Procedures to trace the origin of timber products

SINTETIC project addresses the challenge of ensuring reliable timber traceability within the forest supply chain. A robust traceability system helps track logs from origin to final product, ensuring legal compliance (EUDR), sustainability, and certification (e.g., FSC). Traditional tracking methods struggle with environmental conditions, tampering, and cost-effectiveness. Kaulen et al. (2023) review various traceability technologies, some were chosen for the project and linked by a central geodatabase for traceability[BA1] , transparency and efficiency. Other technologies, not used in the project, are Biometric log traceability based on log ends under improvement and the costly DNA analysis that require extensive databases.

1. Marking Techniques (Punched codes, QR Codes, barcodes, RFID Tags): First three are optically readable and cost-effective but can degrade in harsh conditions or not being readable. RFID Tags are reliable for automated identification, with high survival rates (~98%) in forest operations but require durable, weather-resistant designs and anti-tampering measures when marking.
2. Fingerprinting (X-rays, CT-scans, inherent wood features): Uses unique wood features for identification. CT-scans are accurate but require investment in specialized equipment, more orientated towards traceability in sawmills.

SINTETIC integrates RFID and/or punched codes when doing harvest operations and fingerprinting for traceability inside the sawmill for cost-effective tracking through a unique geodatabase. While RFID offers scalability, its implementation costs include durable tag production and reader installations, on the other side punched codes require marker maintenance and an optical reader with a clear view of the mark. QR Codes and barcodes are solutions in between both.

These technologies enhance traceability, harvest and sawmill optimization, digitalization, legal compliance and consumer trust. The optimal approach depends on cost, accuracy, and industry requirements.