Applied DNA Sciences, of Los Angeles, Calif., said it is developing an application of its embedded-DNA authentication technology for the textile industry.
The firm is developing a system to “mark” raw textile materials and finished products. These DNA markers would identify the country of origin together with the specific factories where a garment or its components were produced, Applied DNA said.
The technology, which is expected to roll out in the third quarter, also is intended to “protect intellectual property, such as brands, designs, patterns, and trademarked products from counterfeiting and fraud,” according to the company.
The markers will be designed to remain embedded in the fabric for more than 100 years and “will be able to withstand extremely harsh textile processes including desizing, scouring, [and] bleaching.”
The origin of raw textile materials can be verified using the firm’s detection tool. “Being able to ... identify the country of origin ... is important to the US Customs Service,” Applied DNA said.