Cotton Traceability

Cotton Traceability

Most traceability efforts in the cotton industry begin only at the ginning factory, but significant human rights issues often arise in the field, well before the cotton reaches the gin. The lack of integrity in global cotton certification programs is largely due to the absence of digital data sourcing from these early stages of production.

Digital Verification Process

Recognizing these gaps, Dan Patterson leveraged his experience in modern agriculture to create a digital solution that transforms traceability in the industry.

Our innovative technology, integrated into John Deere machinery, captures live harvest data, providing geospatial proof of the cotton’s origins.

This technology was successfully beta-tested across cotton fields in multiple countries, setting a new standard in verifying the sourcing of cotton.

Enhancing Traceability with Digital Birth Certificates

In the DATT system, every batch of machine-harvested cotton is equipped with a "digital birth certificate," documenting crucial details such as the specific locations and timings of its harvesting. These certificates are pivotal in verifying the cotton's origins and ensuring compliance with human rights standards, thereby guaranteeing that it is free from abuses such as child or forced labor.

The Digital Track and Trace (DATT) Solution further enhances this process by mechanizing cotton harvesting. Minimizing human involvement inherently reduces the risk of human rights violations. It also provides a digitally verifiable geospatial footprint for each batch of cotton harvested.

Global textile brands can leverage the DATT system through a dedicated dashboard to access and verify digital birth certificate data. This capability ensures brands can confidently source cotton fibers and be assured of their ethical integrity. The digital verification system and database query function instill confidence among brands, guaranteeing the cotton they use is free from human rights violations.

The Impact of a Cotton Digital Birth Certificate

This "digital birth certificate" marks the beginning of a new era for the cotton industry. Known as the Digital Track and Trace (DATT) solution, this integrated platform ensures that brands can confidently trace their cotton from field to fashion. It enables brands to determine if their cotton has been blended with other sources after the harvest, providing unparalleled transparency and accountability.

Our commitment to digital verification promises not just to trace but to transform the cotton industry by allowing brands, consumers, and regulators to verify the ethical integrity of cotton products. By choosing conflict-free cotton verified by our DATT system, stakeholders throughout the global textile supply chain are empowered to support practices that respect human rights and promote social justice.