Applied DNA Sciences, a leader in large-scale PCR-based DNA manufacturing and authentication, announced today that it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Reliance Industries (RIL) to develop and commercialise apparel made from RIL’s R|Elan GreenGold fabric and Recron GreenGold recycled polyester fibre and filament powered by CertainT. The collaboration as set forth in the MoU, provides for potentially extending, apparel manufacturing using R|Elan GreenGold, and the use of recycled polyester through Recron GreenGold into consumer and industrial applications, in the global markets. Applied DNA has already demonstrated with its supply chain partners, full end-to-end traceability by tagging over 20 million lbs of recycled polyester, testing of hundreds of samples, and tracking of forensically authenticated products from fibre to finished goods. Commercial products are sold in over 4,000 US retail stores, with expansion into international markets before the end of 2019.
Prior to the signing of the MOU, Applied DNA and RIL had tagged recycled polyester at RIL’s facilities in India in successful proof-of-concept studies. Under the MoU, samples will be tested both on-site and at Applied DNA’s laboratory in Ahmedabad. The groundwork for commercial scale-up for DNA production for manufacture of CertainT tagged staple fibre and filament yarn is underway. Joint marketing will support sales and business development in US and European markets. “At Reliance, we believe that sustainability with traceability is a must and not a maybe. We aim to be an industry leader in sustainability for recycled polyester, and that is why we believe CertainT is the best solution,†stated Hemant Sharma, Head Polyester Business, RIL. As there is much uncertainty related to the use of post-consumer recycled polyester to make sustainability product claims, brands and retailers can be confident that their products marketed and sold as 100 per cent recycled are proven with forensic assurance and authentication.
“Our R|Elan brand is growing in apparel and it is used by brands such as Arrow, Lee, Wrangler, Raymond, Anita Dongre, Kappa and many more. These brands now have the option of to add CertainT forensic traceability to assure that their products are sustainable, traceable and authentic,†stated Gunjan Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer – Polyester Business, RIL.
“Eco-friendlyâ€Â, “naturalâ€Â, “greenâ€Â, “organic†are typical sustainable claims and labels that can be confusing and misleading to consumers. Whilst more companies and key opinion leaders are espousing to be “green†through advertising and marketing, how do we know for sure that they are actually implementing business practices that minimise environmental impact?
“Without Applied DNA’s proprietary molecular tagging system, the uncertainty, and risk is too high and the burden of proof is much harder for brands and retailers. So we are very excited to bring a solution that we believe can truly make a difference for the planet, the people and our processes,†added Gunjan Sharma.
RIL’s Recron GreenGold fibre is made from 100 per cent used PET bottles. It has one of the lowest fibre carbon footprints globally. Sustainable feedstock developments include modern in-house manufacturing for recycling waste PET bottles into sustainable fashion solutions. Eco-friendly manufacturing to ensure maximum water is recycled (up to 90 per cent) and all water re-used in manufacturing and horticulture. Reliance operates a state-of-the-art water effluent treatment process system consistent with their ‘zero waste’ concept that all material is either used in process or sold in market.
“Reliance is a key partner for us because you can trust that the post-consumer recycled polyester process is meticulously managed from bottle to fibre, and that scalability is done in a fully controlled environment. Secure chain of custody is a true value addition to the supply chain, and CertainT tagged recycled polyester provides indelible stamp of approval that many brands and manufacturers need,†stated Dr James A Hayward, President and CEO, Applied DNA Sciences.
Reliance Industries is India’s largest private sector company, with a consolidated turnover of Rs 622,809 crore ($90.1 billion), cash profit of Rs 64,478 crore ($9.3 billion), and net profit of Rs 39,588 crore ($5.7 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2019.