THEFOOTWEAREYE
A
pplied DNA Sciences has begun working with Clarks and Puma on a pilot
program that allows the companies to trace their product from the "cow
stage" through the manufacturing process all the way through to the
consumer purchase.
Applied DNA Sciences is a NASDAQ-traded biotechnology company
and provider of a molecular DNA tag that can be embedded in materials
or applied to their surface. Earlier this year, the company began working
with a number of farms and applying their DNA to cows. "There is so much more awareness
about leather and the shoe manufacturing process than ever before," says MeiLin Wan,
Vice President, Textile Sales for Applied DNA. "Brands are being held accountable and this
allows them to make sure the process is responsible."
Wan says the DNA tags can be applied and even re-applied at several different steps
of the shoemaking process to provide assurances about their supply chain. "The shoe
making process is complex and we want to be able to prove that everything is ethical and
up to environmental standards."
Applied DNA has also been working on the shoe supply chain by tagging PET pellets
that are used in recycled products. The company has been working in the automotive
sector and by tagging PET at the beginning of the manufacturing process, it will enable
companies to substantiate their claims. "If all things appear equal, consumers will choose
the product that can authenticate its claim," says Wan.
Applied DNA is also looking into other sectors that use recycled materials, such as artificial
turf. "This is where things are going," Wan says. "Not just shoes, but everything."
O
Tracing Product in the Supply Chain
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Applied DNA
Sciences is a bio-
technology com-
pany and provider
of a molecular
DNA tag that
can be embed-
ded in materials
or applied to
their surface.
footwearinsight.com November/December 2017 ~ Footwear Insight • 15
