Making Traceability Sustainable (3) Bill MIller_0.pdf
Transcript of Making Traceability Sustainable (3) Bill MIller_0.pdf
Certificates and Beyond …
• Scott Poynton (of TFT) is right … we have to move Beyond Certification
• We support his proposed Values, Transparency, Transformation and Verification approach … but that’s going to be a huge step for some
• Our part in the process is assessment of certificates on behalf of buyers (importers)
• Buyers are motivated largely by brand issues … but some really do have noble long-term goals
We work with buyers and thus influence their suppliers
Why Traceability?
• Many suitable low-cost technologies now exist
• They are the way to get back to the stump … and beyond
• But it’s only ever going to be part of the picture
• It could help to demonstrate Transparency & Validation
Traceability certainly doesn’t guarantee sustainability
Traceability works best when:
Demand-chain pressure is massive - so that it is felt by all tiers in the supply chain
The supply chain is simple - less scope for misunderstandings and dilution of commercial leverage
There are no big primary processors involved e.g. pulp and paper/particle board manufacturers
The supply chain is dominated by the requirements of a majormarket-facing buyer
Who bears the cost?
• Presently, countries that want to export wood need to bear the cost. They have to convince a skeptical market
• Once transparently traced wood starts to enter the marketplace it is differentiated and has additional value
• In future this will be demand-chain driven, just like organic food