Egypt has employed Applied DNA’s molecular tagging technology in its two varieties of cotton which help them to ensure product authenticity and provenance.
Applied DNA received an order for its innovative Signature T cotton traceability system in Egypt so as to mark two varieties of high value Egyptian cotton. The Tagging process is expected to start within the month. The system, installed in eight companies worldwide, includes the use of Signature T molecular tags, internet based data collection linking evidence of tagging process quality to each bale ID and a bar code scanning of tagged packaged bales for inventory management and tracking. To manage the cotton fibres, strict protocols will be followed throughout the supply chain in order to ensure purity and traceability.
Ensuring True Egyptian Cotton
“With the receipt of this order for Egyptian cotton supply chain tagging and testing, we are moving to replicate our success in securing US cotton through its supply chain. Given the uncertainty surrounding the provenance of Egyptian cotton in the marketplace and growing calls for increased transparency and traceability by consumers, brands and industry advocates, the implementation of our Signature T cotton traceability system endeavors to ensure that the value of Egyptian cotton can be substantiated throughout its supply chain.” – James A. Hayward, President and CEO, Applied DNA
Egyptian Cotton is mainly recognized by consumers as a luxury brand. According to the recent US consumer survey, people associated Egyptian Cotton with quality and were prepared to a hefty amount for ahead of Pima Cotton, Turkish Cotton and Supima.
It is worth noting that in January, Egypt’s government had appointed an official steering committee so as to safeguard the future if the Egyptian Cotton brand after several setbacks such as a scandal that saw cheap sheets passed off as premium Egyptian cotton products.
According to the recent reports from Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), Egyptian cotton exports rose by more than 45 per cent to 1,86,100 metric Quintals in the first quarter of 2018-19.
Meanwhile, in March, the Cotton Egypt Association and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has also announced an initiative in a bid to boost the sustainability efforts and improve the conditions for supply chain workers of the Egyptian Cotton brand.
