Applied DNA Sciences Ships SigNature® T DNA Guaranteeing Purity To Mark 10 Million Pounds of Acala Cotton
Orders for Two Additional DNA Transfer Systems Support Gin Expansion Into New Regions and Cotton Varieties
STONY BROOK, N.Y. July 12, 2016 -Applied DNA Sciences (Applied DNA), Inc. (NASDAQ: APDN), a provider of DNA-based supply chain, anti-counterfeiting, genotyping and anti-theft technology, and authentication technologies, today announced that it shipped an order for SigNature T DNA to mark 10 million pounds of Acala cotton in the third quarter of 2016. Acala is a type of Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) that produces the longest staple among the Upland species, making it one of the highest quality Upland cottons in the world.
In addition, building upon recent business successes, Applied DNA received orders for two new DNA transfer units that will support gin expansion into new regions and cotton varieties that will be delivered in its fiscal fourth quarter, 2016. These new gin installations will process Texas and Acala Upland cotton varieties. The initial four gins continuing tagging from the prior season will sustain the SigNature DNA process with Pima and Upland Delta cottons. Additional DNA Transfer Units are under discussion with the Company's customers at a time when global demand for sustainably grown, ethically-sourced American cotton is strengthening.
"Authenticating Acala cotton with the SigNature T solution adds to our business momentum," said Dr. James Hayward, Chairman, President and CEO of Applied DNA. "This development comes at a very important time in the industry. Retailers, product developers, and consumers are asking for more authenticity, especially with the sophistication of forensically-proven sourcing. In addition, with the recent decline of 50% in Egyptian production and the controversies surrounding its quality, Acala cotton is an excellent candidate to replenish the supply. We are honored to be part of the solution."
At this time, more than 260 companies have signed The Cotton Pledge Against Forced Labor in the Cotton Sector and the U.S. Department of State is increasing their demands on manufacturers to prove that sourcing of cotton is ethically produced without slave labor (U.S. Department of State, 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report, June 30, 2016). The SigNature T solution currently used for PimaCott ® and HomeGrown ® offers a means for transparency, traceability and trust for consumers, brands and retailers alike.
