Stony Brook, N.Y.-based Applied DNA Sciences Inc. (APDN) — a provider of DNA encrypted and embedded anti-counterfeiting technology and authentication solutions — has unveiled a security platform designed specifically for textiles and apparel.
Based on the company's patent-pending technology, SigNature T uses APDN's botanically derived SigNature DNA markers to mark and authenticate fibers, yarn, fabric, garments and labels at any point along the supply chain, from distributor to retailer to consumer. The company reports the technology features new binding and extraction techniques that result in cost-effective, flexible and robust anti-counterfeiting and anti-diversion protection for textiles and apparel, including military protective wear.
SigNature T DNA binds to the fiber, enabling even lower levels of DNA marking than before, and does not affect the performance or aesthetics of the fiber or fabric, APDN reports. Hundreds of millions of kilograms of fiber may be marked using a single DNA marker, and high-quality fibers — including Merino wool, extra-long-staple cotton, cashmere, silk, and high-performance polyester fibers — may be marked at the original manufacturing point, prior to baling. Application of the DNA doesn't require the existing production process to be changed, and it can be controlled so that each bale or batch can be marked and tracked throughout the supply chain. APDN reports its solution outperforms comparable methods for tagging textiles, and can withstand textile processing as well as multiple launderings and dry cleanings.
In addition, APDN offers optional complementary textile-based applications — including fiberTyping®,a proprietary technology that examines the native DNA in a fiber; and digitalDNA®, a track-and-trace, cloud-based solution — to provide for increased flexibility with its SigNature T platform.
"We believe that the existing climate of counterfeiting and diversion within the textile industry is about to experience a dramatic change," said APDN President and CEO James A. Hayward, Ph.D. "Manufacturers armed with SigNature T markers will gain the upper hand with a flexible, forensic, impenetrable product authentication tool, protecting textiles from fiber to hanger."
