Haelixa, a pioneer in traceability solutions, has partnered with C&A, one of Europe’s leading fashion retailers, to enhance the traceability of its organic cotton. This collaboration aligns with C&A’s commitment to fostering innovation within the apparel industry while supporting the growth of organic cotton farming.

The partnership began in 2022 as a pilot project, evolving into a three-year agreement for marking C&A’s organic cotton with Haelixa’s DNA markers. These markers allow C&A to trace the journey of organic cotton from farm to finished garment. The initiative builds on C&A's ongoing sustainability efforts, as outlined in its Sustainability Report, which highlights collaborations to promote organic cotton farming.

“Transparency and ethical sourcing are crucial in our supply chain,” said Alexandre Saus-Salas, Head of Sourcing at C&A. “Through our partnership with Haelixa, we are embedding DNA markers into our organic supply chain. This phased rollout will span multiple seasons through 2025, creating a long-term impact over the next three years.”

Haelixa’s solution employs unique DNA markers to create a tamper-proof system for verifying organic cotton throughout the supply chain. Cotton sourced via CottonConnect is marked during the ginning process, providing a specific identifier that is tested through forensic PCR methods at every stage. This fiber-forward approach ensures the authenticity of materials in the final garments.

The DNA marking system guarantees the authenticity of organic cotton and also reduces the risk of sourcing materials from regions linked to forced labor. By implementing Haelixa’s technology, C&A can reliably certify the presence of organic cotton in its products, increasing confidence in their ethical sourcing practices.