Posted February 16, 2017

 

STONY BROOK, N.Y. – Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a provider of DNA-based supply-chain, anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft technology, product genotyping and product authentication solutions, delivered its third shipment against continuing purchase orders for molecular tags used to protect supply chains for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) manmade fibers (MMF) from master batch to finished goods.

 

With recurring, non-seasonal orders, this synthetics supply chain experience has accelerated contract discussions in progress with other MMF segment manufacturers.

 

"Molecular tags can be used to track high-quality and high-performance grades of PET, where the specifications are demanding," said Dr. James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA. "Unlike paper or electronic certificates, these 'molecular certificates™' carry the identifying unalterable information in or on the product, thereby providing assurances to governments, and consumers alike. Recycled PET can be verified by the molecular certificate infused within the polymer after the recycling process. PET is just one of several polymer families we expect to productize in FY2017."

 

He added: "This purchase order highlights continued execution on our strategy to diversify our revenue stream and improve revenue predictability on an annual basis. Together with the recent announcement that Applied DNA will provide SigNature® T DNA products and authentication services to empower textile supply chain security over an extended multi-year period with annual revenue minimums, and a growing asset marking business for automobiles in Europe, our efforts to expand market awareness and drive adoption of our DNA solutions are bearing fruit."

 

Applied DNA's entry into the MMF category complements the company's growing success in cotton fibers, in which the company has tagged approximately 150 million pounds. The Total Addressable Market (TAM) worldwide for MMFs is roughly 3 times the size of the TAM for cotton. (Chemical Economics Handbook, 2015)

 

PET has many commercial uses, is available in many grades of quality and performance, and finds applications in medical devices, automotive components, solar cells, bottling and packaging. It is the fourth most-produced polymer globally. When applied in textiles, it is often referred to as "polyester."

 

PET is one of the most recyclable plastics, a quality that is emphasized in the sustainability strategies of many large manufacturers and global brands, and in the "Circular Economy," a concept being adopted by many commercial and geopolitical ecosystems.

 

In June 2016, Applied DNA announced the deployment of molecular tags in synthetic fibers during early pilots, which were deemed successful.

 

"Success with one class of MMFs speeds our time-to-market in other synthetic categories. Molecular tags can assure consumers of apparel, foods, and bottled drinks that their purchases are environmentally and ethically sound," said MeiLin Wan, Applied DNA's vice president for Textiles.

 

Source: Applied DNA Sciences

Applied DNA Sciences announces molecular tags for synthetic fibers