Avient launches new tracer technology for garment fibers

In order to assist brands in verifying the information provided on labels, the sustainable material specialist Avient Corporation has introduced a new method to identify the origin of fibers in polyester and polyamide clothing.

Cesa™, a novel fiber tracer technology from Avient Corporation, is intended to assist in confirming the origin of fibers in a variety of applications, such as clothing, sportswear, and home textiles.

According to the manufacturer, the new Cesa tracer contains unique taggants that are customized to be specific for each customer and product line and are inserted into fibers during the spin-dying process. Currently, polyester and polyamide (nylon) fibers, including recycled grades, can use it.

The presence of the taggant can then be detected in end-use fabrics and textiles using particular analytical procedures, thereby establishing the provenance of the fibers. Customers who buy tracer concentrates also have access to a testing service bundle.

Mauro Dallavalle, senior marketing manager, Global Fibers at Avient, said that the textile industry’s supply chain is complex, making it difficult for fiber producers and brand owners to trace the textile goods back to them.

He added that this could be a problem when labeling textiles for specific features like “recycled content” or the certificate of origin (e.g., “produced in…,” he continued), as well as in cases of claims. For businesses searching for low-investment taggant technology that doesn’t necessitate the acquisition of specialized equipment but nevertheless offers good traceability and aids in brand protection, our tracer concentrates present an appealing solution.

For recycled grades, fiber producers can use the tracer concentration pellets earlier in the manufacturing process by including them with the recycled polymer content (such as crushed nylon fishing nets or polyethylene terephthalate bottle flakes) before the pellets are extruded.