Source Tracking
Chain of custody systems identify the specific geographical location where the raw timber or fiber for a paper product was harvested. Maintaining plot traceability ensures that every tonne of pulp can be linked back to a managed forest or a specific farm. This transparency allows brands to verify that their packaging materials do not originate from protected or illegally logged areas.
These protocols form the foundation of environmental compliance programs.
Supply Chain
Documentation flows from the forest manager through the wood yard and into the pulping facility to maintain a continuous record of the material. For a mill to claim plot traceability, it must segregate certified logs from unverified sources during every stage of processing. This segregation is often managed through digital mapping and satellite imagery that confirms the boundaries of the harvest.
Each batch of fiber receives a unique identifier that follows it into the papermaking stage.
Certification Protocol
Audits by independent organizations verify the accuracy of these records by inspecting the physical site and the digital ledger. If the link between the final product and the origin point is broken, the claim of sustainability is invalidated. This verification is a requirement for international certifications.
