Applied DNA Sciences earns its stripes

02 Jul '10

4 min read

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a provider of DNA-based security solutions, announced that it has successfully customized its first series of "DNA Suits" made in Yorkshire, UK. Each DNA suit was custom-made from the finest woolen yarn, then woven and finished into a pinstripe fabric, and assembled by a master tailor. The DNA persists through multiple launderings, providing a definitive means to match the DNA mark to the bespoke suit. Important to the utility of this marker to textile manufacturers, finishers and woven label assemblers, is that no retooling or change in production methods is required -- integration of DNA in manufacturing is seamless.

Bill Macbeth, the Managing Director of the Textile Centre of Excellence, stated, "DNA represents an important step in the evolution of our industry -- both for existing processes and new products, as well as providing a tangible means to stimulate manufacturing jobs in our region. We believe that the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that Yorkshire companies pride themselves on from yarn to woven fabric to a garment label, are valuable and worth protecting. We see Yorkshire as taking a technology leadership position by elevating the standard of textiles made in Yorkshire and demonstrating that you do get superior garments when you can control the quality of the fabric itself."

As part of the launch of the DNA Anti-Counterfeiting Program, APDN has received its first order from the Textile Centre of Excellence as part of its participation in the multi-year contract funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Yorkshire Forward. The initiating order (approximately $50,000) commences a three-year commitment of government of $1,500,000 to the program. "This contribution is designed to generate significant additional investment from the private sector, which should generate at least 2 million pounds over the three-year lifetime of the program," stated Bill Macbeth, Managing Director, Textile Centre of Excellence. APDN is working with local companies to incorporate its botanical SigNature DNA markers into their products to protect premium textiles and apparel from counterfeiting and diversion, offering end-consumers complete confidence in their purchases.

Recently, a bespoke men's jacket made by exclusive tailor, James Michelsberg was treated with SigNature DNA creating a unique "fingerprint" to prove its authenticity. The fibers for the cloth used to make the suit were immersed in SigNature DNA as they were put on the loom, before the fabric was finished. Mr. Michelsberg was recently quoted in The Yorkshire Evening Post as saying: "Counterfeiting is the biggest problem facing the textiles industry. There are people in India and China counterfeiting cloth, saying it's woven in Yorkshire. We want to make sure they're (customers) getting the genuine article."

Andrew Knight from luxury weaver, John Cavendish, added, "It's tremendously exciting. With DNA you get authenticity, genuine goods and traceability -- you can trace it back to the raw material, who wove it, who finished it and who sold the fabric. It's absolutely fantastic. As a local company it's something the industry has been crying out for."

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