The accurate tracking and measurement of a vast array of components across the global economy is no small task. Supply chains can encompass everything from the sourcing and distribution of raw materials through manufacturing, transportation, the eventual delivery to the end user, the use of the product and even the disposal of both the product itself and the packaging that it came in.

Due to the complexity of global supply chains, it is extremely difficult to get a precise measurement of GHG emissions for products across these various phases. Even when there is transparency about where products come from and what they contain, gathering all the data about the climate impact is complicated.

Blockchain and related technologies can be applied to supply chain issues in a number of ways. At the most basic level blockchain technology can provide the transparency across supply chains needed to track material inputs through the entire manufacturing process allowing multiple stakeholders to see data inputs throughout the process.

Supply Chain Benefits

Blockchain enabled supply chain tools can:

• Track material inputs (including the GHG footprint of those inputs) throughout the manufacturing process
• Coordinate certification systems for green products/inputs
• Verify product authenticity including the origin and the supply chain
• Coordinate consumer incentive programs to reward the purchase of more climate friendly products
• Reduce time consuming audits, inventory and fraud – increasing efficiencies and cost savings

These blockchain-enabled supply chain systems can include smart contracts that automatically verify compliance with sustainability standards and execute payments when conditions are met. This automation reduces administrative costs and improves the speed and reliability of transactions between supply chain partners.

The immutable nature of blockchain records means that once data about a product's supply chain is recorded, it cannot be altered without detection. This creates a permanent audit trail that builds trust between consumers, businesses, and regulatory bodies.

By integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors with blockchain technology, real-time data about environmental conditions, location tracking, and handling can be automatically recorded throughout the supply chain journey. This provides unprecedented visibility into product lifecycle impacts.

Real-World Applications

Several industries are already implementing blockchain-based supply chain solutions:

• Food and agriculture tracking from farm to consumer
• Fashion industry transparency for sustainable materials
• Electronics recycling and rare earth mineral sourcing
• Pharmaceutical supply chain integrity and authenticity
• Carbon credit verification and trading

These applications demonstrate how blockchain technology can transform supply chain transparency while driving climate action through better measurement, reporting, and accountability of environmental impacts.