Applied DNA Sciences, a leader in PCR-based manufacturing for product authenticity and traceability solutions, has received an order for the implementation of its SigNature Tcotton traceability system in Egypt to indelibly mark two varietals of high-value Egyptian Cotton, widely acknowledged to be among the finest in the world.

The molecular tag and delivery system have been shipped and cotton tagging is expected to commence within the month. The system, already installed in eight cotton gins worldwide, includes the use of unique SigNature T molecular tags, internet-based data collection linking evidence of tagging process quality to each bale ID, and bar code scanning of tagged packaged bales for inventory management and tracking.

The cotton fibre will be managed with strict protocols throughout the supply chain to ensure purity and traceability, the company reports.

“With 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,” said Dr James A. Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA.

“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 endeavours to ensure that the value of Egyptian cotton can be substantiated throughout its supply chain.”

According to the Mundi Report, Egypt produced around 240 million pounds of cotton in the prior 2018 growing season, just below total US Pima output.

Applied DNA is a provider of molecular technologies that enable supply chain security, anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft technology, product genotyping and pre-clinical nucleic acid-based therapeutic drug candidates.