Photo by Mark Stebnicki
Strengthens trust through independent, data-backed proof of origin
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is introducing a new Physical Assurance Program to verify the origin of U.S. cotton. Developed with Oritain, a global leader in forensic origin verification, the program will use forensic science to independently validate the source of U.S. cotton. This added layer of assurance aims to strengthen supply chain integrity and increase confidence among Trust Protocol members.
Gary Adams, President of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, explains, “While our digital traceability system provides important transparency, we are incorporating forensic analysis of selected products at certain stages of the manufacturing process. Given that cotton from different regions carries distinct forensic characteristics, our partnership with Oritain is intended to help inform and support U.S. origin declarations through independent scientific analysis. This sample-based approach is designed to complement our traceability platform by offering additional perspective on supply chain performance and by encouraging ongoing attention to chain-of-custody practices across the system.”
To support the program, randomly selected supplier members will be asked to provide representative material samples, such as yarn or fabric, for testing. Oritain will independently analyze these samples to validate their claimed origin. Results will be shared with both the Trust Protocol and the member.
“Physical verification is the missing layer in many traceability systems today,” said Gemma Lynch, Chief Customer Officer at Oritain. “Existing traceability gives important visibility, and forensic isotopic analysis combined with proprietary data modelling goes further — validating origin claims at the product level and ensuring source materials are exactly what they’re claimed to be.”