Australian textile traceability firm FibreTrace has been awarded a European patent.
The businesses received the patent for its 'Photon Marker System in Fibre Material' which gives brands full transparency and traceability of their textiles.
FibreTrace works by embedding a natural, non-toxic, scannable luminescent pigment into any natural, man-made or synthetic fibre.
The pigments can be read and tracked at every stage of the supply chain through the use of a handheld device which scans and reads the brands individual signature created in the luminescent pigment.
FibreTrace co-founder Danielle Statham said that the patent gives the business recognition of its efforts.
"It’s encouraging to see the rapid pace at which the global fashion and interiors industries are moving towards complete transparent and traceable solutions.
"Finalising the European patent for FibreTrace is recognition for the hard work, research and development of our team which provides brands and manufacturers full confidence in the origin of fibre and integrity in their claims," she said.
The European patent follows the US patent of the technology, which was awarded to FibreTrace in April 2019.
In Australia, FibreTrace worked with Nobody Denim in 2020 to create a capsule collection of completely traceable garments.
Consumers were able to scan the Nobody Denim swing tickets and follow the journey of the garments, giving them complete transparency into the supply chain.
Consumers were also able learn about how Australia has led the way in carbon positive cotton farming.
FibreTrace CEO Shannon Mercer added that the technology gives consumers the clearest picture of the garment's supply chain and its social and environmental impact.
"Consumers want the ability to make informed choices when it comes to their purchases.
"The continued growth of technology patents allows solutions like FibreTrace to offer brands real change with global impact," he said.
FibreTrace is currently applicable to cotton, responsible viscose and recycled polyester.
The business expects to complete trials on wool, leather and bast fibres this year.