Environmental nonprofit Canopy has released its Hot Button Progress Report 2026, tracking progress among Man-Made Cellulosic Fibre (MMCF) producers.
The report shows growth in both sustainable production practices and Next Gen fibre development. It also highlights risks facing traditional forest-based fibre supply chains.
Green Shirt Producers Rise to 79%
Canopy assesses MMCF producers through its Hot Button rating system. The system tracks efforts to avoid Ancient and Endangered Forests and increase the use of circular inputs.
In 2026, 22 of 28 producers achieved Green Shirt status. This represents 79% of producers, up from 70% in 2025.
Next Gen Fibre Lines Continue to Grow
The report also records progress in Next Gen fibres. These fibres use alternative feedstocks instead of conventional forest pulp.
Feedstocks include recycled textiles, agricultural residues and certified bamboo.
There are now 20 Next Gen product lines on the market, compared with 16 in 2025. Chinese producers account for 12 of these lines.
Canopy said climate change, regulations and geopolitical uncertainty are putting pressure on forest fibre supply. The organisation said brands and producers need to increase the use of Next Gen fibres to build more resilient supply chains.
The full revision of the Hot Button criteria is planned for the 2027 Hot Button Report. Canopy will consult producers, brands and other supply chain stakeholders before the new criteria are launched.
