viscose, Birla Modal, Birla Spunshades and Birla Excel fulfills a robust verification framework and audit process that was developed by Canopy.
The audit will form a key performance indicator of Canopy’s overall assessment of viscose producers’ progress on their CanopyStyle commitments coming soon.
Birla Cellulose of The Aditya Birla Group is one of the first viscose staple fibre producers to complete the audit conducted by the Rainforest Alliance.
This audit of Birla Cellulose’s current supply chains confirms that the risk of sourcing wood from ancient and endangered forests or other controversial sources is low risk, which is an industry leading result.
“Congratulations to Birla Cellulose, who today has taken a significant step forward in fulfilling the company’s CanopyStyle commitments with the release of these industry-leading audit results,” said Nicole Rycroft, Canopy’s Executive Director.
“These audits are a key milestone on the CanopyStyle path to ending the use of endangered forests in fabric and a critical tool for Canopy and our 100 brand partners in assessing risk and tracking innovation within the rayon – viscose supply chain.”
In recent years, fashion has emerged as a rapidly growing sector using forests for fabrics such as viscose, modal, lyocell and other trademarked textiles. Vibrant forest ecosystems are critical for maintaining species diversity, a stable climate and freshwater systems. Progressing conservation solutions that benefit local communities, species, the world’s climate and intact forests are drivers behind the work of Canopy and the Rainforest Alliance with Aditya Birla.
“Birla Cellulose announced our wood sourcing policy with Canopy just over two years ago to reinforce our company’s long standing commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. The verification audit confirms the sustainability and transparency of our certified wood and pulp sourcing,” said Mr. Dilip Gaur, Business Director, Aditya Birla Group, Pulp and Fibre.
“We welcome the CanopyStyle Audit assessment and look forward to further strengthening our performance. We will continue to invest in new technology to support our long term focus of reducing our environmental footprint, and continuing transparency to our customers.”
Birla Cellulose represents the Pulp and Fiber business of the Aditya Birla Group, is India’s pioneer in Viscose Staple Fibre (VSF). Birla Cellulose fibers are of 100% natural origin, highly absorbent, have an especially good feel, and are completely biodegradable.
As an extremely versatile and easily bendable fibre, VSF is widely used in apparels, home textiles, dress material, knitted wear and non-woven applications. Birla Celluose commands a major world market share in the Manmade Cellulose fiber domain.
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