C&A Enhances Organic Cotton Traceability with Haelixa

C&A works to make sure every step of its supply chain meets its environmental and ethical standards. As consumers ask for more transparency, organic cotton claims need more than certificates: they need proof that the cotton in the garment is the organic cotton that was sourced. C&A works with partners across the apparel industry to pilot and scale innovation, and this project, which began as a pilot in 2022, is one of its initiatives to strengthen accountability in its supply chain.

Haelixa marks C&A’s organic cotton with a unique, invisible DNA marker using TraceDNA™, its solution for cotton supply chain traceability. The marker allows the origin of the cotton to be verified at every stage of the supply chain, from ginning to the finished garment.

• Custom DNA marker: A DNA marker developed specifically for C&A’s organic cotton supply chain.
• Traceability from farm to finished garment: The organic cotton, sourced through CottonConnect, is marked with a unique DNA identifier during ginning. Samples are then tested with forensic PCR at later stages. This fibre-forward approach verifies that the material in the final garment is authentic, traceable organic cotton.
• Integration into existing production: Custom sprayers fit into existing ginning processes, without disrupting production.

Organic cotton is verified by marking it with a unique DNA marker at the gin, where the fibre is separated from the seed, and by testing samples of yarn, fabric or garments with forensic PCR later in the supply chain. A positive result confirms that the product contains the organic cotton marked at origin. Certificates document the claim; the DNA marker proves it in the material.

• Scale: By the end of 2025, 16,800 tons of organic cotton and 1,000 tons of cashmere had been marked, supported by 10 custom sprayers integrated into the supply chain.
• Traceability from farm to garment: Using Haelixa’s DNA marker, C&A can trace the journey of its organic cotton from farm to finished garment.
• Consumer trust: Verified organic cotton allows C&A to back its sustainability claims with evidence customers can trust.
• Risk management: DNA marking confirms the authenticity of the organic cotton and helps mitigate the risk of sourcing from regions associated with forced labour. Because the cotton is marked at field level during ginning, C&A can make reliable statements about the presence of organic cotton in its products.
• Verification at scale: The project shows how a large fashion retailer can verify organic cotton across multiple seasons and suppliers.

This project uses TraceDNA™, Haelixa’s DNA-based solution for supply chain traceability.

Founded in 1841, C&A is one of Europe’s leading fashion retailers, with more than 1,200 stores across Europe and an online shop. C&A offers quality, long-lasting fashion at affordable prices for the many.