The potential of blockchain technology in the procurement of sustainable timber products

E.F. Morten Komdeur, Paul T.M. Ingenbleek*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Blockchain technology, best known as the decentralised transactional ledger of Internet currencies such as Bitcoin, could provide possibilities for tracking the origin of timber products. As such, it could ease the complex job of timber procurement officers in companies that seek to purchase timber products from trustworthy origins. This study explores how trust among purchasers in suppliers of sustainable timber can be increased and the roles that blockchain technology could play as a factor influencing purchasing decisions. The study examines the attributes influencing purchaser trust in timber products, revealing that the country of origin is the strongest predictor of purchaser trust, followed by the price level for the timber product, the presence of a certification scheme, and the duration of the relationship with the supplier. Blockchain technology also had a significant effect on purchaser trust and could become an important factor for generating trust in timber products during international trade.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)249-257
JournalInternational Wood Products Journal
Volume12
Issue number4
Early online date19 Aug 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • blockchain technology
  • digitalisation
  • forestry certification
  • marketing
  • purchaser trust
  • timber procurement
  • Timber trade

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The potential of blockchain technology in the procurement of sustainable timber products'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this