Report marks growth in cellulosic fiber supply chains

Palo Alto, Calif.-based environmental nonprofit Canopy released the 10th Edition Hot Button Report, which shows that the global man-made cellulosic fiber (MMCF) supply chain has undergone a dramatic transformation since the report’s inception in 2016. The report shows the sector has advanced from no low-risk Green Shirt producers in 2016 to 21 in 2025, and from no commercial-scale Next Gen fiber lines to 16 available today. The findings underscore that meaningful change in the clothing sector can happen in years, not decades.

Canopy says this report provides the most comprehensive snapshot yet of how MMCF producers are phasing out sourcing from the world’s Ancient and Endangered Forests and accelerating the transition to low-carbon, circular Next Gen alternatives. The 10th edition assesses 98 percent of global MMCF production, rating companies with the company’s “shirt” system. The results show clear momentum, with nearly 70 percent of producers now earning Green, Partial Dark Green, or Dark Green status — a sharp contrast to just nine years ago.

The ratings are led by Lenzing and Tangshan Sanyou, who share the top spot, followed closely by Aditya Birla in second place. Other producers achieving Dark Green Shirt status include Jilin Chemical Fiber, Yibin Grace, and Xinxiang Chemical Fiber Co. (Bailu), who all made significant advances in Next Gen integration during the past year, alongside additional leaders in the field. This year’s Report features contributions from 30 MMCF producers globally, including two new entrants, bringing Green Shirt-rated production to 54 percent in 2025. 

Nicole Rycroft, founder and executive director of Canopy, said, “The leaders in the Hot Button are demonstrating that investing in Next Gen Solutions isn’t just good for the planet — it’s integral to building resilient, low-carbon supply chains to meet brand expectations,  mitigate against increasingly volatile raw material supply, and deliver long-term business value.”

Launched in 2016, Canopy’s Hot Button Report assesses the world’s largest MMCF producers on their performance in three key areas: raw material sourcing, innovation in low-impact fiber alternatives, and supply chain transparency.