Engelbert Strauss joins US Cotton Trust Protocol for responsible sourcing

Workwear and protective apparel brand Engelbert Strauss has joined the US Cotton Trust Protocol. As the latest member to join the program, Strauss will integrate the Trust Protocol's traceability platform within its supply chain.

Highlighting Strauss's ongoing commitment to responsible sourcing, the move also enhances the brand's current sustainability framework, which is designed to incorporate more responsible and environmentally friendly practices throughout its complete value chain, from the initial sourcing of the raw materials through to the final product. 

Some of these developments include actively supporting farmers they source from in  cultivating cotton more responsibly and ensuring that their high-performance workwear's main components align with stringent environmental and social benchmarks. 

"As a family-owned business, we're committed to doing our part to ensure a more sustainable future," said Henning Strauss, CEO of Strauss, in a statement. "Responsible sourcing has always been important to us, not only to protect natural resources for future generations, but also to support the people behind the materials we use." 

"US-grown cotton plays an important role in our products for the American market, and by joining the US Cotton Trust Protocol, we hope to contribute to a system that values transparency, encourages sustainable farming practices, and supports fair conditions for farmers." 

Since it was founded in 2020, the US Cotton Trust Protocol has become one of the leading voluntary sustainability and traceability programs for US cotton nationwide. Unique due to its quantifiable and verifiable objectives devised to support responsible cotton production while leveraging improvements in the industry, the program carefully tracks cotton's journey throughout the entire supply chain, providing transparency and independently verified data. 

"We are pleased to welcome Engelbert Strauss as the newest member of the Trust Protocol," said Daren Abney, Executive Director of the US Cotton Trust Protocol, in a statement. "Their proactive commitment to sustainable sourcing and the integration of eco-friendly practices into their workwear production is commendable." 

"Through their participation in our program, Strauss will gain access to invaluable data and tools, equipping them to measure and improve their environmental impact while addressing the increasing demand for responsibly grown cotton within the specialized workwear sector." 

The announcement comes as the US Cotton Trust Protocol announces its sixth year of record growth in enrolled acres and growers. Other recent additions to the program include URBN, Macy's Inc., and American Eagle Outfitters.