Chain of custody models enable the transfer of information through certified supply chains. They underpin the claims that can be made about an approved or certified product. A range of models exist that enable different claims, and track different data points, and set various controls on the flow of materials through supply chains. The ISEAL Chain of Custody Models and Definitions Guidance provides a shared baseline reference for different Chain of Custody (CoC) models, supporting consistency in understanding and implementation across different industries and sustainability systems. Since its publication in 2016, this guidance has been a valuable resource, helping industries navigate...

The sourcing landscape is changing – leading companies are setting ambitious voluntary sustainability targets and sourcing policies, while governments mandate entire sectors to identify, mitigate and remediate adverse impacts linked to their business practices. We are working with ISEAL members to adapt their supply chain standards and traceability systems to better support their corporate partners with these needs – focused initially on deforestation and conversion-free supply chains. Credible sustainability systems are effective and widely adopted tools for companies to support improved sustainability practices within their supply chains, including in tackling deforestation. However, for these systems to be effective tools to fully support...