Together with start-up Circulor, Mercedes-Benz is conducting a pilot project for transparency on CO₂ emissions in the cobalt supply chain as part of STARTUP AUTOBAHN.

The project partners use blockchain technology to track the emissions of climate-relevant gases as well as the amount of secondary material along the complex supply chains of battery cell manufacturers. In addition, the data network documents whether the Daimler sustainability standards are passed on throughout the entire supply chain.

With “Ambition2039”, Mercedes-Benz Cars aims for a carbon-neutral new passenger car fleet in less than 20 years. This transformation requires detailed knowledge of all climate-relevant processes associated with the entire vehicle value chain. That is why in a first step, Mercedes-Benz is creating transparency of CO₂ emissions and the use of secondary material in the supply chain.

In relation to this as part of STARTUP AUTOBAHN, the company has started a pilot project with a key battery cell manufacturer and Circulor, a start-up specializing in blockchain technology.

The project partners first focus on cobalt, which enters the supply chain from recycling facilities. A blockchain-based system maps the production flow of the materials as well as the associated CO₂ emissions.

In the long term, Mercedes-Benz is pursuing the goal of a circular economy and is working to close material cycles. For this purpose, the mapping of the material flow also records the amount of recycled material in the supply chain. Furthermore, the network also displays whether Daimler’s sustainability requirements in terms of working conditions, human rights, environmental protection, safety, business ethics and compliance are passed on to all companies involved.

Daimler calls on its direct suppliers to comply with these standards and requirements and also carry the provisions into upstream value chains and to monitor their compliance. With the pilot project, Mercedes-Benz is driving transparency in the supply chain beyond the direct contractual partners.

Suppliers and partners play a key role in the implementation of the sustainability business strategy of Mercedes-Benz since they significantly contribute to value creation. The aim is to take into stronger consideration CO₂ savings and the environmentally sustainable handling of resources as it pertains to procurement.

In parallel with the recording of emissions data, Mercedes-Benz Cars is conducting workshops with suppliers in order to identify effective CO₂ reduction measures. The focus of the commitment is initially on materials whose production is particularly CO₂ intensive.

In addition to battery cells, this also includes steel and aluminium. As a first milestone, Mercedes-Benz will source battery cells from carbon-neutral production for the first time as part of a sustainability partnership with a battery cell supplier.

Blockchain in the supply chain. Blockchain technology offers numerous advantages for the documentation of product and contract data. It links digital data records through encodings (cryptography) and cannot be altered unnoticed. All participants in the supply chain are able to trace the integration, transmission and confirmation of information at any time. At the same time, confidential information remains protected. This is of particular relevance for complex and highly dynamic global supply chains, such as in battery cell production.

Mercedes-Benz is building on its experiences from previous initiatives. Last year the automotive manufacturer commissioned the development of a blockchain prototype for the supply chain. The aim was the consistent and transparent documentation of contracts across all tiers. The insights gained are being incorporated into the new pilot project.

Circulor is a British start-up specializing in tracking raw materials by means of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. Using these technical solutions, Circulor helps companies map transparent supply chains.

In November 2019, The Responsible Sourcing Blockchain Network (RSBN), a blockchain network committed to strengthening human rights and environmental protection in mineral supply chains announced that its digital supply chain for cobalt has moved beyond pilot phase and is progressing toward use in live production computing environments from spring 2020. (Earlier post.)

Built on the IBM Blockchain Platform and assured by RCS Global Group, RSBN will have continued participation from founding members including Ford Motor Company, Volkswagen Group, LG Chem and Huayou Cobalt. Volvo Cars and FCA have also joined.