Applied DNA Sciences Inc., a provider of DNA-based supply-chain, anticounterfeiting, genotyping, antitheft and authentication technologies, has partnered with Palmetto Synthetics, a maker of specialty synthetic fiber, and Techmer PM, a material design company, to launch the SigNature DNA system in synthetic fibers.
The system will expand Applied DNA Sciences’ presence in the athletic apparel industry and automotive textile category.
“We have been a change agent for the cotton fiber market, by bringing certainty to a complex supply chain,” said James Hayward, president and chief executive officer of Applied DNA Sciences, based in Stony Brook, N.Y.
“With our entry into synthetic fibers, Applied DNA Sciences is entering a market that is more than three times larger than cotton and is the basis of 60 percent of the global textile industry. In just one DNA tagging campaign, companies can safeguard against product recalls and liability, and elevate their business, based on high integrity, quality and sustainability to ensure the smallest possible environmental footprint.”
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Palmetto Synthetics fiber has many uses, but is best known in the apparel, automotive and industrial applications. The fiber manufactured by Palmetto is also used in polyester and nylon fabrics for footwear and performance apparel. Palmetto Synthetics also produces post-consumer recycled fibers.
“We have an eye to the future and it has arrived with SigNature DNA technology,” said David Poston, president of Palmetto Synthetics. “This sets a new industry standard in assuring quality and purity at the source. SigNature DNA ensures traceability and transparency at every stage of the supply chain, with performance and strength delivered consistently.”
Recently in Clinton, Tenn., SigNature DNA molecular tags were attached to Techmer PM polyester formulations and supplied to Palmetto, which used them to manufacture polyester fiber. The Techmer PM formulation is a component of a system of solutions for fiber that includes colors and additives. These fibers were converted into synthetic fabrics for commercial and industrial applications. The initial stage tagged 5 million pounds of PET fiber. The process will be scaled up to many millions of pounds over the next year.
SigNature DNA solution now tags natural and synthetic fibers at an industrial scale and maintains a secure chain of custody as the product moves from source — pellets in the case of synthetics — to fiber to product to consumer.
Techmer PM’s solutions modify the aesthetics and extend and maintain the physical properties of plastic and fiber products. In partnership with Applied DNA Sciences, Techmer PM can now integrate SigNature DNA into solutions for its customers to ensure integrity of the entire supply chain.