Italian company Albini in partnership with Oritain has created the first 100 per cent traceable Supima organic cotton. Using forensic science, Oritain analyses the naturally-occurring chemical properties of the actual fiber itself, creating a unique chemical fingerprint for the product that links it back to the field in which it was grown – which cannot be altered, copied or adulterated.

Oritain can test the product at every stage of the supply chain to verify that the fabric is consistent with the original fingerprint and has not been substituted, blended or tampered with. Only an exact match shows that the product is authentic. Thanks to this procedure, each step is traceable and it is therefore possible to go back, from the finished fabric, precisely to the field in which the cotton was grown. The cotton will be used by French luxury brand Kering and is aimed at helping consumers understand the origins of the clothing they wear. The project will be using only organically grown Supima cotton that is woven and dyed by Albini.

Kering is focused on sustainable raw material sourcing. This innovative technology for its organic cotton supply chain will enable the company’s Materials Innovation Lab greater visibility to verify farming best practices and fiber quality and ensure integrity within the supply chain.