Mercedes-Benz taps blockchain to track emissions in cobalt supply chain

Mercedes-Benz, in partnership with traceability startup Circulor, will pilot blockchain technology to track carbon emissions, ethical compliance and product flows in its cobalt supply chain, a key raw material in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, according to an announcement on Thursday. The Democratic Republic of Congo produces the majority of the world's cobalt, and the production is notorious for involving child labor and other human rights abuses. The metal enters Mercedes-Benz's supply chain via recycling facilities, according to the release, and the blockchain platform will trace carbon emissions and help the company hold suppliers accountable for ensuring "working conditions, human rights, environmental protection, safety, business ethics and compliance are passed on to all companies involved." The pilot supports the automaker's Ambition2039 program, launched in May 2019, which aims to render its European supply chain carbon neutral by 2022. In addition, the company is working with suppliers and manufacturers to transition production facilities to renewable power sources and less carbon-intensive operations as it ramps up EV production in the coming years.