# Digital Proof of Wood Origin

> In the research project Forst-Holz-BlockChain at the University of Freiburg, blockchain technology is used to digitally map the entire process chain from timber harvesting to mill delivery and the first processing stage. The aim is to improve traceability and transparency in the forest-wood value chain and to close existing information gaps in wood supply. The project runs from 2023 to 2025 and is funded by EFRE-HIP Baden-Württemberg.

**Sector:** Primary sector · **Industry:** Wood and paper industry · **Organisation:** Universität Freiburg / Forst-Holz-BlockChain · **Maturity level:** Pilot

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/universitaet-freiburg-holzherkunft-digital-nachweisen

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Pilot
- **Evidence:** Evidence high
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 12 July 2026

## Description

The research project Forst-Holz-BlockChain at the University of Freiburg is testing the use of blockchain technology to document the origin of wood digitally in a seamless and tamper-proof manner. The entire process chain from timber harvesting through transport to delivery at the processing plant is mapped in a shared digital system. The project thus creates the basis for a reliable, digitally supported proof of origin that strengthens trust among all participants in the wood supply chain and closes existing gaps in information networking.

There are currently significant information deficits between the individual links in the forestry and wood industry supply chain: forest owners, harvesting service providers, hauliers and sawmills often work with unconnected systems and manual documentation processes. The Forst-Holz-BlockChain project at the University of Freiburg addresses this problem by using blockchain technology as a shared, tamper-proof data basis for all chain links. Project partners are the University of Freiburg, Xylene GmbH as software provider, and MRK Management Consultants GmbH; the project is funded by EFRE-HIP Baden-Württemberg from 2023 to 2025. Xylene adapts its existing software solution for the forestry sector and implements it prototypically in an exemplary application of the forestry-wood value chain. The project results include the prototype as well as recommendations for broader system adoption and workshops for various target and interest groups from forestry and wood.

## Benefits

- Simplification and automation of certification and compliance processes for timber trading companies
- Transparent, shared data basis reduces queries and coordination effort between supply chain partners
- Potential opening of new markets for demonstrably sustainably produced timber
- Seamless and tamper-proof documentation of timber origin across all chain links
- Closing information gaps and improving information networking in the forestry-wood chain
- Creating a reliable basis for sustainability certifications and legal proof obligations
- Strengthening trust among all participants in the wood value chain
- Reduction of manual documentation efforts through digital recording processes
- Improved data availability and quality in everyday work

## Challenges

- Integration of the blockchain solution into existing forestry information systems and ERP systems of processing companies requires technical effort
- Clarification of data ownership and data protection when sharing sensitive business data
- Lack of continuous digital infrastructure and networking in the decentralised forestry and wood industry complicates widespread adoption
- Convincing and involving all relevant actors along the supply chain is demanding and requires trust in shared data management
- No verifiable figures on efficiency gains or ROI yet; the project is still in the pilot phase
- Training needs and acceptance promotion among employees who are familiar with analogue documentation processes

## Technology foundation

The project uses blockchain technology to record data along the forest-wood supply chain in an immutable and transparent manner. The decentralized, tamper-proof nature of blockchain is particularly suitable for multi-stage supply chains with many independent actors, as data can be shared and verified without a central controlling authority. The company Xylene GmbH adapts its existing software for the prototypical implementation in forestry and the wood industry; a specific blockchain platform such as Hyperledger or Ethereum is not mentioned in the available sources.

## Sources

- [Forst-Holz-BlockChain – Universität Freiburg, Professur für Forstliche Verfahrenstechnik](https://www.foresteng.uni-freiburg.de/forschung/Blockchain)
- [Blockchain-Technologie als Treiber für die Digitalisierung der Forstwirtschaft – Xylene GmbH](https://xylene.io/blockchain-technologie-als-treiber-fur-die-digitalisierung-der-forstwirtschaft/)
- [FreiDok – Projektübersicht Universität Freiburg, Institut 2568](https://freidok.uni-freiburg.de/inst/2568)
- [Wood Supply 4.0 – Positionspapier Digitalisierung Bereitstellungskette](https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/document/download/fb72bf24000021de7a534a40d628b7b9.pdf/20230420_Wood_Supply_4_0_Positionspapier_Digitalisierung_Bereitstellungskette.pdf)