Walmart joins Canopy to help protect forests all around the world

Walmart‘s North American businesses have joined the CanopyStyle initiative of the environmental non-profit Canopy which aims at removing “old and endangered forests” from global materials supply chains.

As part of the initiative, Walmart US, Sam’s Club US, and Walmart Canada have established a goal to assure that no man-made cellulosic fabrics used in their Private Brand apparel and soft home textile products are sourced from endangered forest trees by 2025.

In a statement, Denise Incandela, executive vice president of Walmart US, said that they’re committed to making their supply chains more regenerative, working in harmony with nature to protect, restore, and sustainably utilize their natural resources. They know their collaboration with Canopy is a step in the right direction as they try to effectively use their sourcing as a force for forest protection, and they’re excited to provide more sustainably sourced textiles to their customers.

In addition to the 2025 goal of ethically sourced fibers, the three companies are strongly encouraged to use recycled and alternative Next Generation fibers (such as recycled textiles or agricultural residues) where cost, quality, and availability allow, and to show a preference for sourcing certified materials if virgin wood fiber is still used.

Nicole Rycroft, Canopy’s Executive Director, said that the addition of Walmart to CanopyStyle is a game-changer. Their worldwide reach and effect on supply chains are second to none. Their commitment will accelerate the viscose supply chain change to safeguard forests and bring Next Generation Solutions to market at scale.

Kieran Shanahan, Walmart Canada’s Chief Merchandising Officer, said that Canada is home to some of the world’s most important forests, which they are dedicated to preserving and restoring. Everyday decisions like buying apparel and textiles made from more sustainably sourced fibers are critical steps on the road to a more sustainable future. They’re happy to join Canopy on this campaign to safeguard the woods that span throughout their country and deliver more sustainable choices to their customers as part of their mission to become a regenerative organization.

CanopyStyle presently represents 455 brands with a combined yearly turnover of $791 billion dollars. All are working together to restructure unsustainable supply chains, scale-up circular alternatives, and protect key forest ecosystems around the world.