Shengze, China / Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Aware has announced a landmark collaboration with the National Advanced Functional Fiber Innovation Center (Naffic). This partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for verified traceability across China's advanced fibre industry, positioning "Made in China" as synonymous with "Trusted by the World."
Building Bridges Between Industry and Innovation
"Today's signing marks more than just a collaboration between two companies," said Feico van der Veen, Founder and Managing Director of Aware. "It represents a bridge between China and Europe, between industry and innovation, and between trust and technology. Together, we are building a new foundation for the global textile industry-one based not on promises, but on proof."
The partnership merges Naffic's expertise in advanced fibre development with Aware's blockchain-powered traceability platform, creating an end-to-end verification system that spans from raw materials to finished products.
China's Leadership in Sustainable Synthetic Innovation
As the world's leading producer of synthetic fibres, China is taking decisive steps to lead the transition toward sustainable materials. The country is pioneering next-generation sustainable synthetics, including recycled polyester, biobased fibres, and textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling technologies.
Beyond recycled polyester made from bottles, China is rapidly advancing in biobased materials and closed-loop T2T recycling, turning discarded textiles into new fibres to reduce waste and emissions. New pilot plants and factories are leveraging enzyme catalysis, AI-driven optimisation, and other cutting-edge technologies to produce high-quality recycled yarns and fabrics.
This partnership between Aware and Naffic arrives at a pivotal moment, providing the verification infrastructure needed to document and validate China's sustainable fibre innovations for global markets.
From Fiber to Shop Floor: Complete Supply Chain Transparency|
Under the collaboration, Naffic will provide verified data from the first mile of the textile supply chain, ensuring every sustainable fibre-whether recycled, biobased, or circular-begins its journey with truth and traceability.
Aware will extend this verified data through its tokenisation technology and Digital Product Passport (DPP) platform, which is built on public blockchain and aligned with international standards. "By combining our strengths, we empower the Chinese textile industry to move from compliance to global leadership, setting a new benchmark for transparency, accountability, and sustainability," said Mei Feng, Board Chairman of Naffic.
Technology Serving Business and Planet
This partnership is founded on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared belief that technology can serve both business and planetary health, creating value not only for companies but for people and the future we all share.
The collaboration will focus on:
- Integrating verified material data from Naffic's advanced platform into Aware's traceability platform.
- Providing traceability for recycled polyester, biobased synthetics, and T2T recycled materials.
- Providing EU-compliant Digital Product Passports for textile products produced with materials from China.
- Establishing new standards for transparency in functional and sustainable fibres.
- Supporting Chinese manufacturers in meeting international sustainability requirements.
