AMSTERDAM – Attempts to clean up the viscose fibre industry in China have been lambasted in an updated report from the Changing Markets Foundation, which says current efforts lack clarity, transparency and the will to drive meaningful transformation of the sector in line with best industry practice.
The new report targets the Collaboration for Sustainable Development of Viscose (CV) which was set up earlier this year by 10 leading Chinese viscose suppliers – and came after a previous damning report on the industry by Changing Markets in 2017.
“At a time when major fashion brands such as Next and Inditex are sending a clear message to their suppliers to commit to responsible production of viscose, it is hugely disappointing to see such shortcomings in the CV Roadmap,” said Urska Trunk, Campaign Adviser at Changing Markets. “It is a weak attempt to clean up the Chinese viscose industry and much more needs to be done to ensure that Chinese producers are aiming for the same level of ambition as other industry players.
“In its current format, brands and retailers should not consider membership of the CV initiative and commitment to the (Changing Markets) CV Roadmap as proof of good environmental performance.”
