Traceability Solution

Increasing transparency in the textile industry
  1. Verifying product claims throughout the value chain
  2. Enabling trust and credibility by providing reliable product information
  3. Embedding traceable physical fingerprint from producer to retail

Description

Textile supply chains are known for their complexity and lack of transparency, with manufacturing taking place in fragmented process steps across different geographic regions. However, consumers and fashion brands are increasingly calling for a traceable physical fingerprint to provide forensic evidence of the origin of textile materials, with tightening regulations increasing pressure. Combining Rieter’s expertise in processing short-staple fibers with Haelixa’s technology creates visibility and resilience in supply chains based on a solution that seamlessly integrates into existing spinning systems.

What is Traceability?

Traceability acts as an essential part of transparency, sustainability and regulatory compliance in textile value chains. It offers the following key values of transparency in textile value chains:

  • Enabling rapid source identification, preventing fraud and enhancing trust.
  • Offers reliable and comprehensive data to meet industry regulations, providing a robust solution.
  • Aligns with industry demands for sustainable practices, supporting waste reduction and ethical sourcing.
  • Building resilient chains by empowering the stakeholders to make informed decisions, fostering consumer trust and driving positive change.

Why Traceability?

Traceability is key to satisfying the growing demand from end consumers for transparency, enabling trust and credibility in product claims made by brands. Adding a unique physical DNA marker to the fibers which cannot be removed or tampered with empowers players throughout the value chain to provide reliable product information. Furthermore this transparency process enables spinners to verify their product in the event of a quality claim.

DNA Marker

The DNA marker is invisible and does not harm humans or the environment and does not affect or modify the fiber’s properties, appearance, or processability. It is genetically modified organism (GMO)-free and compliant with textile standards such as the global organic textile standard (GOTS) and the label for textiles tested for harmful substances. The DNA marker is designed to withstand all mechanical and chemical stresses during production, such as carding, weaving, stone washing, bleaching, heat treatment and others.

Each spinning mill can apply multiple unique DNA markers in accordance with the requirements of their different customers. Material marked with a DNA marker can be mixed with unmarked material at a later stage, for example when processing a blend of recycled and virgin cotton. Depending on the desired product blend, the corresponding amount of DNA marker will be applied in the blowroom so it can be traced through to the final product.

DNA Marker Application

Rieter is one of the first movers among spinning machinery manufacturers to incorporate physical traceability to mark fibers during yarn production. In a first step, Rieter has incorporated the automated sprayer into their fiber mixing machines UNImix B 72 and B 76. Integrating a spray mechanism into the mixing chamber of the UNImix ensures best possible distribution of the DNA marker among all fibers.

Compared to a semi-automated or manual spraying process, Rieter‘s integrated solution offers several advantages such as automation, reliability and cost-effectiveness. The automated spraying system can be included in new machinery or retrofitted into existing equipment.

The presence of initially marked fibers can be verified through testing from this point on forward throughout the entire production chain until the final garment.

Verification

Every manufacturer across the value chain, including fashion brands, will be empowered to substantiate product claims such as desired product blend, manufacturing location or ethical standards. To verify the presence of a DNA marker in a fabric or garment, markers are flushed out and tested using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology.

Downloads

Traceability Solution – Brochure

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