Coded yarns that enhance textile traceability developed

Researchers from Sweden's University of Borås have developed a yarn-based coding system that can be used to monitor textiles through the supply chain, helping preserve the authenticity of a product.

Unlike traditional technologies currently being adopted such as RFID tags and barcodes, the fibers are woven into the fabrics, therefore, becoming an intrinsic part of the textile. This process prevents the yarns from being removed further down the supply chain.

According to the group, the fibers serve as an optical stamp designed to track the origin of a textile. The yarns are coded using twist-based optical features, which can be produced on a hollow spindle frame and are said to ensure each strand is entirely unique.

The downside of barcodes and RFIDs, the researchers noted, is that these are prone to copying and reproduction, affecting the authenticity of a product. Tags can also be easily removed, which makes tracking of a textile’s origin difficult.

Cost is also not an issue because the manufacture of these fibers does not require special materials or new equipment.

Previously, the team tried alternative methods such as embedding tracking chips, but these render the textiles hard to recycle and also pose privacy issues.

The scientists are currently finding ways to improve the longevity of the yarn-based system as repeated washing is proving to be a challenge. The researchers believe that in order for the system to be suitable for mass production, they need to solve this problem first.