VF Corporation Acts to Minimize Impacts on Endangered Forests
VF releases its first forest derived materials policy, detailing preferences for materials that help conserve forest habitats
GREENSBORO, N.C. - February 27, 2017 - VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, today released its first-ever Forest Derived Materials Policy, which sets formal guidelines for the company's purchasing preferences and use of sustainable forest materials and products.
"Deforestation and forest degradation continues to be a global issue affecting climate change and human rights," said Letitia Webster, VF's Vice President of Global Corporate Sustainability. "This policy provides clear guidance across our many purchasing categories and it enables us to play our part in protecting the world's forests."
VF's forestry policy aims to avoid the issues associated with deforestation and forest degradation including the loss of ancient and endangered forests, loss of biodiversity and habitat, use of forced labor in making forestry products and loss of indigenous peoples and local community rights.
The policy emphasizes the use of products made with recycled fiber whenever possible. Also, it promotes the use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper and fiber, while striving to elevate all third party forestry management certification systems.
The policy strengthens VF's broader efforts to use responsibly sourced materials throughout its global operations and supply chain. The company also developed and adheres to existing policies for the purchase and use of Conflict Minerals, Cotton Country of Origin, and Animal Derived Materials, in addition to a Restricted Substances List for its chemical management program.
VF partnered with a number of NGOs and external stakeholders, including Canopy, a not-for-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting forests, species and climate. VF's policy supports the CanopyStyle initiative, which has a goal to eliminate the use of ancient and endangered forests in the production of forest derived fabrics such as rayon and viscose from the apparel and fashion industries by the end of 2017.
"When an apparel giant like VF expands its forest commitment with a policy like this, it adds incredible momentum to global forest conservation and climate efforts," said Nicole Rycroft, Executive Director of Canopy. "From hang tags, to packaging to fabrics, some of America's favorite global brands are protecting the world's forests and the species that call them home."
Learn more about VF's responsible use of raw materials and its overall sustainability and responsibility program at sustainability.vfc.com.
About VF
VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland®, Wrangler® and Lee®. Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories and distribution channels. VF is committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for its customers and shareholders. For more information, visit www.vfc.com.
Canopy is a not-for-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting our forests, species and climate. Canopy collaborates with more than 750 companies to develop innovative solutions, to make their supply chains more sustainable, and to help protect our world's remaining ancient and endangered forests. Canopy's partners include H&M, Sprint, Penguin Random House, Zara, TC Transcontinental, The Globe and Mail, and Scholastic. Canopy's work relies on the support of individual donors who share our passion for the planet. www.canopyplanet.org
VF Media Contact:
Vanessa McCutchen
Director, Public Relations
336-424-7776
Vanessa_mccutchen@vfc.com
Canopy Media Contact:
Laura Repas
Communications Director
416-729-7484
laura.repas@canopyplanet.org
Released February 27, 2017