Applied DNA Sciences has inked a deal with process chemicals company Stahl to bring its CertainT tracing platform to manufacturing supply chains, including leather.
Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MOU), Applied DNA Sciences, a pioneer in DNA-based product authenticity and traceability solutions, and Stahl, a specialist in process chemicals for leather products and performance coatings, will continue the evaluation of molecular tagging of process chemicals and coatings. They will utilize Stahl’s product offerings and technical expertise as a point of entry into supply chains for Applied DNA’s molecular tags for tracking, tracing and authenticating.
The MOU is expected to be followed by a definitive agreement, the companies said.
“Stahl’s global sales and support footprint, coupled with broad access to its customer base that spans global brands and their supply chains, makes it an ideal partner through which to expand, implement and support our CertainT authentication and traceability platform,” Dr. James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA, said. “We believe this partnership should accelerate our entry into the leather market.”
Applied DNA, based in Stony Brook, N.Y., is a provider of molecular technologies that enable supply chain security, anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft technology and product genotyping.
Mike Costello, director of sustainability at Netherlands-based Stahl, said, “We see a bright future for molecular tagging. Leather is just one of many industries which could benefit by having the capability to improve traceability.”
Last month, Stahl launched a 100 percent polymer silicone waterproofing process called Densodrin Polymeric Generation. Stahl said it offers a cleaner performing level of waterproofing available to tanners and shoe manufacturers.
The process is said to deliver full polymeric neutralization, re-tanning and waterproofing, making it possible to improve the environmental footprint of leather waterproofing. In addition, the environmental footprint can be improved because of a reduction of up to 30 percent in processing time and lower energy demand due to a lower washing temperature.
“Our full polymer waterproofing process results in less migration during production and higher performance on tear, tensile and stitch tear strength,” Frederic D’Anvers, waterproofing expert at Stahl, said. “Also, the leather shows better color fastness and greater resistance to fading.”