Gunther Hentschel has spent more than 20 years in the timber industry helping traders stay out of trouble. His new company, supplycanvas, was developed to be the "least bureaucratic ESG Platform". He invited our Executive Director, Jade Saunders, to kick off his new podcast series, talking practically about using science to make supply chain Due Diligence simpler. 

Supplycanvas is designed for smaller companies who are often swamped with paperwork, but want to do the right thing. So the discussion covered what "scientific tracing" is, and how it can help you on the ground, explaining the way that chemistry can look at the actual wood, whether it's a fresh-cut log or a component in a piece of furniture. 

Jade explained how science can stress test a high-risk chain of custody system in a unique way, and help identify source areas where the paperwork is patchy. This means that instead of just ticking boxes and hoping for the best, you've got real, scientific proof about where your timber is from. This can help you sleep better knowing you are playing by the rules and can spot dodgy wood in your supply chain before it becomes a problem.

Podcast part one: Here comes the science (20 minutes)

Jade and Gunther only just scratched the surface in this first chat, so they're planning another one soon. Next time they'll be digging deeper into how World Forest ID is making this easier for everyone to use, the costs and practicalities of taking samples and working with labs, and how groups like FSC are getting involved. 

Keep an eye on our Linkedin posts for the next episode.