There is growing clamour from the US apparel and textile industry to boost enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), however there are a number of challenges that need to be overcome first for verifying cotton’s origin, writes Robert P. Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization partner and MeiLin Wan, vice president, Applied DNA Sciences.
A key aspect in traceability is eliminating uncertainty from historically complex and opaque supply chains through the use of authentication DNA technologies. New York-based company Applied DNA Sciences has developed its CertainT forensic multiple proof-point platform that includes DNA molecular tags and genomic and isotope testing. This system helps brands and manufacturers comply with UFLPA by enabling them to verify product origin and other content claims and demonstrate that the cotton used in their products does not come from a high-risk region like Xinjiang.
