A University of Michigan startup is working to address one of the most persistent challenges in the apparel and textiles industry: accurately identifying, sorting, and authenticating clothing throughout its life cycle. Fibarcode, founded in 2024, is advancing a new approach that embeds permanent identification codes directly into fabrics using photonic fibers. The company has received approximately $1.6 million through a National Science Foundation Small Business Technology Transfer Fast-Track grant to launch its first pilot program and build commercial partnerships.
Today, less than 15% of the 92 million tons of clothing and textiles discarded every year are recycled, in part because the materials are difficult to sort. Traditional clothing tags or printed labels often detach or fade, and counterfeit products may include tags that misrepresent materials or origins. Fibarcode’s approach integrates the identifier into the fabric itself, making it extremely difficult to remove, forge or wear away.
The company’s photonic fibers contain layers of acrylic and polycarbonate that manipulate light in ways that create optical signatures similar to those found in structural colors in nature, such as those on butterfly wings. By adjusting the thickness and sequence of these layers, each fiber can be engineered to absorb unique combinations of ultraviolet, visible or infrared wavelengths. When scanned, the fibers reveal a code that can be linked to detailed information about the garment’s fabric composition, origin, suppliers and authenticity. Combining multiple customized fibers expands the number of possible codes.
This capability could strengthen recycling workflows, reduce waste and support resale and repair operations, while also helping brands combat counterfeiting. The grant will support Fibarcode’s pilot programs with recycling centers and industry partners, and the company is currently seeking additional collaborators to scale adoption across global supply chains.
Fibarcode’s technology was developed in the laboratory of Max Shtein, professor of materials science and engineering and chemical engineering, and co-invented by company founder and CEO Brian Iezzi while a doctoral student at the University of Michigan. Both participated in the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Hub for the Great Lakes region to advance the research toward commercialization. Patent protection was secured with the support of U-M Innovation Partnerships, and Iezzi launched the company with the university retaining a financial interest.
