Swiss traceability pioneer Haelixa has partnered with New Focus Textiles to embed forensic DNA markers in recycled cotton, offering scientific proof of origin and setting a new benchmark for transparency in apparel and sporting goods supply chains.
Haelixa and New Focus Textiles have unveiled a breakthrough in material authentication: forensic DNA markers applied to cotton waste before recycling. The markers, derived from Swiss mountain herbs, survive every production stage—from shredding to spinning, dyeing, and finishing—allowing accredited labs to confirm recycled content via PCR testing at any point in the supply chain.
Industry relevance
This innovation addresses one of the industry’s most pressing issues: substantiating sustainability claims. Traditional certification schemes rely on documentation, leaving brands vulnerable to greenwashing accusations. Haelixa’s solution provides irrefutable, physical proof of recycled fiber identity, aligning with upcoming EU Digital Product Passport requirements and tightening global regulations.
For sporting goods brands, the implications are significant. Cotton remains a staple in athleisure and performance casual wear, and consumer demand for verified sustainability is rising. DNA-based traceability enables brands to confidently market recycled content, reduce compliance risk, and strengthen trust with eco-conscious buyers.
By integrating Haelixa’s system with digital platforms like TextileGenesis, manufacturers gain a unified view of material authenticity, combining forensic evidence with blockchain-style records. As scrutiny intensifies across apparel sectors, this partnership sets a new standard for transparency—one that could accelerate the adoption of recycled cotton in sportswear collections worldwide.
