In combination with Oerlikon’s atmos.io, Haelixa’s DNA marker technology makes the full supply chain tracking of textile products a reality.
The partners are offering a solution for the comprehensive traceability of products which will soon be required to comply with the European Green Deal.
An essential part of the solution is the DNA marker technology developed by Haelixa that enables complete traceability of materials. These markers survive all production process steps, validating the end product.
“This technology employs distinct DNA tailored for each project, establishing a unique identity for the material,” explains Holly Berger, marketing director at Haelixa. “Once the DNA is integrated into the material, it becomes irremovable – impervious to falsification or alteration.”
Handling is straightforward – the DNA marker is fed into the spinning process with the preparation oil, for example, and the preparation system is modified accordingly. Further feeding options are currently being developed.
The concept is augmented by atmos.io, Oerlikon’s digital platform that collects and analyzes extensive production and process data during the fiber and filament manufacturing processes. Atmos.io assigns digital identities to fibers and filaments as they are processed on Oerlikon systems, from melt to package. This technology has been used successfully for some time to monitor the manufacturing process. Deviations in process parameters and data on fibres and filaments can be identified and corrected quickly using atmos.io, resulting in stable product quality and lower waste rates.
Combining both technologies enables clear traceability of the fibres and filaments produced, even in the downstream process steps. As a result, the components, qualities, manufacturing conditions and origin can be traced beyond doubt in the finished garment.