Levi Strauss joins U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Jul 8, 2021

Levi Strauss & Co. and its brands Levi’s, Dockers, Denizen by Levi’s and Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. announced on Wednesday that it has joined the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, a farm level, science-based program that is setting a new standard for more sustainably grown cotton in the U.S.

The program will assist Levi’s commitment to source 100 percent more sustainably grown cotton by focusing on ongoing efforts to make U.S. cotton production more sustainable, as well as by offering measurable, verified data in six key sustainability metrics, such as carbon emissions and water use. Finally, the program provides a fully transparent cotton supply chain for all members. 

“Joining the Trust Protocol is one step in a larger process, but it’s a very important step,” said Jeff Hogue, Levi Strauss & Co chief sustainability officer, in a statement. “It shows meaningful action in and of itself while also serving to reiterate our larger commitment to drive more sustainable and traceable cotton sourcing in pursuit of our goals.” 

Hogue added that it has started a pilot with a number of mills it works with in the Americas. The company is also participating in the pilot phase of the Protocol Credit Management System, which uses blockchain technology to record and verify the movement of U.S. cotton fiber along the entire supply chain.

Launched in the summer of 2020, the Trust Protocol has added more than 450 brands, retailers, mills and manufacturers since inception. Retailers include Gap Inc. and its Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta brands, as well as global apparel manufacturers like Gildan.