Traceability in the timber flow has long been a central issue for forestry. Now that the EU’s new Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) comes into force on December 30, 2025, the requirements for control are becoming even stricter. Without full transparency, exporters risk significant sanctions – something that makes the issue both strategically and commercially critical.
This is where the Uppsala-based innovation company OTMETKA comes in with a solution that not only meets the new requirements, but can also change the way the entire forest industry works.
Traceability at the log level – in real time
OTMETKA’s patented system ForestQR creates a unique encrypted code on each log directly at the time of felling. The code links together key production data such as the tree’s GPS position, time of felling, tree species and dimensions, which means that the entire chain – from forest to sawmill and on to the export market – can be followed.
– We have built ForestQR to become a global standard. It is a robust, cost-effective and scalable system that can be used by the entire industry, says Bengt Sörvik, CEO and founder of OTMETKA.
The system also works without mobile coverage and can be integrated with other marking methods such as QR labels, RFID tags or color markings. This provides practical flexibility that allows the technology to be used in all types of environments.
New tool for the industry
In parallel, OTMETKA is developing the FindMyTimber service – a cloud-based platform – where customers gain access to their production data in a secure, efficient and user-friendly way.
– The platform makes it possible to analyze and reuse forest information that was previously lost. A source of both increased profitability and better resource use, says Bengt Sörvik.
More than just regulatory compliance
Traceability creates added value far beyond the EUDR requirements. By having each log digitally registered, forest companies can optimize their production, ensure correct compensation for timber and simplify the certification processes for FSC and PEFC. Labor-intensive manual routines can also be completely eliminated.
– We are building a solution that not only simplifies today’s forestry, but also strengthens the competitiveness of the entire industry, emphasizes Bengt Sörvik.
Support from industry leaders
Partner Patrik Larsson, co-owner of Virkeslogistik Mellansverige AB, which focuses on truck transport of timber and is one of the industry leaders in forest logistics, sees great potential:
– OTMETKA’s system helps forestry to be serious about sustainability. In addition, it becomes more difficult to hide economic crime because the timber can be traced back through the entire chain.
