Haelixa/The Woolmark Company
(Source: The Woolmark company)
There are infinite DNA markers that could be produced and used to indicate a specific origin, supply chain, material, or particular collection. With increasing cost pressure and competition in the wool fabric market, traceability is becoming a prerequisite to proving authenticity and origin. Funded by Australian woolgrowers, The Woolmark Company, Sydney/Australia, is an enterprise that focuses on investments that enhance the profitability, international competitiveness, and sustainability of Australian wool. Woolmark, the wool fabric mill VBC, and Haelixa a traceability company, took part in a trial to trace Australian wool fibers up to the final fabric.
In December 2021, Haelixa marked wool fibers with their DNA tracing solution. In this case, a single DNA marker was applied to greasy wool and a second DNA marker to scoured wool. The first DNA identifies the origin of the Australian wool, while the second determines the manufacturer where the wool has been further processed; at Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC), Biella/Italy.
Samples were collected from various production stages, where a qPCR test was used to detect each specific DNA marker. Haelixa Ltd., Kemptthal/Switzerland, uses a “Key-Lock” system to detect a marker; the particular DNA needs to be known to screen for it, ensuring that the system is tamper-proof. The DNA markers stay safely embedded in the product, enabling traceability of greasy and scoured wool up to greige fabric and finished fabric, respectively.
In December 2021, Haelixa marked wool fibers with their DNA tracing solution. In this case, a single DNA marker was applied to greasy wool and a second DNA marker to scoured wool. The first DNA identifies the origin of the Australian wool, while the second determines the manufacturer where the wool has been further processed; at Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC), Biella/Italy.
»This collaboration is an example of efforts to bring sustainable solutions to global supply chains. «
Samples were collected from various production stages, where a qPCR test was used to detect each specific DNA marker. Haelixa Ltd., Kemptthal/Switzerland, uses a “Key-Lock” system to detect a marker; the particular DNA needs to be known to screen for it, ensuring that the system is tamper-proof. The DNA markers stay safely embedded in the product, enabling traceability of greasy and scoured wool up to greige fabric and finished fabric, respectively.
