By partnering with Palmetto Synthetics, a leader in the production of high quality, specialty synthetic fibres, and Techmer PM, a leading materials design company, the company aims to expand its presence in the athletic apparel industry and the automotive textile category.

Entering new market

In a recent in-depth feature for Knitting Industry’s sister site Innovation in Textiles, our US correspondent Debra Cobb reported on how the same DNA science used to solve crimes and identify stolen or counterfeit goods is now ensuring that consumers are getting value for money when purchasing products featuring premium branded cotton. For the full story see: How DNA is Taking the Guesswork Out of Premium Cotton Branding

“We have been a change agent for the cotton fibre market, by bringing certainty to a complex supply chain. With our entry into synthetic fibres, Applied DNA Sciences is entering a market that is more than three-times larger than cotton, and is the basis of 60% of the global textile industry,” said Dr James Hayward, president and CEO of ADNAS.

“In just one DNA tagging campaign, companies can safeguard against product recalls and liability, and elevate their business, based on high integrity, quality, and sustainability to ensure the smallest possible environmental footprint.”

Palmetto Synthetics fibres

Palmetto Synthetics fibre has many uses, but is best known in the apparel, automotive and industrial applications. Fibres are used in trunk liners and throughout the interior of cars in the visible surface materials.

In addition, the fibre manufactured by Palmetto is also used in other polyester and nylon fabrics, such as footwear, performance apparel, geotextiles fabrics for erosion control, roofing products and filtration media. Palmetto Synthetics fibre types include PET; PETG; PBT; PA6, 6; PLA; as well as a line of post consumer recycled fibres. The company also employs a wealth of additive and finish technology along with a wide range of cross-section availability for fibre customization.

“We have an eye to the future, and it has arrived with SigNature T DNA technology,” said David Poston, president of Palmetto Synthetics. “This sets a new industry standard in assuring quality and purity at the source. SigNature T DNA ensures traceability and transparency at every stage of the supply chain, with performance and strength delivered consistently. We are honoured to be working with ADNAS and Techmer, and excited about the many benefits this partnership will bring to consumers and manufacturers.”

Tagging polyester formulations

Recently, in Clinton, Tennessee, unique SigNature T DNA molecular tags were attached to Techmer PM polyester formulations and supplied to Palmetto, who used them to manufacture polyester fibre.

The Techmer PM formulation is a component of a system of solutions for fibre that includes colours and additives. These fibres were converted into synthetic fabrics for commercial and industrial applications. The initial stage tagged five million lbs of PET fibre. The process will be scaled up to many millions of lbs over the next year, the manufacturer reports.

SigNature T DNA solution now tags natural and synthetic fibres at industrial scale, and maintains a secure chain of custody as the product moves from source (pellets in the case of synthetics) to fibre to product to consumer.

Techmer PM

“We are proud to partner with Applied DNA Sciences and Palmetto to commercialize DNA marking and authentication within fibre applications,” said John Manuck, founder and CEO, Techmer PM. “As a leader in materials design, we are constantly looking for opportunities to create innovations which benefit our customers and OEMs, and this partnership underscores that commitment.”

Techmer PM is a leading materials designer and works in partnership with plastics processors, OEMs, and designers to solve some of their most difficult business, manufacturing, and sustainability challenges.

Techmer PM’s solutions modify the aesthetics, as well as extend and maintain the physical properties of plastic and fibre products. In partnership with Applied DNA Sciences, Techmer PM can now integrate Signature T DNA into solutions for its customers to ensure integrity of the entire supply chain.

Further reading

How DNA is Taking the Guesswork Out of Premium Cotton Branding

www.adnas.com