Cotton traceability services

Cotton Traceability Services

Ensuring ethically sourced cotton from its origin to finished product with forensic cotton DNA and Isotope testing

Ensuring ethically sourced cotton from its origin to finished product with forensic cotton DNA and Isotope testing

What is cotton traceability?

Cotton traceability is the ability to track and identify the origin and journey of cotton from the point of its cultivation through to its manufacturing and distribution, and ultimately to the end product. The process involves tracking the cotton's processing, transportation, and manufacturing, and ensuring that it complies with all relevant standards and regulations. 

In the United States, a comprehensive tracking and identification system starting at the cotton gin is already in place, allowing for effective cotton traceability throughout the supply chain.

 

Why is cotton traceability important? 

Importance of cotton traceabilityWith increased awareness of the social and environmental impact of the products they purchase, consumers and brands are increasingly seeking products that align with their values. They demand greater transparency and accountability in the production of cotton products, ensuring that they are ethically sourced and processed as sustainably as possible. 

Optimizing cotton traceability management enables businesses to identify and address any issues that may arise along the supply chain, ensuring consistent quality and preventing forced labor, or unsubstantiated environmental practices. This level of control and oversight not only helps businesses meet their ethical obligations but also promotes operational efficiency and risk mitigation.

 

Preparing due diligence for cotton traceability

Importers are encouraged to establish supply chain mapping with TÜV SÜD’s product traceability management program to mitigate exposure to forced labor risks and ensure compliance with the enforcement strategy’s due diligence, tracking, and supply chain management measures.

We also help you become fully prepared in responding to any inquiries from differing governing bodies to demonstrate that your cotton products are not mined, produced or manufactured wholly or in part with forced labor.

 

Enhancing cotton product traceability with TÜV SÜD’s collaboration with ADNAS

Cotton product traceability TÜV SÜD has partnered with Applied DNA Sciences (ADNAS) to provide cutting-edge cotton DNA traceability services as part of its product traceability solution. ADNAS has developed an innovative technology called CertainT®, which uses molecular DNA-based tagging to enhance supply chain security and combat counterfeiting. This advanced system utilizes an integrated "tag-test-track" approach to ensure maximum supply chain security and minimize the risk of counterfeit products entering the market.

This collaboration between TÜV SÜD and ADNAS brings together their collective expertise to deliver a powerful solution that enhances cotton source verification throughout the supply chain and bolsters the integrity of products across industries.

 

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TÜV SÜD’s cotton traceability services

On top of providing tests for cotton origin authentication through ADNAS, we at TÜV SÜD also provide a product traceability management (PTM) platform, DNA traceability, and technical expertise to help you enhance your supply chain traceability status.

 

Our PTM platform helps to: 

  • Product traceability management platformStreamline the supply chain by requiring tier-1 to tier-N suppliers to submit their own transaction records exclusively
  • Create a simplified supply chain map
  • Introduce and enforce measures to implement supply chain privacy protection
  • Utilize smart email reminders to aid suppliers in completing traceability requirements
  • Establish document review process to ensure that supply chain traceability is based on factual information

 

Our DNA traceability solution helps to:

  • Enable cotton traceability through testing at any stage in the supply chain
  • Forensic authentication based on:DNA traceability solution
  • DNA testing – based on genetic fingerprint for cotton type (e.g. Egyptian, Pima)
  • Isotope testing – based on carbon, hydrogen, oxygen fingerprint
  • Provide unique DNA tags in the cotton fiber or filament itself
  • Complement with our physical verification process

 

TÜV SÜD's strong technical expertise and industry know-how also bring added value to the process of cotton traceability, providing expert consulting and guidance to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results.

 

 Make an inquiry now Download Infographic 

 

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