Canopy Updates Hot Button Criteria to Guide the Next Phase of Viscose and Rayon Fibre Transformation
The revised framework reduces rating categories from seven to five, introduces a three-colour shirt rating system, and places greater emphasis on next-generation fibres, traceability and forest conservation.
Canopy, an environmental non-profit, has introduced new criteria for its annual Hot Button Report, which assesses producers of man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs). The updated framework places greater emphasis on scaling next-generation fibre solutions, improving supply chain transparency and strengthening forest protection, while continuing to address responsible sourcing.
The revision follows a decade of progress in understanding forest-related risks in textile supply chains. With climate concerns and regulatory requirements evolving, Canopy said the updated framework is intended to support the next phase of transformation in the viscose and rayon fibre industry.
Key Changes to the Hot Button Report
The revised framework introduces several changes to how MMCF producers are assessed:
- Clearer performance targets: Criteria include defined goals and expectations expressed in both volumes and percentages, with requirements tailored to the capabilities of small, medium and large companies.
- Three-colour rating system: The previous seven-category structure has been streamlined to five criteria, while shirt ratings have been reduced to green, yellow and red.
- Red rating for high-risk sourcing: Producers with known high-risk sourcing will receive a red shirt rating.
- Greater emphasis on next-generation fibres: The updated criteria place increased weight on scaling next-generation solutions, including fibres made from recycled textiles.
- Stronger focus on conservation and transparency: The framework emphasises improved traceability and landscape-level conservation projects to strengthen forest protection.
How the Hot Button Report Assesses Fibre Producers
The Hot Button Report evaluates producers of viscose and other MMCFs, including lyocell and acetate, based on their forest-sourcing practices and leadership in scaling next-generation fibres.
Producers earn buttons by meeting the assessment criteria and receive a corresponding shirt colour rating. A green shirt indicates low or no known risk of Ancient and Endangered Forests or controversial fibre in a producer's supply chain.
More than 550 brands participating in the CanopyStyle initiative use the report to inform their purchasing decisions.
Canopy Highlights the Industry's Next Phase of Transformation
Maryann Ramirez, Senior Lead at Canopy said, “The Hot Button helped change the conversation about where fashion’s fibres come from. Ten years ago, the industry was asking whether viscose could be sourced without destroying the world’s most vital forests. Today, we have the opportunity to build a fibre system that is circular, resilient, and keeps forests standing.”
Ramirez added, “Hot Button is a system that must feel fair, equitable, and consistent year-to-year so producers can plan with confidence. At the same time, it must remain flexible enough to credit diverse pathways to impact”
Implementation in the 2027 Report
Canopy will apply the revised criteria in the 2027 Hot Button Report. The organisation developed the framework after consulting all 28 rated MMCF producers and selected brand partners. It also completed a legal review to align the criteria with international legislation.
The updated assessment is intended to guide purchasing decisions while encouraging greater adoption of next-generation fibres, improved transparency and forest conservation across the MMCF supply chain.