Haelixa, based in Kemptthal, Switzerland, is collaborating with Diamond Denim, one of the leading fully vertical denim manufacturers, to promote transparency within the denim supply chain.

Haelixa has developed a traceability solution based on DNA and works with brands and manufacturers to provide forensic proof of product origin and authenticity, from source to retail.

The company provides a unique DNA marker to identify a specific brand, supplier, collection or even production lot and material type (e.g. recycled vs non-recycled). Unlike in a paper-based chain of custody or in blockchains, the product information is never separated from the product itself, but safely embedded in it all time and cannot be tampered with. With its DNA-based traceability solution Haelixa addresses key challenges for the textile industry – the need for transparency in global textile supply chains and the ability to prove product origin and sustainability claims.

Diamond Denim is part of the Sapphire Group and one of the leading denim mills and garment makers in Pakistan. Sapphire established its first spinning unit in 1970 and its denim division was set up in 2014. Diamond Denims offers vertically integrated solutions from yarn to garments with a strong focus on sustainable fibres, eco-friendly chemicals and water savings, leading the way in an industry that is known to have a high environmental impact. Diamond has engaged in multiple initiatives to improve and reduce the negative impact throughout its business.

The collaboration with Haelixa shows Diamond Denim’s commitment to transparency through traceability. In the first joint project, cotton fibre was marked after bale opening in the Diamond factory in Lahore. The read out, conducted in the Haelixa labs in Switzerland, was done with garments after several household washings as well as with different intermediate products from various production stages. It was a prerequisite for Diamond that the traceability solution used is in line with its sustainability standards. Haelixa markers are proven to be harmless for humans and the environment, GMO-free, vegan, GOTS and OekoTex 100 compliant. As Diamond Denim is investing heavily in new eco-friendly and sustainable technology to augment is use of recycled fibre, Haelixa will support the company in a next project providing forensic proof for claims related to the use of recycled fibre.

“We are very happy with our first industrial application of the Haelixa marker,” said Ali Abdullah, co-founder of Diamond Denim. “Once production was completed, we sent blind marked and unmarked samples back to Haelixa and their analysis proved to be 100% accurate. Physical traceability is a big step forward. Haelixa reinforces our already solid supply chain controls and renders irrefutable proof that our product contains what we declare.”

“We are proud to be able to support Diamond Denim in their commitment to transparency and sustainability and believe that being able to prove the use of recycled fibre will become crucial as there are more and more false claims related to recycling,” added Michela Puddu, co-founder and CEO of Haelixa.

www.haelixa.com