Unifi, together with polyester filament yarn manufacturers across North and Central America, has launched YarnProof, an industry-wide initiative to provide immediate physical verification of polyester filament yarn origin throughout the supply chain. The program uses FibreTrace technology to embed an invisible, permanent tracer into the yarn during extrusion, and it is intended to support compliance with the yarn-forward requirements of the CAFTA-DR and USMCA trade agreements.
According to the companies, the tracer stays with the material throughout its lifecycle. It can be detected immediately with a proprietary FibreTrace handheld scanner at designated points in the supply chain, including yarn, fabric, and finished goods.
By linking physical verification to origin claims, YarnProof works alongside existing documentation and certification systems. The companies said it adds a layer of verifiable evidence that strengthens trade integrity, protects compliant supply chains, and supports regional manufacturing.
“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.”
Concerns over non-compliant trade continue to grow, and trade regulators such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection have emphasized the importance of private-sector solutions that help strengthen supply chain traceability and support enforcement efforts.
“Traditional methods of fraud detection, such as document review and site visits, remain important,” said Kim Glas, president and chief executive officer 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.”
The participating North and Central American polyester filament manufacturers are Aquafil O’Mara, CS America, CS Central America, Nan Ya Plastics America, Premiere Fibers, Sans Americas, Skytex México, Tecnología Textil Avanzada, Textufil, Unifi Manufacturing, and United Textiles of America. According to the companies, they have united behind YarnProof to help reduce the reputational risk faced by brands and retailers, address growing scrutiny of supply chain claims, reduce exposure to non-compliant trade, and strengthen confidence in regional sourcing programs.
“Strong regional manufacturing depends on trust, transparency, and consistent enforcement of trade requirements,” said 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.”
As brands, retailers, and regulators place greater scrutiny on sourcing claims, the companies said YarnProof is intended to add accountability for regional supply chains. By connecting physical evidence directly to material origin, the initiative is meant to help protect compliant manufacturers, strengthen trust in regional production, and support the long-term competitiveness of North and Central American manufacturing.
