Rieter integrates DNA tracing in yarn production

The Winterthur-based textiles machinery manufacturer Rieter and Haelixa, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH), have signed a cooperation agreement during ITMA 2023, the world’s largest textiles and clothing trade fair currently taking place in Milan. The two partners have reached an agreement for the traceability solution developed by Haelixa to be installed in Rieter’s spinning machines. According to a LinkedIn post, Rieter is therefore set to become the first manufacturer of textiles machinery to incorporate a physical traceability solution for marking fibers during yarn production.

Haelixa offers DNA-based technologies for marking and tracing textiles, precious stones, gold and other products. This marking provides forensic proof and remains on the product. It cannot be altered, removed or manipulated in any other way. Potential application scenarios also include the labeling of products in the fair trade and organic farming sectors. The technology ensures product integrity and full supply chain transparency, from the manufacturer right through to the retailer. Haelixa has already won more than 20 awards for this technological innovation, including the Rising Innovator Prize handed out by the European Commission.

Rieter offers yarn manufacturing systems on the basis of staple fibers in spinning mills around the world. The company, which boasts a rich history, operates 18 production sites in 10 countries and employs around 5,590 employees globally, of which 16.4 percent are based in Switzerland. ce/mm