When the EU’s new Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) comes into force in December 2025, traceability requirements for timber exports will be tightened. Without full control over the chain – from logging to sawmill – exporters risk heavy sanctions. This is where Swedish OTMETKA steps in with a solution that could change the entire global timber market.
It all started back in the 1990s when Bengt Sörvik worked at the Swedish Forest Agency and asked a simple, but fundamental question: Why can’t I trace a log back to where the tree grew? That was the starting point for OTMETKA, where he is now CEO and founder.
– I realized that if we could individually tag and track the log automatically already in the harvester, we could reuse production data throughout the entire logging chain, says Bengt.
Making the industry more efficient
OTMETKA’s patented stamp creates a unique code, OtmetkaID, already at the time of felling. Each stamped code functions as the first block in a blockchain, where production data such as coordinates, tree species and time follow all the way to the sawmill.
– The digitalization of information creates major efficiency gains for the industry at the same time as we contribute to making national legislation more functional, says Bengt.
Web-based service
The system also works without mobile coverage and can be combined with additional markings such as QR labels, RFID tags or color markings. The result is total digital traceability down to the log level.
OTMETKA’s patented and proven technology is being developed to function as an optional product for all modern harvesters. This is coupled with a web-based service – FindMyTimber – that makes production data easily accessible to the customer.
