Memphis, Tenn. — Next Level Apparel, a family-founded supplier of premium blank apparel, has joined The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol program as its newest brand and retailer member.
The membership reinforces Next Level Apparel’s commitment to responsible sourcing and supply-chain transparency, while supporting its goal of delivering high-quality, ethically produced garments to the decorated-apparel market.
Verified Cotton Sourcing with Measurable Metrics
Through participation in the Trust Protocol, Next Level Apparel’s cotton sourcing is evaluated against measurable sustainability indicators, including soil health, water use, nutrient management, and greenhouse gas emissions. The program’s digitally enabled tracking system provides verified, end-to-end visibility across the supply chain from fiber to finished apparel.
“Responsible sourcing has always been central to Next Level Apparel’s business,” said Brett Bjorkman, CEO of Next Level Apparel. “By participating in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, we can independently verify the sustainability of the cotton we source and ensure our products reflect our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.”
Advancing Sustainable U.S. Cotton in Blank Apparel
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a voluntary, field-level sustainability and traceability program designed to drive continuous improvement across key environmental metrics, including land use, soil health, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy use. The program provides independently verified data and enhanced transparency to support brands and retailers pursuing more sustainable cotton sourcing.
“We welcome Next Level Apparel to the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol,” said Gary Adams, president of the organization. “Their proactive stance on responsible sourcing, particularly their focus on U.S. Cotton and supply-chain integrity, aligns closely with our mission. This membership will equip Next Level Apparel with data-driven insights to help meet growing global demand for sustainably produced cotton in high-performance apparel.”
A Layered Approach to Accountability in Apparel Industry
Next Level Apparel integrates its Trust Protocol membership alongside other ethical and operational initiatives, including Oritain, Fair Labor Association, and TrusTrace. Together, these programs support a layered approach to accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes ensuring garments are designed and produced to uphold high environmental and social standards.




