Tools And Resources
Hot Button Progress Report 2026
Hot Button Progress Report 2026
Welcome to the Hot Button Progress Report 2026!
Over ten editions, the Hot Button Report has been, and continues to be, the primary MMCF sourcing analysis tool for the fashion sector with a focus on forests. Hundreds of fashion brands, home retailers, and other companies are utilizing the Hot Button to guide their wood-based fibre sourcing and to reduce their risk and impact on forests by identifying producers that are leading Next Gen innovation and scaling production to commercial volumes.
In the Hot Button Progress Report 2026, shirt colours have been carried over from 2025 ratings. Refer to the 2025 Hot Button Report at the bottom of this page for the full assessment from last year. Button scores will reappear in 2027 under the updated Hot Button criteria.
In 2025, Canopy marked the tenth edition of the Hot Button Report and celebrated the remarkable progress made by both MMCF producers and brands over the decade. This progress led to the decision to update the Hot Button criteria for 2027, acknowledge the gains, and set an ambitious and optimistic course for the next ten years. Given that a full update of criteria necessitated extensive consultation, the 2026 Hot Button Progress is a simplified version of the ratings and reports, highlighting the most relevant achievements of the year. Shirt colors are largely carried over from 2025 and will continue to guide brands in their purchasing decisions.
In 2026 we find the MMCF sector in flux. Conventional supply is becoming more exposed to volatility due to various interacting pressures: a closed and contested land base, demand growth across sectors, declining forest stability, a more fragmented trading system affected by geopolitics and developing regulatory oversight. This supply chain instability only increases the importance of growth in a stable, reliable supply of Next Generation fibres.
Learn more about other environmental and social issues
This year, two producers ceased MMCF production and one new producer joined the Hot Button list. Total Green Shirt capacity dropped slightly from 54% of global production in 2025 to 53% this year, but the total number of Green Shirt producers included in the Hot Button reached 79% of all MMCF producers compared to 70% last year. This increase is a result of newer producers signing policies and undergoing their first CanopyStyle Audits. For 2026, 22 of the total of 28 producers have achieved green shirt status.
Another positive outcome is that there are now 20 Next Gen product lines available on the market, up from 16 in 2025. The sector is dynamic and growing, so these figures may increase in the coming months. Now it is up to brands, clothing retailers, designers and all users of MMCF to support the shift and buy Next Generation fibre instead of relying on status quo tree fibre.
More informations
As we work with our brand and producer partners to protect the world’s most vital forests, we encourage them to seek additional resources to address other critical issues that fall outside Canopy’s scope and expertise. This includes working with other specialized NGOs that are coordinating with governments and local organizations to make meaningful change and have the necessary expertise on issues ranging from land rights, water and energy use, health and safety, working conditions, labour practices, and equity and discrimination, among others. In addressing these risks, we encourage our brand and producer partners to:
- Work with relevant third-party auditors.
- Contract independent methods of inquiry and assessment.
- Work with credible NGO partners in the field of concern.
- Insert contract conditions for suppliers to provide assurances.
- If unable to credibly assess, consider suspension of contracts until the issue is addressed.
We also encourage our brand and producer partners to monitor regulatory systems in countries that are relevant to their markets, as we note that some countries have adopted new regulations recently that may affect import and export compliance.
IN NUMBERS
of global MMCF capacity is green shirt
of MMCF producers assessed in the Hot Button have green shirts
Next Gen product lines are commercially available
Legend
- Scores indicate the number of Buttons producers have earned for each step taken toward improved forest sourcing; total Buttons result in an overall shirt score.
- Any red in shirt indicates known risk in supply.
- Dark Green (30-40)
- Leading in CanopyStyle commitments.
- Light green (20-29)
- Embracing CanopyStyle commitments.
- Light Green with Red (20-24)
- Embracing CanopyStyle commitments, but with known risk in supply.
- Yellow (10-19)
- Initiating CanopyStyle commitments. Red in shirt indicates known risk in supply.
- Red (0-9)
- At high risk of sourcing from Ancient and Endangered Forests/not engaging with Canopy.
- White
- Not assessed/newly engaged.
- Rainbow
- Newly engaged and taking action.
- % Global Volume
Percentage of total known global MMCF capacity.
- Risk Status
Risk of sourcing from Ancient and Endangered Forests, based on audits and other information.
- NextGen
Has produced a commercial-scale product containing Next Generation fibre solutions.
- Uses Non-Forest Material
Uses materials not assessed by Canopy. View details on individual Producer profile pages.
The producer engaged with ZDHC and participates in their chemical management programs (out of a possible 2 points). View details on individual Producer profile pages.
- Dark Green Flask
- All facilities have been registered and have achieved progressive level in various modules.
- Light Green Flask
- Most of the facilities have been registered and have achieved progressive level in most of the modules
- Yellow Flask
- Some of the facilities have been registered and have been assessed in some modules.
- Orange Flask
- Few of the firm’s facilities have registered and assessed in some of the modules.
- Red Flask
- None of the facilities have been registered or assessed.
2025 Hot Button Report
View the 2025 gridDownload previous reports
