Woolen textiles manufactured in Yorkshire, England, are well on their way to being protected at
every stage in the manufacturing process by SigNature® DNA – a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based
security solution developed by Applied DNA Sciences Inc. (APDN), Stony Brook, N.Y.
APDN uses DNA from plants to mark and authenticate products in a manner that protects brands
and intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. The company worked with weavers,
finishers and tailors in Yorkshire to show them how to apply SigNature DNA at each stage of the
production process, demonstrating the ability of the product to withstand dyeing, scouring, washing
and dry cleaning processes. The second phase of the project involves a multimillion-dollar
commercialization of the program. Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency for Yorkshire
and Humber, provided funding and worked on the project with the England-based Textile Centre of
Excellence and its consortium of companies.
“We see the importance and relevance of using DNA to safeguard our brands and our industry
here in Yorkshire,” said Bill Macbeth, managing director, Textile Centre of Excellence. “We need to
protect the quality and reputation of the textiles and apparel we make.”
“The cutting edge technology utilized by APDN in collaboration with the Yorkshire companies
has led to the development of products and processes fit for the 21st century,” said Jim Farmery,
assistant director for business, Yorkshire Forward. “We are delighted to support this work, and
look forward to extending the range and coverage of this important anti-counterfeiting activity to
protect Yorkshire brands and products.”
March 9, 2009
