Ensuring Authenticity in Premium Cashmere with Haelixa
Cashmere’s high value makes it prone to counterfeiting and supply chain fraud. To ensure true traceability beyond certifications and standards, FTC Cashmere partnered with Haelixa to verify authenticity from source to shelf.
About FTC Cashmere
FTC Cashmere is a Swiss cashmere brand specializing in high-quality cashmere knits in the premium segment. The company manages its goat breeding program in Shaanxi, China, ensuring animal welfare, quality control, and the sustainability of the process. Its vertically integrated production includes careful steps such as combing, washing, dyeing, and spinning at its facilities, minimizing waste through innovative practices.
The Challenge
Cashmere is a premium fiber known for its rarity and luxurious feel but comes at a high cost. Many supply chains have weak traceability, allowing counterfeit fibers to enter the market. This compromises the quality of cashmere and diminishes the value of genuine products.
Relying solely on standards is insufficient, as they often lack adequate mechanisms to verify the fiber’s origin. Similarly, certifications do not guarantee the authenticity or prevent fiber substitution because they are not directly linked to the physical material. Implementing more robust verification and transparency measures is essential to protect consumers and producers.
The Solution
Haelixa partnered with FTC Cashmere in 2020. The benefit is that we acted as an independent third-party partner, providing forensic proof of origin and authenticity, which reassures the consumer.
The raw cashmere is marked at the source, in China, with a DNA marker specifically developed for FTC. After marking, the cashmere retains its original quality and properties and is processed. Besides marking cashmere, FTC also labels its organic cotton and Seacell, each with a unique DNA. The three DNAs are identified in different blends at the finished garment level.
Marked & Traced by Haelixa
Thanks to Haelixa, FTC launched its collection with the ingredient label “Marked & Traced by Haelixa” and a hang tag, visibly sharing the traceability to the end consumer. The FTC collections are sold at leading European retail stores like Rinascente and Zalando.
With this solution, FTC ensures the origin, authenticity, and ethical production of its cashmere, while also complying with animal welfare regulations.
The Results
- Enhanced consumer trust and a stronger brand reputation
- Increased product value, justifying premium pricing
- Protection against counterfeit, safeguarding both brand integrity and customer confidence
- Competitive differentiation, positioning FTC as a leader in responsible cashmere production
- Compliance with sustainability goals, aligning with growing consumer demand for verified products
Among the key achievements, FTC and Haelixa introduced the “Marked & Traced by Haelixa” CALIDA x FTC Cashmere Wellbeing collection, expanding their visibility and customer base.
