Managing wood traceability, especially in adverse environmental conditions, has been a long-standing challenge for the forestry sector. The SINTETIC project has introduced an innovative solution through a pilot test demonstrating the reliability of digital systems for recognizing each piece of wood. The initiative involved collaboration between Arboreal, Simtrona (an RFID specialist), and the sawmill Fustes Jané.
The key technology employed is a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, inserted directly into the log. This method protects the chip from factors like sun, humidity, or damage during transport and storage, unlike surface labeling systems. The physical protection ensures the transmitter's integrity against cracks or handling.
The test results have been conclusive: an overall correct identification rate of 87.3% was achieved, with 100% accuracy in validated identifications. This confirms that the system does not generate false positives and that any incidents are attributable to image quality, not device or software failure. This data validates the system's ability to maintain an immutable digital identity from logging to initial industrial processing.
“"The digitalization of the forestry sector is not just a matter of operational efficiency, but of data sovereignty and transparency. Reliability in traceability is the only guarantee to certify the legal origin of wood, strictly comply with the new European regulation against deforestation (EUDR), and maximize the added value of every tree that leaves our forests. If the data flow breaks, the system fails; SINTETIC demonstrates that we can maintain the integrity of information intact under real conditions."
This validation marks a milestone for the SINTETIC project, enhancing traceability across the European wood value chain. By securing the link between the physical resource and its digital identity, transparency, sawmill optimization, and legal security against illegal logging are improved, contributing to the European circular bioeconomy.
