The wood manufacturing sector in Europe is heavily dependent on smallholder producers and has a significant portion of its products destined for the EU market. This sector is now witnessing recent developments that support Spencer’s analysis, suggesting that the combination of these factors will drive increased investment in traceability and verification capacity. In line with this, the SINTETIC research project was launched in June of this year with the objective of developing a comprehensive data management scheme for the EU forest value chain. The project has secured €9 million in funding from Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation program.
The SINTETIC research project aims to address the need for improved traceability and verification in the wood manufacturing sector. By establishing a comprehensive data management scheme, the project intends to enhance transparency and ensure the legality and sustainability of wood products throughout the supply chain. This will not only benefit the EU market, which demands high standards in forest products, but also contribute to the global efforts in combating illegal logging and promoting responsible sourcing.
The project will focus on developing innovative technologies and tools to facilitate data collection, analysis, and sharing among stakeholders in the forest value chain. This will involve the use of advanced digital solutions, such as blockchain and satellite imagery, to enable real-time monitoring and verification of wood products. By harnessing the power of technology, the SINTETIC project aims to revolutionize the way information is managed and utilized in the wood manufacturing sector.
One of the key objectives of the SINTETIC project is to establish a harmonized data management system that can be adopted by all stakeholders in the EU forest value chain. This will ensure consistency and compatibility in data collection and reporting, making it easier to track the origin and journey of wood products from forest to market. By providing a standardized framework, the project aims to streamline processes and improve efficiency in the sector.
In addition to enhancing traceability and verification, the SINTETIC project also aims to address other challenges faced by the wood manufacturing sector. This includes improving resource efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting circular economy principles. By adopting sustainable practices and optimizing resource utilization, the project aims to contribute to the EU’s climate and environmental goals.
The SINTETIC project is a collaborative effort involving partners from across Europe, including research institutions, industry associations, and technology providers. By bringing together expertise from different sectors, the project aims to foster innovation and drive positive change in the wood manufacturing sector. Through knowledge sharing and collaboration, the project seeks to develop practical solutions that can be implemented on a large scale.
The launch of the SINTETIC project marks an important milestone in the efforts to promote sustainability and transparency in the wood manufacturing sector. By investing in traceability and verification capacity, the project aims to ensure that wood products entering the EU market meet the highest standards of legality and sustainability. This will not only benefit consumers and businesses in Europe but also contribute to the global efforts in preserving our forests and combating climate change. The SINTETIC project serves as a shining example of how research and innovation can drive positive change and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
