Blockchain breakthrough for Stahl
Leather chemicals manufacturer Stahl is engaging with external partners on what it has called “blockchain readiness and implementation”. It explained that blockchain technology will enable the creation of digital records of products and raw materials, ensuring traceability, authenticity and data security.
Following an internal pilot of a blockchain-based traceability system from a technology provider called Finboot, Stahl is now launching a proof-of-concept with external suppliers.
As a first stage, it has worked with Krahn Chemie, an independent chemical distributor, to certify key raw materials from the point of origin onward. In the coming months, it will encourage more partners “to scale up blockchain readiness” across its network and beyond.
With end-consumers, leading brands and regulatory bodies increasingly concerned about the provenance, safety and environmental impact of all manufactured goods, supply chain transparency is key to “more effective risk management and clearer accountability”, Stahl said.
Stahl’s chief innovation officer, John Fletcher, said the company was committed to tackling “the chemical industry’s lack of supply chain transparency”.
In broad terms, blockchain works by collecting information in blocks and connecting those blocks together in a secure way.
