On February 10, Izola hosted the hybrid conference “New Technologies of SINTETIC Project Supporting Stakeholders in EUDR Implementation.” While SINTETIC remains a scientific and technical initiative with no policy influence, its innovations align with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to help companies achieve compliance.
Set to take effect on December 30, 2025, the EUDR mandates that timber entering or exiting the EU market must be deforestation-free and legally harvested. To meet these requirements, companies must provide detailed data, including tree species, country of origin, geolocation of harvest plots, and legal documentation.
The SINTETIC project offers a comprehensive traceability system using advanced ICT solutions. By assigning unique identifiers to trees, logs, and wood products and tracking them via a central geodatabase, it ensures precise identification from the forest to the final product. Additionally, an all-weather satellite monitoring system, leveraging Copernicus satellite data, detects illegal logging and enhances supply chain transparency.
Recognizing that full traceability is challenging due to supply chain complexities, SINTETIC focuses on ensuring compliance at the source. The project integrates satellite imagery with real-time data from chainsaw operators and harvesters, using the StanForD format to log exact times, locations, and tree measurements. This data helps train models to identify legal activities and detect irregular land-use changes.
For companies operating in high-risk deforestation regions, implementing robust traceability enhances due diligence, can facilitates regulatory reporting, and mitigates risks of penalties. By investing in digital tracking systems, satellite monitoring, and blockchain solutions, businesses can strengthen EUDR compliance while promoting a more sustainable timber industry.