Applied DNA Sciences Inc., a manufacturer of DNA-based product authenticity and traceability solutions, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sun Chemical Supply Company of Taiwan for distribution of its CertainT platform in Asia.
The deal calls for Sun Chemical Supply, a chemical, synthetic material and equipment distributor in China, Taiwan and Vietnam, to offer its industry knowledge, infrastructure and client base to expand Applied DNA’s reach into a major textiles market. The MOU is expected to be followed by a definitive agreement.
“We are pleased to take these first steps toward a formal relationship with Sun Chemical Supply to facilitate our reach to Asian manufacturers that are central to many textile supply chains,” said Dr. James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA. “Sun Chemical Supply is a leader in its field and we believe our collaboration will drive additional adoption of our physical traceability solutions in the global textiles markets.”
Under the strategic alliance, Sun Chemical Supply will provide value-added services, such as marketing, product stocking and customization, in-field testing, deployment and training. Applied DNA said these services are important to its existing customer base manufacturing CertainT authenticated home textiles in China, while Sun Chemical Supply’s Asia customer base represents the potential for additional textile firms that could adopt the CertainT authentication platform to differentiate and protect brands and supply chains with manufacturing locations in Asia.
Related Stories
CertainT tags fibers at the molecular level and verifies their authenticity through systematic sampling, testing and tracking.
Wayne Buchen, vice president of strategic sales for textiles at Stoney Brook, N.Y.-based Applied DNA Sciences, said, “Partnering with Sun Chemical Supply enables us to drive adoption of our CertainT platform throughout the global textile supply chain, beginning at its origin in Asia. We believe that a CertainT-certified supply chain elevates customers’ brands and products by establishing the transparency and truth that consumers desire.”
Sun Chemical Supply has nine locations in Asia, with experts in chemical analysis, innovative solutions, end-to-end manufacturing processes and equipment. Applied DNA said Sun’s product portfolio is complementary to its own, creating synergies in selling, marketing and installing. For example, Sun Chemical Supply distributes equipment, finishing treatments, chemicals and oils used in textile manufacturing that could act as efficient carriers for Applied DNA’s SigNature T molecular tags.
“Asian countries play a key role in global textile supply chains and we are excited to deploy Applied DNA’s CertainT platform to protect our industries and consumers with reliable authentication and traceability solutions,” David Lai, chairman and CEO of the Sun Chemical Supply, said.