Nettle Circle
Providing forensic evidence of fiber origin and identity is becoming imperative for commodities and new low-impact material alternatives such as nettle, where no formal certification standards exist. An early collaboration with Haelixa allows Nettle Circle to introduce transparency right from the beginning of these new supply chains.
Nettle Circle offers a sustainable and regenerative natural fiber that has a minimal ecological impact, is versatile, high-performing, circular, and can now be traced from the bark origin to the end consumer with the use of Haelixa’s marking technology.
Project Scope
During 2021, the initial batches of nettle fiber were identified using a distinctive DNA marker developed by Haelixa exclusively for Nettle Circle, which verified the authenticity of the Himalayan source of the wild nettle plant. The partnership between the two organizations continues, and the marked nettle bark/fiber is utilized in the manufacturing of textiles.
Promoting this environmentally friendly material brings visibility to the communities residing in the Himalayan Villages. At the same time, the implementation of DNA traceability technology satisfies the crucial needs of the market and offers a distinct competitive edge to brands.
“We are proud to have Haelixa partner with Nettle Circle to provide a physical traceability solution and transparency from the fields to finished products. Since nettle fiber is new to the textile market, we wanted to ensure from the beginning that Nettle Circle fibers were uniquely identifiable. Using Haelixa’s unique technology, allows Nettle Circle to guarantee full traceability and transparency in the entirety of the nettle fiber supply chain.”
Cornelia Bamert
CEO & Founder at Nettle Circle
