Counterfeiters to be foiled thanks to DNA suit
A DNA ‘fingerprint’ is being woven into Yorkshire cloth to ensure it can be ratified as the real thing.
In a move similar to crime drama CSI, customers will be able to test the authenticity of garments using swabbing methods.
Plant DNA has been introduced into a suit and it is hoped the idea will spread to other garments.
The idea is the brainchild of James Michelsberg, 36, who runs Michelsberg Tailoring in Leeds.
The fabric is manufactured at John Cavendish in Huddersfield and it is expected the DNA technique will become popular in the Far East where Yorkshire suits are popular.
Mr Michelsberg said counterfeiting was the biggest problem facing the textile industry and as each plant’s DNA was unique, every garment supplied with DNA from a sibgle plant will be genuine.
New York-based Applied DNA Sciences has developed the diea of using plant DNA to prevent counterfeiting.
The suit idea came after Mr Michelsberg met staff from the Textile Centre of Excellence in Huddersfield, which has been working with Applied DNA on the project.
