MEMPHIS, TN (July 3, 2025) – The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has today announced that Engelbert Strauss, a leading brand for workwear and protective clothing, is the latest member to join the program. This membership underscores Strauss‘ commitment to responsible sourcing and highlights the growing importance of supply chain transparency for brands worldwide, particularly within the workwear sector.
By integrating the Trust Protocol’s robust traceability platform, Strauss gains unparalleled visibility into the journey of U.S. Cotton and Protocol Cotton within its supply chain. It further strengthens Strauss’ comprehensive sustainability framework, which is designed to embed more responsible and ecologically friendly practices throughout its entire value chain – from the initial raw materials to the final product and beyond. This includes actively supporting farmers in cultivating cotton responsibly, ensuring that the core components of their high-performance workwear 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. “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. U.S.-grown cotton plays an important role in our products for the American market, and by joining the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, we hope to contribute to a system that values transparency, encourages sustainable farming practices, and supports fair conditions for farmers.”
Since its establishment in 2020, the Trust Protocol stands as a voluntary sustainability program and traceability platform for U.S. Cotton. It is distinguished by its quantifiable and verifiable objectives aimed at fostering responsible cotton production and driving ongoing improvements across key sustainability indicators. Offering unmatched transparency and independently verified data, the program meticulously tracks cotton’s journey through the supply chain. The Trust Protocol recently announced its sixth consecutive year of record growth in enrolled acres and growers, demonstrating continued progress in responsible and environmental stewardship despite challenging growing conditions. Other additions to the program’s growing roster of brand and retailer members include URBN, Macy’s Inc, and American Eagle Outfitters.
“We are pleased to welcome Engelbert Strauss as the newest member of the Trust Protocol,” said Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “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.”
About the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is the voluntary sustainability program for U.S. cotton growers and traceability platform for all U.S. Cotton. It brings quantifiable and verifiable goals and measurement to the issue of responsible cotton production and drives continuous improvement in six key sustainability areas: land use, soil health, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and fiber quality. The Trust Protocol underpins and verifies U.S. cotton’s sustainability progress through sophisticated data collection and independent third-party verification.
About Engelbert Strauss
Engelbert Strauss, or simply STRAUSS, is a global leader in workwear design and manufacturing. Founded in 1948, the family-owned company is overseen by brothers Henning and Steffen Strauss, the third generation of the Strauss family. Its iconic ostrich logo reflects the family’s name and roots – Strauss means ostrich in German. The Ostrich is trusted by tradespeople, builders, farmers, and DIYers across the globe for its pioneering style of technical, multi-pocket workwear that melds performance and function with comfort and design. Now firmly established in the U.S., STRAUSS ships nationwide, operates a flagship store in Venice, California, and maintains a strong presence at trade shows across the country. For more, visit STRAUSS.com.
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Megan McKinstry
Email: Megan.McKinstry@bursonglobal.com
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