Applied DNA Sciences, a provider of DNA-based anti-counterfeiting technology and product authentication solutions, announced a global exclusive agreement with international wool supplier H. Dawson Wool (@HDawsonWool) for the use of APDN’s SigNature T anti-counterfeiting system for DNA marking and authentication of wool fiber.
H. Dawson Wool will use SigNature T to assure the originality and authenticity of loose wool fiber that will be DNA-marked and traceable in products created by H. Dawson Wool customers, such as manufacturers of wool carpets, and fashion houses producing high-end apparel and other articles made from wool. It is the second major contract for use of SigNature T signed within a month, and extends the fast-growing “universe of DNA-marked goods” from cotton to wool, two of the main pillars of the world textile supply.
H. Dawson Wool CEO, Jo Dawson, commented: “We have worked hard to achieve a reputation as an innovative and advanced company, which guarantees our customers quality and authenticity at the right price. We know that SigNature T matches perfectly with our commitment to our customers and the delivery of genuinely traceable wool to the end consumer.”
Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO, Applied DNA Sciences, pointed out that “as DNA-marked textiles proliferate throughout the world supply system, more and more retailers, distributors, and others are able to authenticate these marked items, and assure their customers of their identity and authenticity. This universe of DNA-marked goods, as we call it, makes the unique benefits of our technology available to innumerable companies at all levels of the supply chain.”
Company officials also pointed out that, since wool production tends to be fragmented and far-flung, wool supplier and aggregator, H. Dawson Wool provides an effective centralized site for SigNature T marking. The demand for high quality natural fabrics continues to rise in Europe, China and other parts of Asia.
In the United Kingdom, the value of the UK wool clothing market grew to £1.25 billion from 2008 to 2010, including knitwear and work gear as well as suits and luxury fashion brands. 70 per cent of the wool textiles manufactured in the UK are now sold overseas, compared to 50 per cent thirty years ago, according to the UK news outlet, Metro.
Wool has become a dynamic driver in the burgeoning luxury apparel market. Worldwide, luxury goods sales, including upscale mens and womens wear clothing, grew to £212 billion in 2012, a 10% increase over 2011.
H. Dawson Wool is a leading worldwide supplier of raw and semi-processed wool products to all levels of the demand chain. It supplies high-quality wool to makers of carpets, bedding, apparel, blankets, home furnishings and industrial products. Operating with eight partner-offices worldwide, H. Dawson Wool has a global network of supply with access to the highest quality fibers, processing and latest fiber technologies. SigNature T will be used to protect this network.
Dr. James A. Hayward, CEO and President of Applied DNA Sciences, continued, “We are excited to work with H. Dawson Wool, one of the world’s leading and most advanced wool suppliers. We think this partnership shows vividly the capacity of our SigNature T platform to assure identity in a very large, globalized, quality-driven supply chain.”
