Applied DNA to introduce 'GeoTyping' for cotton tracking

Applied DNA Sciences will introduce 'GeoTyping' Beta program, helping brands and retailers in identifying country-of-origin in cases of cotton substitution. This is an expansion of Applied DNA's SigNature T cotton traceability system, enabling the identification of the origin for cotton that may be replaced for the cotton specified on labels.

The GeoTyping program will use a known library of biomarkers that designate DNA fingerprint of the cotton cultivar, including genus, species and one of 70 different geographic-cultivar-dependent genotypes.

"Our SigNature T cotton traceability system provides substantial advantages over current supply chain management authentication, such as RFID, data dots or ‘certificates of authenticity," said Dr James A Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA. "Today, uncertainty of cotton supply chains remains if there is no way to physically trace the fibres to their source, and verify through DNA testing at yarn, fabric and finished goods. You cannot put an RFID on every single fibre and expect it to remain on the finished good. SigNature T combined with the GeoTyping Beta Program, provides full traceability that is seamless, economical and exact."

"Our high-resolution cotton GeoTyping assays can provide proof of the sourcing crimes and human rights abuses in the CASH Investigation expose. GeoTyping complements SigNature T tagging. GeoTyping serves as the means to identify the source of cotton fibre substitution," added Hayward.

"The Himatsingka Group is pleased with the commencement of the 'GeoTyping' project which will ensure global cotton mapping capabilities and further enhance transparency across the cotton value chain, thus bringing greater value to the consumer," said Shrikant Himatsingka, managing director & group CEO, Himatsingka Group.

Applied DNA's association with the Himatsingka Group will utilise an integrated cotton DNA authentication platform that incorporates a physical molecular tracer combined with genotyping. Together these technologies serve to preserve the integrity and purity of the cotton fibre at its precise point of origin – the date, time, place and the social and environmental practices used to produce the cotton. The collaboration with Himatsingka will provide for tagging at source, testing compliance at every step in the supply chain, and tracing of fabric and finished goods to the original source. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India