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New technology developed by AgResearch can be used to detect fake designer clothing.
The textile tracing system, Verifi TT, can distinguish between two identical garments made of the same fabric, colour and pattern, AgResearch said at its first demonstration today.
AgResearch developed the technology with Australian company DatatraceDNA.
Textile scientist Peter Brorens said Verifi TT is used to manufacture a fabric or yarn containing a unique customer-distinct tracer fibre.
Around 300g of the fibre is then added to garments and can be detected by a hand-held reader.
Textiles scientist Peter Brorens said the fibre was invisible to the eye because of the minute quantity used.
AgResearch textile science and technology section manager Peter Ingham said imitations of high-end brand garments had been a big problem in the past, occasionally resulting in law suits.
Dr Ingham said other technologies available identified the origins of the fibres and fabric but were expensive and destructive because they required cutting and analysing the fabric.
"Whereas the Verifi TT can be operated by anybody. And it's 100 per cent safe for use in all textile applications."
The technology is adapted from that used to trace the origins of luxury goods and casino chips.
Companies in China, Germany, Italy, the United States and Australia have "expressed strong interest" in the technology.
- NZPA
