UNIFI, Inc. (NYSE: UFI), together with leading polyester filament yarn manufacturers across North and Central America, has announced the launch of YarnProof™, an industry-wide initiative designed to provide immediate, physical verification of polyester filament yarn origin throughout the supply chain.

Powered by FibreTrace® technology, YarnProof embeds an invisible and permanent tracer into polyester filament yarn during extrusion. The tracer remains with the material throughout its lifecycle and can be detected using a proprietary FibreTrace handheld scanner at designated points across the supply chain, including yarn, fabric and finished goods.

Physical verification supports trade compliance

By linking physical verification to origin claims, YarnProof supports compliance with the yarn-forward requirements of the CAFTA-DR and USMCA trade agreements.

Working alongside existing documentation and certification systems, the technology adds a layer of verifiable evidence intended to strengthen trade integrity, protect compliant supply chains and support regional manufacturing.

Nick Pence, Senior Director of Material Supply at Under Armour, commented on the initiative: “Supply chain integrity is a top priority for our brand,” said Nick Pence, Senior Director of Material Supply at Under Armour. “As we continue to rely on yarn manufacturers in the region to fulfill our brand’s strategic goals, we are encouraged by the proactive steps the industry is taking to enhance transparency and reliability throughout the supply chain, and to provide physical evidence to support sourcing history.”

Addressing concerns over non-compliant trade

As concerns over non-compliant trade continue to grow, trade regulators such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection have emphasized the importance of private-sector solutions that strengthen supply chain traceability and support enforcement efforts.

Kim Glas, President & CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), highlighted the role of physical verification in complementing established control procedures: “Traditional methods of fraud detection, such as document review and site visits remain important,” said Kim Glas, President & CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO). “With the launch of YarnProof, the region gains a new tool for substantiating origin claims, giving brands greater confidence in their sourcing decisions while creating additional opportunities for North and Central American manufacturing.”

Regional manufacturers join forces

The YarnProof initiative brings together polyester filament yarn manufacturers from North and Central America to address growing scrutiny of sourcing claims, reduce exposure to non-compliant trade and strengthen confidence in regional supply chains.

Participating manufacturers include Aquafil O’Mara, Inc., CS America, Inc., CS Central America, S.A. de C.V., Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, Premiere Fibers, LLC, Sans Americas, Skytex México, S.A. de C.V., Tecnología Textil Avanzada S.A., Textufil S.A. de C.V., UNIFI Manufacturing, Inc., and United Textiles of America.

Allen Jacoby, President of Technical Textiles at Milliken & Company, emphasized the importance of reliable verification systems for regional manufacturing:"Strong regional manufacturing depends on trust, transparency, and consistent enforcement of trade requirements,” states Allen Jacoby President of Technical Textiles at Milliken & Company. “The ability to verify material origin through immediate physical evidence strengthens compliance, improves transparency, and builds confidence across the supply chain.”

Strengthening confidence in regional sourcing

As brands, retailers and regulators place greater scrutiny on sourcing claims, YarnProof aims to provide additional accountability across textile supply chains.

By connecting physical evidence to material origin, the initiative is intended to help protect compliant manufacturers, strengthen confidence in regional production and support the long-term competitiveness of North and Central American textile manufacturing.

Further information: www.yarnproof.com