Traceability Files That Release a Detained Textile Container
Releasing detained textile containers requires an audited dossier pairing transaction certificates with mass balance scrap calculations and IRMS origin testing.
Delta 18o Cotton
Geographic Fingerprint
Chemical signatures found in the oxygen isotopes of plant cellulose reveal the water source used during the growth of the crop. Testing for delta 18o cotton measures the ratio of oxygen 18 to oxygen 16 within the fibers of the plant. This ratio is influenced by the isotopic composition of local rainfall and irrigation water which changes with latitude and elevation.
Oxygen Isotope
Analysis of the fiber provides a permanent record of the climate conditions present in the fields during the growing season. When scientists examine delta 18o cotton, they look for specific values that correlate with the temperature and humidity of a particular agricultural zone. This data acts as a lock and key to verify the stated country of origin for the raw material and the finished yarn.
Precipitation Correlation
Regional maps of isotopic water values allow investigators to match a textile sample to a specific map coordinate based on rainfall patterns. The use of delta 18o cotton in a traceability protocol adds a layer of physical proof that supplements traditional paper based tracking systems. This method is effective even after the fiber has been dyed or finished because the oxygen atoms are locked into the cellulose structure.
Traceability Strength
Isotopic testing provides a defensible way to screen out cotton grown in areas associated with human rights risks.