BLC Present DNA Labelling: The Smart Way to Trace Materials through the Supply Chain at SLTC Conference
On Saturday 22nd April 2017, BLC Leather Technology Centre (BLC) presented at the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists (SLTC) annual conference at the University of Northampton, Park Campus.
Georgina Mawer, Chemical and Regulatory Advisor at BLC and La’Deva McKenzie, Research Scientist at BLC, presented ‘DNA Labelling: The Smart Way to Trace Materials through the Supply Chain’.
BLC is working in partnership with Applied DNA Sciences (ADNAS) on a unique DNA tagging system that aims to provide full traceability throughout the leather supply chain. ADNAS and BLC are pleased to announce that five global brands are sponsoring this groundbreaking research project, including Clarks, and PUMA.
The research project will demonstrate the use of DNA-based tags to provide full traceability of the leather supply chain from farm to shop and will be running for the next 9 months.
Presentation Abstract
Given the emerging global reality of sustained volatility and rapid change, the need for robust product traceability and transparency is even more critical. This presentation discusses a unique opportunity for developing and validating a robust DNA based system for leather traceability. BLC have partnered with world leading experts in DNA traceability systems, Applied DNA Sciences Inc (ADNAS) to engage in a cutting-edge programme of research to develop a commercially viable system for the leather industry.
ADNAS are the creators of a unique botanical DNA-based tagging and authentication system called SigNature® T DNA which is a DNA marker designed specifically for the textile and apparel sector. This technology has been used successfully commercially to trace natural and synthetic textile fibres for supply chain transparency and anti-counterfeiting purposes.
A natural extension of this work is to investigate the feasibility of using SigNature® T DNA markers for animal skin and leather substrates. BLC will work alongside ADNAS to investigate the development of a commercially viable system for the leather supply chain.
For further information on this DNA traceability project, and to keep up to date with its latest developments, visit our DNA Traceability page in the Trending section on our website.
10 May 2017