Forensic origin verification firm Oritain has added blank apparel producer Next Level Apparel to its membership program at the gold level, the certifier’s most robust level. The Torrance, Calif.-based company has worked with Oritain for several years and has become one of the verifier’s first gold-level partners.
Working with Oritain, Next Level has focused on improving the integrity of its cotton textile products using independent, science-based verification through the platform. Oritain’s proprietary forensic origin verification methodology uses multiple analytical techniques, including isotopes, trace elements and non-traditional isotopes, along with statistical modeling through a global reference database to ensure supply chain transparency.
By using this embedded chemical signature, Oritain’s program can verify where a product was grown, harvested or produced while also resisting tampering since the marker is intrinsic to the product itself and cannot be removed. In addition to offering traceability to cotton,
Oritain recently added leather capability to its operation, offering origin verification to a material that tends to be harder to trace than fibers such as cotton. The verification firm also works with brands such as Australian retailer Big W andYunus Textile Mills—which recently joined the program at the gold level—as well as Welspun, Supima, Shein, Loftex and Cone Denim, among others.
“By embedding independent, science-based origin verification into their supply chain, Next Level Apparel is strengthening confidence in both their products and the claims that support them, while contributing to greater transparency and trust across the apparel industry,” said Gemma Lynch, chief customer officer, Oritain.
Oritain’s gold level gives Next Level faster turnaround times on verification, dedicated account management, supply chain insights and exclusive partner marketing. The move is the latest for the blank apparel maker’s push toward more sustainable, ethically produced materials. In addition to its partnership with Oritain, Next Level also works with the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, Fair Labor Association, Altana and TrusTrace to verify responsible sourcing and production for its cotton garments.
“Integrity has always been central to how we operate at Next Level Apparel, and working with Oritain allows us to support our sourcing standards with forensic origin verification, providing our customers with greater clarity and confidence in where our materials come from, from fiber through to finished product,” said Eric Simsolo, Next Level Apparel president.
