Norwegian aluminium producer Norsk Hydro ASA and independent global assurance provider DNV GL announced a partnership this week to develop a blockchain system for documenting product representations regarding their low-carbon aluminium products.
Hydro cited the growing demand for more sustainable products, which consequently increases the desire for accurate representations regarding the product’s origins and production. The significant amount of information and varying standards from one smelter to the next can often make it difficult to get an accurate picture of the product, which Hydro hopes to eliminate in its product offerings.
Bjørn Kjetil Mauritzen, Head of Sustainability in Hydro, elaborated upon the rationale for the program in a related press release.
“We see that our customers and their customers request trusted information documenting the footprint from our materials and production. The aim of the pilot is to test a platform that supports manufacturers and brands to back their sustainability claims with verified data. This will allow them to trace the metal from the factory gates until it reaches the customer.”
The program used by Hydro will utilize DNV GL’s “Tag. Trace. Trust.” system, which allows for an instant check of the products authenticity and the data surrounding it.
Jørgen Hansson, project lead in Hydro, said the project is part of a wider effort to promote sustainability.
“Ultimately, this pilot is made possible through the work we have invested in our greener brands in recent years. As a result, we can now explore how new technology can provide the market and the conscious consumer with key data – presented in a way they understand and trust – as a part of our agenda of driving sustainability.”
Norsk Hydro, which was founded in 1905, financed by the Swedish Wallenberg family and French banks, began its life named Norsk hydro-elektrisk Kvælstofaktieselskab (literally, “Norwegian hydro-electric nitrogen limited”) by Sam Eyde. The Norwegian government owns approximately 40% of the company at the present time. Norsk Hydro is one of the largest aluminium companies in the world, with plants in Rjukan, Raufoss, Vennesla, Karmøy, Høyanger, Årdal, Sunndalsøra, and Holmestrand. Norsk also has several plants abroad, including in Germany and Brazil.