ENGELBERT STRAUSS JOINS THE US COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL: A NEW CHAPTER FOR SUSTAINABLE WORKWEAR

By: Prachi Khatri

From climate change to environmental degradation, cotton farming plays a vital role in how the fashion industry can help its impacts on the planet. The need for accountability, integrity, and responsible sourcing is more important than ever.

Cotton is used in over fifty percent of all textiles globally. The adverse impact of conventional cotton farming on our environment is undeniable. Not only is the process resource intensive, but its production also depletes the soil's quality with the use of insecticides. Did you know it can take up to 2700 litres of water to produce the cotton for one single T-shirt?

As cotton sourcing matters deeply, organizations like the US Cotton Trust Protocol stand as voluntary sustainable programs making a difference by helping companies foster responsible cotton sourcing and improving their sustainability indicators.

German workwear specialist brand Engelbert Strauss has become the newest member of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol—a move dedicated to sustainable sourcing and shaping the future of greener fashion.

Source: Strauss official website

“As a family-owned business, we are committed to doing our part to ensure a more sustainable environment. Responsible sourcing has always been important to us, not only to protect natural resources for future generations but also to support people behind the material we use,” says Henning Strauss, CEO of Engelbert Strauss, in a public announcement of the membership with the US Trust protocol.

With the increase in consumer awareness, the supply chain transparency for brands has become even more important. The US Cotton Trust Protocol offers brands traceable information on every fibre’s journey from sourcing to finishing. The protocol equips brands with data-backed clarity on their supply chain, like water management, energy usage, greenhouse gas emission, and soil health. Covering critical environmental benchmarks The US Cotton Trust Protocol aims to provide a sustainable and transparent supply chain to ensure the integrity of their cotton sourcing.

Daren Abney, Executive Director of the Trust Protocol, highlights the significance in the press release: “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.”

Originally founded in 1948, STRAUSS is a global leader in workwear designs, protective clothing, and manufacturing. The brand is family-owned and run by the third generation of the Strauss family. The logo reflects that ‘Strauss’ in German, means ‘Ostrich’. The company follows their German tradition of staying close to the customer, which means selling directly to their customers from their one and onlly location in Venice CA but they also hold a strong presence in trade shows.

Source: Strauss official website

The membership of Engelbert Strauss in sustainable sourcing through the US Cotton Trust Protocol was issued on July 3, 2025. Integrating the Trust protocol’s robust traceability into its manufacturing, STRAUSS has gained unparalleled visibility, merging trust and performance in its iconic workwear.

Workwear is about durability, resilience, and comfort. Its reliability to last under pressure and provide comfort are the must-have qualities. By choosing farmed cotton, Engelbert Strauss is reinforcing quality with integrity. Rugged wear that does not harm the planet is not a must-have but an essential for our planet.

As more brands enter into platforms like Trust Protocol, there is a shift in sustainability from being a niche to a mainstream expectation. It’s no longer about choosing just the right style but the right purpose.

Verified data on raw material has become a competitive edge for brands as consumers are asking tough questions: where is this made? How is it sourced? What’s the cost to the environment?

As Engelbert Strauss takes the lead towards an ethical fashion system, it’s a step forward for other brands to choose smarter, better measures and lead with integrity.