Cotton Isotope Analysis
Scientific Cotton Origin Verification | UFLPA & Global Compliance
Isotope analysis delivers rigorous, scientifically defensible data to validate the geographic origin of cotton fibers — helping brands substantiate their claims and meet compliance obligations under laws such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in the U.S., as well as modern slavery and due diligence laws in jurisdictions like the UK, EU, Australia, and Canada.
What are isotopes?
Isotopes are natural versions of the same element that differ in weight. In cotton, these small differences act like a fingerprint, shaped by rainfall, temperature, latitude, and local water sources. By measuring stable isotopes of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, we can tell whether a cotton sample matches its claimed origin — down to the country or region.
Why do brands use isotope analysis?
Verify supplier product claims
Prevent fraud and substitution
Pass regulatory audits
Protect brand trust
Trace it Before you Make it: the value of Greige Testing
Greige yarn and fabric are ideal checkpoints for verification, enabling the establishment of a baseline for cotton traceability. Isotope testing allows brands to:
Detect mislabeling, substitution, or fiber mixing early in the supply chain
Supply regulatory compliance and audit releases
Enhance sustainability and sourcing transparency
Integrate testing seamlessly into existing supply chain workflows
“Testing at the pre- and post-spinning stages allows us to establish a scientific benchmark, improving the accuracy of results and strengthening the defensibility of sourcing claims.”
Dr. Ling Dong, GenuTrace Principal Scientist
What is the process?
Define Your Goal:
Compliance, quality control, or claim substantiation.
Choose Your Sampling Point:
Greige stage for highest accuracy.
Analyze the Isotopes:
Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to measure carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen isotopes.
Compare to Proven References:
Results are compared against the GenuTrace global cotton database.
Receive Your Report:
Audit-ready, defensible documentation to support your claims.
“At QST we are proud to continually deepen our partnership with GenuTrace. They have guided us through the full scientific workflow of stable isotope testing—from chain-of-custody protocols to lab analysis and data interpretation. This collaboration strengthens our ability to validate cotton origins, reduce fraud risk, and uphold our commitment to ethical sourcing and transparency.”
Michael Danch, CEO, QST Industries
Protect your brand and prove your claims. Contact us today to discuss your cotton traceability plan.