Applied DNA Sciences has announced that it is collaborating with Cotton USA, a trademark of Cotton Council International (CCI), to showcase cotton traceability technology and What's New in Cotton as part of the Cotton Cares collection at global fashion events this year.

The Cotton Cares Collection is designed to introduce designers, established labels, and the apparel industry to the process by which a brand can build a certified and traceable collection, eliminating questions about purity, authenticity, and ethical standards.

It highlights Applied DNA's Traceability with SigNature T technology that provides cotton traceability from the farm, through the supply chain, to store shelves. Forensic level origination is also tracked based on blockchain-enabled systems developed to verify SigNature T tagged fibre, yarn, fabric and finished goods.

"Being able to demonstrate that this tag, test and track technology is easily incorporated into the apparel manufacturing process is a good first step to engaging product designers," said Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences.

"The SigNature T molecular tag is safe, and binds to cotton fibre in the first processing stage, at the gin. In the United States, SigNature T has been used to tag over 150 million lbs. of U.S grown cotton since 2014 and is an easy solution to adapt, resulting in 100% product authenticity - a trait being demanded by more consumers around the globe. Brands and manufacturers now have a means to know exactly where their cotton comes from at any stage of the supply chain through SigNature T tagging, testing and tracking."

By working with SigNature T technology, Cotton USA is bringing advanced forensic, traceability technology to cotton, while delivering on comfort, quality and responsible sourcing to brands and retailers globally.

"Cotton grown in the USA is known for high quality, sustainability and now traceability," stated MeiLin Wan, APDN vice president, Textiles. "It is impossible to physically trace cotton fibre back to its origin without a tracer being applied.  Applied DNA's SigNature T is the solution to this international challenge."

To see Applied DNA's SigNature T profiled on a working Texas cotton farm, please watch the video below.

Cotton Council International (CCI) promotes U.S. cotton fibre and manufactured cotton products around the globe with the Cotton USA mark. It is a non-profit trade association that promotes US cotton fibre and manufactured cotton products around the globe.

CCI's reach extends to more than 50 countries through 20 offices around the world.

With more than 60 years of experience, CCI's mission is to make US cotton the preferred fibre for mills, manufacturers, brands, retailers and consumers, commanding a value-added premium that delivers profitability across the US cotton industry and drives export growth of fibre, yarn and other cotton products.

Applied DNA is a provider of molecular technologies that enable supply chain security, anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft technology, product genotyping and DNA mass production for diagnostics and therapeutics.

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