Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions, in cooperation with Swiss company Haelixa, has developed a solution that will ensure the entire value chain of textile end products is transparent and sustainable. This development comes as a response to the requirements set forth by the European Green Deal for comprehensive product traceability. The key component of this solution is the DNA marker technology developed by Haelixa, which allows for the complete traceability of materials.
The distinctive feature of this innovative technology is the use of bespoke DNA markers tailored for each project, establishing a unique identity for the material. Once integrated into the material, these markers become irremovable and impervious to falsification or alteration. The DNA marker is easily incorporated into the spinning process, for example, by feeding it along with the preparation oil. Additional feeding options are currently being developed.
To complement this solution, Oerlikon also utilizes its digital platform, atmos.io, which records and evaluates extensive production and process data during the yarn manufacturing process. This technology has been successful in monitoring the production process, enabling the identification and rectification of deviations in process parameters and yarn data, resulting in stable yarn quality and reduced waste rates.
By combining the DNA marker technology and atmos.io, clear traceability of the yarn is achieved throughout the entire production process, ensuring transparency in the components, qualities, manufacturing conditions, and origin of the finished garment. This level of transparency meets the requirements of the EU’s digital product passport, providing the necessary information for assessing the life cycle assessment and circularity of textile end products.
Initial long-term tests have demonstrated 100% traceability of the yarns in the POY and FDY spinning process. With this new development, Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions and Haelixa are paving the way for a more sustainable and transparent textile industry.
