Haelixa agrees partnership with C&A

Haelixa AG, which specializes in DNA markers for product traceability and is based in Kemptthal in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland, has entered into a strategic partnership with C&A. The multinational fashion retailer is based in Vilvoorde in Belgium and in Düsseldorf in Germany. As detailed in a press release, Haelixa will track the retailer’s cotton products across the entire supply chain, thereby enhancing transparency. To this end, the DNA markers designed by Haelixa will provide forensically secure data. The qPCR tests developed by the spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) have been internationally recognized and offer secure validation.

With this agreement, C&A is seeking to support the cultivation of organic cotton without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It is hoped that this will lead to clean waterways and healthier natural ecosystems, as well as reduced costs for farmers, as the press release explains.

“Transparency and ethical sourcing are crucial in our supply chain”, comments Alexandre Saus-Salas, Head of Sourcing at C&A, in the press release. “As part of our commitment to traceability, we have begun implementing Haelixa DNA within our organic supply chain. This gradual rollout will continue over multiple seasons in 2025, with an impact foreseen over the next three years”, he adds.

Patrick Strumpf, CEO of Haelixa, is convinced that the partnership will bring about real benefits: “By tracing organic cotton from farm to finished garment, we empower brands like C&A to tell an authentic story, fostering greater consumer confidence in their sustainability efforts”. ce/ww