In an effort to combat harmful deforestation, there are various global organisations that are dedicated to promoting responsible forest management. These companies ensure that forests are being managed in a way that preserves biological diversity whilst benefiting the lives of local people and workers.

Certified forests are managed to strict environmental, social and economic standards. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is a third party certification program that assesses National responsible forest management schemes against International sustainability benchmarks, and then facilitates the issuing of those certifications through independently accredited National audit bodies.

Eastman Naia™ is a cellulosic fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. It is fully traceable, biobased and responsibly sourced from sustainably managed forests and produced in a closed-loop process with low carbon and water footprint.

Fairtrade is a leading global movement for trade justice, making a difference to the lives of people within supply chains and improving the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in developing countries.

In terms of environmental impact, to be certified as a Fairtrade producer, farmers must commit to improving soil and water quality, managing pests, avoiding harmful chemicals, managing waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting biodiversity. Fairtrade also supports farmers to build their skills and knowledge, be better aware of environmental issues and the impact this has on their lives and crops.

Australian Cotton

Focusing on the importance of responsible farming practice, Australian cotton farmers are industry leaders in water use efficiency and community contribution – providing employment and support for over 249 regional communities, with 90% of Australian cotton farms being family-owned. Australian cotton farmers have available an environmental management program culminating in certification in the myBMP program – providing them with best management practices and standards for their workplace and farming production.

CmIA

Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) is an internationally recognised standard for sustainable cotton from Africa - they are committed to protecting the environment while improving working and living conditions for farmers and ginnery workers.

US Cotton Trust Protocol

The US Cotton Trust Protocol is striving to set a new standard in sustainable cotton production, focusing on achieving full transparency within supply chains whilst working to improve the environmental footprint.

REEL Cotton

The REEL Cotton Code covers both environmental and social criteria, enabling and supporting more sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to Cotton, there are also REEL Regenerative and REEL Linen Code of Conducts focusing on introducing the same agriculture practices into the production of different raw materials.

European Flax™ certification provides the guarantee of traceability for premium quality flax fibres grown in Western Europe for all end uses. It is a plant fibre, produced through integrated crop management farming, without irrigation (barring exceptional circumstances) or GMOs.

When it comes to fibres such as Cellulosics, the manufacturing process can be harmful to the environment as a result of deforestation and chemicals substances used throughout production, that can run off and impact surrounding ecosystems.

Some companies however, are striving to address these issues - Lenzing sets a great example as a company that is globally recognised when it comes to sustainability, driving systematic change through renewable sources and resource-conserving technologies.

Lenzing have been pioneering sustainable solutions for the production of regenerated cellulosic fibers for over 80 years. By prioritising unique resource-conserving technologies, renewable sources and closed-loop production processes, they are committed to establishing a more circular economy within the industry. Lenzing produces a selection of different fibres each with their own unique benefits including TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ & VEOCEL™.

Birla is another company addressing the environmental issues in the Cellulosics industry, driving progress towards environmentally efficient technologies that recycle raw materials and conserve natural resources. Birla Cellulose produces 100% nature-based cellulosic fibre, made using renewable wood sourced from certified forests using closed-loop processes.

ZQ Merino

Created by The New Zealand Merino Company, ZQ is a world-leading ethical, sustainable wool brand and certification. ZQ certification ensures that growers meet strict requirements for animal welfare, environmental stewardship, social responsibility and fibre quality. No mulesing is permitted on ZQ-accredited properties, and farmers are required to have a Land Environmental Plan to sustain their individual natural landscapes.

Responsible Wool Standard

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) aims to improve the welfare of sheep as well as the land they graze on. In order to become certified, all RWS farms must meet animal welfare, land management, and social requirements.

As two global leaders in ethical wool production, Textile Exchange and New Zealand Merino worked together to create a robust combined audit process and checklist that simultaneously addresses both RWS and ZQ requirements - this means that any farms accredited to ZQ are also aligned with the RWS standards.

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certifies suppliers within the down and feather industry, ensuring ducks and geese are treated humanely. As a Chain of Custody programme, certification is from farm to final product, ensuring that certified material is maintained throughout the entire supply chain.