Textile companies, brands, and even researchers often have a hard time figuring out what kinds of fibers are used in clothes, like cotton, wool, silk, or synthetic materials, and how they are found in a way that is both ethical and sustainable. Additionally, it is even more important to be able to identify fibers and yarns now that most responsible companies want to use traceability to make their fabric more truly sourced.
Recent advances in DNA marking technology offer a novel solution. Textile fraud is prevented by checking that product materials match label claims using DNA markers. DNA markers can also identify the textile origin, including the region and farm or plantation where the fibres were grown.
Understanding DNA Marking Technology
In DNA marking technology, unique DNA markers are added to cloth fibers while they are being made. These marks are like a molecular fingerprint that can be used to identify and verify the fabric at any point in its life. Usually, the first step is to remove and separate certain DNA sequences. These sequences are then synthesized and added to the textile fibers. These DNA markers can not be seen and dont change with the surroundings, which makes them perfect for tracking people and stopping fraud.
Different DNA-alternative identifiers
Various Companies and technology brand products with DNA or other unique identifiers differently. Other methods exist besides DNA marking, however the decision depends on security, cost, simplicity of integration into existing systems, traceability, and authenticity verification. Based on their needs, different industries and companies may use different ways.
Microtaggant Marking: Some manufacturers put small particles or codes called microtaggants onto items. These are hard to duplicate and unseen. They may contain microdots, nanoparticles, or chemicals.
NFC and RFID: NFC and RFID employ tiny chips or tags to store and transfer data wirelessly. Products can contain these chips, which suitable equipment can scan or read.
Holograms and Security Labels: Holograms and security labels with distinctive patterns, colours or characteristics can be fastened to items. These labels can be difficult to copy precisely and can serve as a visual indicator of genuineness.
Blockchain and Digital Certificates: Blockchain technology can safeguard and immutably record a product supply chain journey. Product authenticity can be verified via digital certificates or cryptographic signatures.
Invisible Inks and UV Markers: In order to discreetly mark products, it is possible to use specialised inks that are only visible in specific lighting conditions, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. UV markers can also be used.
QR Codes: Quick Response (QR) codes can be printed on products and scanned using smartphones or other devices. These codes can link to digital information about the product authenticity and origin.
DNA Marking Technology is gaining space in the textile industry
The leading brands and retailers such as Lacoste, H&M, Bestseller, Kering and manufacturers such as Himatsingka, Pratibha Syntex (India), Diamond Denim, Soorty Denim, Artistic Apparels (Pakistan) and ORTA (Turkey) amongst others have successfully launched small-scale and large-scale projects to trace the materials, fibre origin and finished products through DNA-based technology.
Leading textile company British Wool, situated in the UK, is currently conducting one such science-based tracing. By utilizing forensic science to examine genuine British wool, the technology offered by Oritain has acquired data that enables them to precisely describe what British wool looks like. With this knowledge, the system examines wool across the supply chain, comparing the data to the initial "Origin Fingerprint" it developed to ascertain whether the new samples are consistent with real British wool. Inconsistent results imply some degree of tampering, blending, or adulteration, but a match reveals genuine British wool.
Issues that science-based traceability technology can address
Issue 1: Brands and businesses find it challenging to conduct authenticity verification
According to the International Trade Center (ITC), the US $ 461 billion market for counterfeit shoes and clothes accounts for around 7% of all goods marketed worldwide. Clothing producers face a variety of challenges, from the impact on their brand to the financial loss of sales. Consumers and businesses alike run the risk of acquiring goods that do not live up to the promised quality or ethical standards as a result of the market being flooded with counterfeit textiles.
Verifying the authenticity of the materials used in a product and putting an end to counterfeiting are two of the main advantages of DNA marking technology in textiles. By allowing merchants and manufacturers to verify whether the fiber composition matches what is claimed on the label, DNA markers help to avoid fraud in the business.
Issue 2: Traceability of fibre origin
Imagine a brand purchasing bulk of woollen sweaters from a vendor and being not able to trace its origin – whether the wool fibre was sourced from pre-decided family-owned sheep farm in Australia (just for instance) or from a different vendor!
Besides, within the textile industry, a lot of unethical practices have been inherent such as unauthorised blending of fibres or mislabelling of products. This not only leads consumers to purchase subpar or unethical products but also fails to maintain the credibility of businesses committed to responsible practices.
Issue 3: Quality assurance of textiles is a daunting task
DNA markers are being used not only to improve traceability and fight fraud but also to ensure product quality. Through consistent testing at every stage of the supply chain, textile manufacturers can guarantee that the materials retain the desired level of quality and performance. The DNA markers can notify quality control teams of any variations in the material composition or manufacturing process. By preventing inferior products from entering the market, this proactive strategy lowers waste and raises customer satisfaction.
The DNA marking technology use and intricacy can differ, though. The particular technique for encoding and analyzing DNA, as well as the degree of security needed for the application, may have an impact on the verification procedure. Businesses that specialize in DNA-based solutions for anti-counterfeiting, traceability, and authenticity in the textile and other industries include Applied DNA Sciences and SigNature T DNA. These businesses provide technologies that entail the manufacturing process embedding of DNA markers at the fiber or material level.
