Century releases first audit report with Canopy

Century Rayon has released its first audit report, with environmental not-for-profit organization, Canopy, and third-party auditor, Preferred by Nature (NEPCon).

The audit found that while the majority of Century Rayon’s suppliers are low risk of sourcing from priority ancient and endangered forests and other controversial sources, additional verification is required to determine risk levels for one remaining supplier. As per Textile Value Chain, the supplier verification will be conducted in the first half of 2021, pending the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. While the Century Rayon facility that produces viscose filament yarn (VFY) is managed by Aditya Birla, it is independently owned by Century Textiles & Industries, with a dedicated ranking for Century now appearing in the 2020 Hot Button Ranking, according to Canopy.

The audit shows the company has adopted a wood sourcing policy, has communicated it to suppliers, and has created internal capacity responsible for policy implementation. Century Rayon has started to implement an action plan to increase the use of cellulosic fiber made from alternative fibre sources, and is working to bring products containing these fibers to commercial scale in 2021.

Century Rayon’s fiber supply chain cannot yet be fully confirmed at low risk of sourcing from ancient and endangered forests and other controversial sources, due to an additional audit being required of one supplier that is located near an important area for biodiversity, Canopy said.

Moving forward, Canopy recommends that Century Rayon work with Preferred by Nature to determine risk for the remaining supplier where risk levels have not yet been confirmed. It also recommends that Canopy should adopt ambitious public targets and timelines for increasing the use of next generation alternative fibers in a commercially competitive way. Century Rayon should establish internal systems to monitor policy implementation in addition to FSC-certification and other certification systems.