The fashion and textile industry has long struggled with understanding where materials come from and how they move through global supply chains. Many brands source fibres and fabrics from multiple countries. Those materials may pass through several processors and manufacturers before the finished product reaches a store. In many cases today, brands cannot fully verify the original source of the fibres they use. This gap has made it hard to prove sustainability, ethical sourcing, and origin claims. According to industry studies, around 80 percent of fibres sourced by brands come from an unknown country of origin.
To address this problem, traceability solutions are gaining attention from both brands and supply chain partners. One technology that has stood out in recent years is FibreTrace, a system that embeds physical identifiers directly into fibres so they can be tracked from the raw material stage to the finished garment. This technology was a sponsor of the Textile Exchange traceability and sustainability initiative in 2025, marking its growing importance in industry events and discussions.
What FibreTrace Technology Is and How It Works
Traceability is often talked about as a digital idea, but FibreTrace takes a different approach. Instead of relying solely on digital records, the technology embeds a unique luminescent pigment into the fibre at the earliest stage of processing. This pigment stays with the fibre through spinning, dyeing, weaving, and manufacturing. The fibre can be scanned at any point in the supply chain to confirm its origin and journey.
The technology was originally developed from anti-counterfeit methods used in currency and passports. Applied to textiles, it gives every batch of fibre a physical signature. The pigment is safe, inert, and approved under regulatory standards. When scanned, the data is recorded with a location and time stamp, and can be shared on blockchain or other traceability platforms. This creates a mix of physical proof and digital tracking that helps brands, suppliers, regulators, and certification bodies verify claims.
Concrete Examples of Traceability in Action
The industry has begun testing and adopting this technology in real supply chains. For example, major companies like Target and Cargill are working with FibreTrace to mark large volumes of U.S. and Brazilian cotton. The partnership involves embedding identifiable pigments into cotton at the ginning stage. Later in the chain, brands are able to verify the origin of cotton used in their products.
Another example involves Thai Acrylic Fibre Co., which has integrated FibreTrace into its Regel recycled fibre line. This gives brands and end consumers visibility into the fibre’s path from production to garment. The approach helps build trust and supports sustainability commitments.
These examples highlight how traceability technology can move from pilot projects to scaled implementation with real partners in the market.
Why Traceability Matters Now
Brands are under increased pressure from regulators, activists, and consumers to back up sustainability claims with evidence. Greenwashing concerns have made vague sustainability statements untenable. With technology like FibreTrace, fashion companies have a path to show actual proof of origin and supply chain history, rather than estimates or assumptions. (Textile Exchange)
Traceability also protects suppliers. When fibre origins are verifiable, growers and manufacturers receive proper credit for their work. This helps them maintain reputation and supports fair trade practices.
What Industry Events Are Addressing
The spotlight on traceability technology extends beyond FibreTrace itself. Industry conferences now include traceability sessions and sponsors focused on advanced solutions. These gatherings bring together brands, suppliers, technology providers, and standards organizations to share tools, case studies, and roadmaps for implementation.
By featuring FibreTrace and similar technologies as sponsors and contributors, these events signal a shift in priorities. Traceability is moving from a buzzword to a practical tool for meeting compliance requirements and consumer expectations.
Where the Future Is Headed
Traceability technology is now part of how companies prepare for tightening regulations and evolving market demands. Systems that can show a fibre’s path from farm to finished product will help brands demonstrate transparency and accountability.
Real solutions like FibreTrace are contributing to this shift. As traceability becomes standard, the industry will likely see stronger verification practices, better data sharing, and more trust in sustainability claims.
