Unveiling FibreTrace’s MAPPED Platform

In the intricate web of global supply chains, ensuring the authenticity of sustainable materials poses a considerable challenge for brands. The risk of fraudulent blending of fibers during manufacturing, especially with the rising demand for organic and certified materials, adds complexity to the situation.

Fashion Revolution’s 2022 Fashion Transparency Index revealed a stark reality — 250 of the world’s major brands scored an average of just 21% in traceability across their supply chains. Beyond reputational concerns, new legislation in 2022 is tightening the noose on brands neglecting traceability.

Australian-owned FibreTrace enters the scene with its innovative traceability solution, MAPPED, empowering brands to embark on their traceability journey at no cost.

The Genesis of FibreTrace: Bridging the Traceability Gap

Founded in 2017 by Danielle Statham, David Statham, and Paul Stenning, FibreTrace was conceived as a solution to trace cotton back to its farm of origin, ensuring the provenance of each fiber. Beginning with a physical tracer inspired by anti-counterfeiting measures found in passports and currency, FibreTrace VERIFIED integrates an indestructible luminescent pigment into fibers during the raw material stage. This allows handheld scanners throughout the supply chain to read the trace, even in recycled materials.

Shannon Mercer, CEO of FibreTrace, expresses the company’s mission, stating, “Our mission is to build a platform where every fiber tells a story.” While initially focusing on cotton, FibreTrace has expanded its coverage to encompass various natural and man-made fibers.

To combat unauthorized blending of fibers, such as mixing organic with conventional cotton, FibreTrace scanners incorporate a built-in light indicator. This feature detects tampering, signaling the authenticity of the fibers. Currently operational in Australia, the U.S., and India, with plans to expand to Turkey and Brazil, FibreTrace extends its footprint to include man-made fibers in Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Europe.

MAPPED: Revolutionizing Digital Traceability

For sustainability and production managers, manual traceability proves both expensive and time-consuming. FibreTrace addresses this challenge by introducing its digital traceability platform, MAPPED. Mercer explains that MAPPED is a “Chain-of-Custody software platform” leveraging blockchain to digitally track and map products, certificates, purchase orders, shipping documentation, and more. This ensures an indisputable ledger of supply chain activities.

MAPPED operates on three traceability stages: Good, Better, and Best. The entry-level solution, Good, offers brands a free opportunity to map their supply chains, eliminating barriers for startups and enterprise clients. While blockchain-supported mapping is powerful, FibreTrace emphasizes the need for supplier auditing and physical traceability. The Better solution facilitates supplier auditing, ensuring accurate data input into the system by every player in the supply chain. Moving to the Best solution integrates digital traceability with FibreTrace VERIFIED’s physical tracer technology at the raw fiber stage, centralizing data collection and storage within the brand.

*Note: The free service is available until December 31, 2023, with limited digital audit credits for free accounts thereafter.

The Imperative of Traceability in Business

Traceability is no longer a luxury; it’s a financial imperative. Mercer notes, “There is actually a financial burden if you don’t have traceability.” Legislation is catching up with the fashion industry, with laws like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and the French Duty of Vigilance law imposing fines and shipment delays for non-compliance.

FibreTrace MAPPED includes a consumer portal, allowing brands to share product information transparently. Mercer emphasizes that traceability enhances consumer appeal and cites Reformation, an LA brand, selling products at a premium due to the deep traceability they offer. Consumers increasingly demand transparency, turning traceability into a valuable asset.

FibreTrace’s Vision: A Holistic Sustainability Solution

FibreTrace aspires to be a comprehensive solution for digital sustainability needs, aiming to replace third-party auditing schemes. In-house auditing through MAPPED could streamline certifications for brands, reducing clutter. Mercer emphasizes FibreTrace’s dual expertise in physical and digital solutions, positioning the company as a leader in the saturated market of digital traceability platforms.

As the fashion industry marches towards traceability, FibreTrace’s MAPPED emerges as an ideal starting point. Whether ensuring compliance or building consumer trust, FibreTrace’s innovative solution provides brands with a seamless entry into the era of supply chain traceability.