ZÜRICH – Haelixa, the Swiss traceability company has announced a new collaboration with Turkish yarn manufacturer Damteks Textiles. Haelixa will use its DNA traceability technology to mark and trace recycled acrylic fiber produced by Damteks. Haelixa’s DNA markers are solved in liquid and applied to fibres as a fine spray. Spot checks are completed after spraying to determine the presence of DNA and identify the product using a test based on PCR technology that is 100 per cent reliable and which has forensic validity.
Damteks saw an increase in demand for blended yarn in the last year, with is most comment request being a composition of 30 per cent recycled fiber with 70 per cent standard fiber.
With growing demand for recycled synthetic fibres from brands – and some concerns around authenticity in this space – Damteks opted to work with Haelixa for its recycled acrylic offering.
The Haelixa team visited Damteks’ recycling facility in Istanbul to kick off the partnership that will continue throughout 2023. The traceability programme designed for them sees the DNA sprayed on the recycled fibers before spinning. The project also saw the use of a tailored Haelixa liquid sprayer designed by the team based in Switzerland.
When manufacturers do not have built-in moisturizing systems, Haelixa provides them with a custom unit to shower the DNA liquid onto the fibres. This sprayer is engineered to match the mechanical processing of the customer.
“As a manufacturer, we feel the pressure to offer sustainability options to our customers,” commented İsmail Cem Atalay, board member of Damteks, adding, “Our project with Haelixa allows us to ensure that we are offering the best product while taking into consideration the future of the planet.”
“The textile industry is adapting to the requests of consumers and regulators for more transparency and credibility when it comes to eco-friendly materials,” said Dr. Michela Puddu, CEO and co-founder of Haelixa. She went on to say: “Haelixa solutions allows Damteks to offer to brands traceable products that showcase their recycled origins.”
