Cotton traceability

Consumers are increasingly seeking products that align with their values. They expect manufacturers of cotton products to ensure that the cotton is ethically sourced and sustainably processed throughout their cotton supply chain process.  

This is where TÜV SÜD’s cotton traceability solutions come in. We track cotton processing, transportation and manufacturing to ensure that it complies with all relevant standards and regulations. 

With increased awareness of the social and environmental impact of the products they purchase, consumers and brands are seeking products that align with their values. They demand greater supply chain transparency and accountability in cotton processing. They expect that these products are ethically sourced and processed as sustainably as possible. 

Optimising cotton traceability management helps businesses identify and address any issues that may arise along the supply chain. This ensures consistent quality and prevents forced labour 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. 

TÜV SÜD’s product traceability management program helps you establish supply chain mapping to mitigate exposure to forced labour risks and ensure compliance with your enforcement strategy.

We have partnered with Applied DNA Sciences (ADNAS) to provide cutting-edge cotton DNA testing and traceability services using an innovative technology called CertainT® which uses molecular DNA-based tagging to secure the supply chain and combat counterfeiting. This advanced system utilises an integrated "tag-test-track" approach to ensure maximum supply chain security and minimise the risk of counterfeit products entering the market.

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

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

We also help you respond 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.

In addition to our cotton DNA testing services in partnership with ADNAS, TÜV SÜD also provides a product traceability management (PTM) platform that helps to: 

• Streamline 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. 
• Utilise smart email reminders to aid suppliers in completing supply chain traceability requirements. 
• Establish a 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. 
• Perform forensic authentication based on: 
  • 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 fibre or filament itself. 
• Complement with our physical verification process.