Multi Site Chain of Custody Credit Ledger Fundamentals
Multi-site chain of custody credit ledgers centralize certified fiber allocations across eligible sites under strict conversion and 24-month expiration limits.
SFI 2022 Section 4
Standard Framework
Forest management certification bodies establish dedicated chain of custody sections within their normative frameworks to verify responsible fiber sourcing. The standard designated as SFI 2022 Section 4 sets forth explicit requirements for tracking certified forest content, recycled inputs and non-controversial sources through forest product processing. This regulatory section applies to primary manufacturing mills, secondary paper converters and print service providers seeking to make SFI packaging claims.
It mandates physical separation or volume credit methods to support accurate product labeling and off-product marketing communications. The scope of this section governs chain of custody tracking and excludes direct forest management practices on timberlands, which are covered under separate SFI standard sections.
Accounting System
Manufacturing plants implementing these tracking rules must choose between physical separation or volume credit methods to account for certified material flows. Under SFI 2022 Section 4, facilities operating credit systems maintain volume ledgers that record inputs of certified forest content alongside outputs of labeled paper and board products. Credit accumulation rules prevent facilities from rolling over excess credits beyond specified maximum timeframe limits, protecting market transparency.
Internal auditing programs must verify supplier certificate validity, claim accuracy on shipping documents and mass balance calculations prior to label application. Converting operations utilize these tracking requirements to validate sustainable sourcing claims on folding cartons and corrugated packaging. Proper execution ensures complete traceability from certified forest origin or reclaimed waste streams through final packaging delivery.
Exclusion Boundary
Inaccurate claim logging on outgoing delivery dockets constitutes a major non-conformity during annual third-party audits. Failing to verify the valid certification status of primary fiber suppliers invalidates downstream credit allocations under this regulatory section.