As global consumers demand greater transparency and regulators tighten their grip on supply chain accountability, the fashion industry faces a turning point. At the heart of this transformation is Oritain, the global leader in forensic product verification, offering a science-based solution to traceability that goes beyond paper trails and blockchain. By analyzing the unique chemical fingerprint of raw materials like cotton, Oritain is setting a new standard for ethical sourcing and authenticity.
Bangladesh, as one of the world’s largest garment exporters, stands at the forefront of this shift. With a growing reputation for sustainable manufacturing and green-certified factories, the country is poised to elevate its leadership further by embracing scientific traceability. In this exclusive conversation, Oritain outlines its commitment to partnering with Bangladesh’s manufacturers, mills, and exporters—not just as a service provider, but as a collaborator in building a transparent, ethical, and resilient apparel supply chain.
Team Textile Focus scheduled an interview with Zoe Keay, Vice President-Sales, Oritain to discuss about their vision and ethical fashion. This dialogue marks the beginning of a new chapter where integrity, backed by science, becomes the defining strength of the fashion industry’s future. A brief interview is given below for our respected readers.
Textile Focus: Can you briefly explain Oritain activity?
Zoe Keay: Of course. Oritain is the global leader in forensic product verification. We scientifically prove the origin of raw materials, particularly cotton, by analyzing their unique chemical composition — something we call the “origin fingerprint.” This fingerprint is shaped by environmental factors like soil, climate, and altitude, and it’s impossible to fake. What makes Oritain different is that we don’t rely on labels, barcodes, or blockchain — we actually test the physical product itself using advanced forensic and statistical methods. So, we verify that it comes from where it says it does by comparing our results against our global database of known origin profiles. Our work supports the world’s largest fashion brands, governments, and regulators in ensuring ethical sourcing, preventing fraud, and building trusted supply chains.
Textile Focus: So essentially, you’re helping transform ethical practices by providing traceability. How is Oritain scaling its technology and data infrastructure to lead in forensic supply chain verification?
Zoe Keay: Oritain is scaling rapidly, both in reach and in capability. At the core of this is our “One Lab Network,” a growing network of laboratories worldwide that allows us to test and verify materials close to where they are sourced or processed. This ensures faster turnaround, local expertise, and global consistency. We’re also investing heavily in world-class data infrastructure. We’ve already mapped every major cotton-growing region globally and are now applying that model to other high-risk commodities like coffee, timber, and wool. To manage complexity, we use AI and machine learning to detect subtle anomalies in supply chains and even forecast future sourcing risks. These tools make our science more efficient and help proactively manage disruptions and compliance issues before they occur. Our goal is scalable, scientifically backed verification across every industry we serve.
Textile Focus: So, Oritain isn’t just covering textiles and cotton but many industries. How are you considering Bangladesh as your potential market?
Zoe Keay: Bangladesh isn’t just a potential market — it’s a priority for Oritain. As one of the world’s largest garment producers and exporters, Bangladesh plays a critical role in global apparel supply chains. The country has shown leadership in sustainability with many green-certified factories and a strong commitment to ethical manufacturing. We see an opportunity to elevate that leadership further by introducing scientific traceability, especially for cotton. By partnering directly with manufacturers, mills, and exporters in Bangladesh, we aim to make verified provenance a core part of Bangladesh’s export brand. And for us, it’s about partnership, not just presence — we want to co-create a transparent, ethical, and resilient supply chain alongside the local talent and innovation thriving in Bangladesh.
Textile Focus: That’s encouraging. The Bangladesh industry is progressing with new technologies and younger leadership. How does Oritain verify product origin when supply chains mix materials from different sources?
Zoe Keay: That’s a very good question. Mixed supply chains are a big challenge, especially when virgin cotton is blended with synthetics like polyester or cellulosic fibers. This is where Oritain’s proprietary science stands out. We use advanced chemical extraction techniques to isolate the virgin cotton from the blended material. This allows us to test only the cotton component, even at the finished garment level, ensuring the results reflect the origin of the natural fiber itself. We offer two types of testing:
- Claimed origin testing — confirming whether the cotton is from where it claims to be, which is key for brand authenticity.
- Compliance origin testing — ensuring the cotton does not come from prohibited or high-risk regions as defined by the brand’s policies.
Both methods provide hard evidence, not just documentation, that supply chains are operating with integrity, which is vital in today’s world of heightened regulatory and reputational risk.
Textile Focus: It’s good to know you’re offering more than just documentation, which can be manipulated. Why do you think people need Oritain more than ever now?
Zoe Keay: The world has changed, and so have the risks. Consumers, regulators, and retailers now demand proof, not promises. Traditional traceability methods — paper trails, blockchains — can all be manipulated. Oritain stands apart because we don’t track tags or labels; we test the product itself using forensic science. We analyze the natural elements in cotton to determine where it was grown — a level of truth you can’t fake. In today’s climate, this is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. We help brands and suppliers protect reputations, ensure compliance, and build trust in a way no other solution can. Due diligence is now non-negotiable, and our science offers certainty.
Textile Focus: Finally, do you have any special message for the Bangladeshi industries?
Zoe Keay: Absolutely. To the leaders, manufacturers, and innovators in Bangladesh: you’ve already built a reputation as a powerhouse of ethical garment production. Now is the time to take the next step — not just producing garments sustainably, but being able to prove it back to the cottonseed. Oritain is here to partner with you — not just as a service provider, but as a supporter of your mission to be the most trusted and resilient link in the global apparel chain. In a market where integrity is the real differentiator, we believe Bangladesh has the chance to rise even further, and we’re excited to walk that path with you.
