Jaguar and Bridge of Weir: Blockchain provides industry blueprint
14/10/2021
As well as tracking compliance, the digital process enabled the carmaker to assess the carbon footprint of its leather supply network, tracing Bridge of Weir’s lowest carbon leather from farm to finished article.
A ‘digital twin’ of the raw material was created, allowing its progress to be tracked through the leather supply chain simultaneously in the real world and digitally. A combination of GPS data, biometrics and QR codes was used to digitally verify the movement of leather using blockchain technology.
Defining the verification process has created a repeatable blueprint for tracing a single piece of leather at every stage. It can be used across Jaguar Land Rover’s global supply chain and by other industries that rely on leather, such as fashion and footwear, said the companies.
Dr Warren Bowden, innovation and sustainability director of Scottish Leather Group, said “There is a clear opportunity to implement blockchain technology to enhance the world-leading standards of traceability and transparency that exist within UK agriculture and its Cattle Tracing Scheme.
“At Bridge of Weir, we see the potential to create carbon-positive leather – if we source from local farms where the livestock is grass fed, where there is no deforestation, and we couple this responsible approach to sourcing with ongoing innovation to create zero carbon and zero waste manufacturing processes. The blockchain technology developed in this trial will enable each stage in the process, and the entire leather supply chain, to be accurately tracked and measured.”
The project is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Reimagine strategy, whereby it aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039.
Dave Owen, Jaguar Land Rover executive director of supply chain, said: “We are restructuring our supply chain as part of Reimagine, with a focus on transparency and sustainability. The outcome from this world-first trial will allow us to further improve the sustainability of the leather supply chain around the globe, ensuring the complete traceability of raw materials from origin to vehicle.
“This is one step in our journey to net zero carbon emissions across our supply chain, products and operations by 2039, enabled by leading edge digital capabilities.”
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