DNA Fingerprinting
Used By: Forest Managers, Manufacturers, Importers, Retailers
Tested: Global
Process:
Wood samples are taken from standing trees before harvest as part of the forest inventory process and stored for later use. Samples are taken from the same trees and logs during harvesting and processing, according to harvest and log transportation records. The second set of samples is physically matched to the first set and the DNA of the paired samples is compared. If the DNA is an exact match, this proves the two samples come from the same tree, validating the documentation. Testing is applied to a small, randomly selected portion of paired samples to minimize testing costs (USD 0.75 – 1.00 per m3).
Product Scope: Solid wood
Contacts:
Double Helix Tracking Technologies Pte. Ltd. Phone: +65 6227 9706http://www.doublehelixtracking.com/
DNA Mapping
Used By: Forest Managers, Manufacturers, Importers, Retailers
Tested: Global
Process:
Genetic variation within a population of trees can be measured and mapped out. DNA extracted from wood samples can be compared to these maps to determine origin and verify claims. This works even with finished products. By conducting random sampling and testing of product shipments, costs are limited to less than 1% of product value.
Product Scope: Solid wood
Contacts:
Double Helix Tracking Technologies Pte. Ltd. Phone: +65 6227 9706http://www.doublehelixtracking.com/
Electronic barcoding
Used By: Forest Managers, Processers, Importers
Tested: West Africa, Central Africa, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia
Process:
Unique barcodes are attached to trees in the forest and, using software installed onto PDAs, data is collected (e.g. GPS location and species), and uploaded into the software’s central online database. Upon harvest, the barcode remains on the stump and corresponding barcodes are attached to felled logs thereby linking them to the source tree. This process is repeated at each point of timber transformation. Timber can then be tracked and traced, using barcode technology, in real time, along the chain of custody, with the software system reconciling data at every control point and alerting users to irregular or possible illegal activities for resolution.
Product Scope: Solid wood
Contacts:
Helveta Ltd. Phone: +44 (0)1235 432 100 www.helveta.com
Fiber Analysis
Used By: Manufacturers, Importers, Retailers
Tested: Global
Process:
Samples of paper are broken down into slurry and examined under a microscope by trained analysts. While fiber analysis is not a traceability tool, it can identify certain characteristics about the fibers that compose paper products, including whether the species are hardwood or softwood varieties and, in some cases, the genus of the trees.
Product Scope: Paper
Contacts:
Integrated Paper Services Phone:+1-920-749-3040 www.ipstesting.com Institute for Paper Science and Technology Darmstadt Technical University Phone: +49-6151-16-2454www.pmv.tu-darmstadt.de
Used By: Manufacturers, Importers, Retailers
Tested: Global
Process:
Samples of paper are broken down into slurry and examined under a microscope by trained analysts. While fiber analysis is not a traceability tool, it can identify certain characteristics about the fibers that compose paper products, including whether the species are hardwood or softwood varieties and, in some cases, the genus of the trees.
Product Scope: Paper
Contacts:
Integrated Paper Services Phone:+1-920-749-3040 www.ipstesting.com Institute for Paper Science and Technology Darmstadt Technical University Phone: +49-6151-16-2454www.pmv.tu-darmstadt.de
Isotope Analysis
Used By: Forest Managers, Manufacturers, Importers, Retailers
Tested: Africa
Process:
Stable isotopes are used to confirm and verify the origin of timber species. Stable isotopes are chemical elements (e.g. oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and sulfur) that occur in materials with different atomic mass and with different chemical and kinetic behavior. Databases of stable isotopes can be used to map the distribution of timber species and identify and verify origin of the wood even in finished products.
Product Scope: Solid wood
Contacts:
TÜV Rheinland, Agrolsolab www.agroisolab.de Phone: +49 (0) 2461- 93134010