Applied DNA Sciences has announced the rollout of SigNature T, a new DNA-based security platform specifically for textiles and apparel, made by a proprietary (patent pending) technology that is said to enable the company to identify textile raw materials as well as finished products.

New binding and extraction techniques have enabled a cost-effective, even more flexible and robust anti-counterfeiting and anti-diversion protection for textiles and apparel, including military protective wear, the company reports.

Fibres, yarn, fabric, garments and labels are marked with unique, secure and enduring SigNature DNA that can be definitively authenticated at any point in the supply chain. © Keith Ramsey (flickr)

Dr James A. Hayward, CEO and President, Applied DNA Sciences, commented: “We believe that the existing climate of counterfeiting and diversion within the textile industry is about to experience a dramatic change. Manufacturers armed with SigNature T markers, will gain the upper hand with a flexible, forensic, impenetrable product authentication tool, protecting textiles from fibre to hanger.”

Marked and controlled

Fibres, yarn, fabric, garments and labels are marked with unique, secure and enduring SigNature DNA that can be definitively authenticated at any point in the supply chain.

High quality fibres, including merino wool, Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton, cashmere, silk, and even high performance polyester fibres, can be marked at the original point of manufacture, prior to baling. The SigNature DNA application requires no change to the existing production process, and can be controlled so that each bale or batch can be marked and tracked throughout the supply chain.

Hundreds of millions of kilograms of fibre can be marked using a single DNA marker, offering strong adhesion to the fibre, and providing a means to authenticate anywhere along the supply chain from fibre to the finished product; from distributor, to retailer, to consumer.

Forensic precision

Complementary textile-based applications are available, optionally, for greater flexibility, the company reports. These include fibreTyping, a proprietary technology that works by examining the native DNA in a fibre, and digitalDNA, a track-and-trace, cloud-based solution.

According to the company, these features far outmatch competitive methods for ‘tagging textiles’ that typically use generic, non-specific compounds that will not stand up to the processing of textiles, nor multiple launderings, nor dry cleanings after the item is purchased by the end user.

These ‘generic’ compounds are also said to fail to provide the forensic precision of a DNA system for textiles to assure the quality and performance of products.

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