Diamond Denim, a vertical apparel manufacturer has partnered with Haelixa, a Switzerland-based traceability solutions provider, to use its DNA-based technology, to promote transparency within the denim supply chains. Haelixa works with brands and manufacturers to provide forensic confirmation of product origin and authenticity from source to retail with its DNA-based traceability solution.

The Swiss technology firm said that Diamond Denim's engagement with Haelixa demonstrates the company's dedication to transparency and traceability. In the first joint project, cotton was identified following bale opening in the Diamond factory in Lahore. The read-out, which took place in the Haelixa labs in Switzerland, included garments that had been washed multiple times at home as well as several intermediary goods from various phases of production. Diamond required that the traceability solution meet their sustainability standards: Haelixa markers have been demonstrated to be safe for persons and the environment, as well as being GMO-free, vegan, GOTS, and OekoTex 100 compliant. Diamond Denim is investing extensively in new eco-friendly and sustainable technology to supplement their usage of recycled fiber, and Haelixa will assist them in a future project that will provide forensic substantiation for their claims about recycled fiber utilization.

Ali Abdullah, co-founder of Diamond Denim by Sapphire, said that they're quite pleased with the Haelixa marker's initial industrial application. They sent blind-marked and unmarked samples to Haelixa after production was completed, and their analysis proved to be 100% accurate! Physical traceability is a huge step forward in their quest to produce a clean and sustainable denim product. Haelixa strengthens their existing strong supply chain controls and provides indisputable confirmation that their product contains exactly what they declare."

Michela Puddu, co-founder and CEO of Haelixa said that they’re honored to be able to assist Diamond Denim in their efforts to promote transparency and sustainability. They also feel that being able to prove the use of recycled fiber will become increasingly important as there is an increasing number of bogus recycling claims.

Haelixa has the ability to create a unique DNA identifier that can be used to identify a specific brand, supplier, collection, or even production lot and material type (eg recycled vs non-recycled). Unlike paper-based chains of custody or blockchains, product information is never separated from the product itself, but is permanently integrated into it and cannot be altered. Haelixa tackles three important difficulties in the textile sector with its DNA-based traceability solution: the requirement for transparency in global textile supply chains, as well as the capacity to authenticate product origin and sustainability claims.

Diamond Denim is a member of the prestigious Sapphire Group and one of Pakistan's premier denim mills and garment manufacturers. Diamond Denim provides vertically integrated solutions from yarn to garments, with a particular emphasis on sustainable fibers, environmentally friendly chemicals, and water conservation, setting the standard in an industry noted for its significant environmental impact.