Advantages of natural polymer yarn encoding technology for traceability in the textile industry

Ensuring transparency in textile production, particularly in addressing environmental and social issues, has driven the development of technologies such as smart tags, encrypted labels, blockchain, and fibre DNA. However, full traceability from raw material extraction to the finished product remains a challenge, especially due to chemically aggressive processes like dyeing and washing. This study adopted a case study approach to evaluate a yarn tracking technology that embeds a code directly into the textile product, remaining functional throughout its life cycle. The assessment combined technical tests, payback-based economic analysis, and environmental evaluation using the Mass Intensity Total (MIT) metric. Conducted in a Brazilian textile company, the study validated the coding system’s durability and feasibility. The code remained readable after industrial processing, enabling traceability across all process stages. Results revealed annual cost saving of USD 5,639.00 and a payback period of approximately 5.4 years. The implementation also led to a reduction of 8.5 million kilograms in MIT, indicating substantial environmental benefits. The system facilitates the identification of leftover fabric cuts, supporting waste reduction and material conservation. Additionally, by geolocating production steps, it helps monitor working conditions and mitigate risks of labour analogous to slavery. By ensuring durable, embedded traceability, this research advances biopolymer tracking and contributes to more transparent, circular, and socially responsible practices in the textile sector. The adoption of this technology may assist companies in aligning operations with transparency goals, legal compliance, and sustainability standards.