By
Tokoni Uti
January 16th, 2024
Mercedes-Benz is launching a blockchain-powered pilot that is aimed at monitoring carbon emissions in the cobalt supply chain. This initiative is to be realized in cooperation with startup Circulor.
Mercedes-Benz will be employing the use of blockchain technology to track carbon emissions in cobalt supply after teaming up with Circulor, according to an official press statement.
As part of the Ambition2039 project, Mercedes-Benz, according to its press release, has now made the identification of the next generation of automobiles, one of its highest on its priority list. And doing this means getting ahead of the lot in the application of new cutting edge technology.
According to the official press release, the companies, Mercedes-Benz AG, one of the divisions under Daimler will deploy decentralized technology in tracking the emissions of environmentally harmful gases, as well as recycled materials throughout various supply chains in the manufacture of battery cells.
Not for the First Time
The automobile company is not alien to the world of blockchain and DLTs and has begun to show a keen interest in the problem-solving capabilities of the former since last year.
Mercedes-Benz AG, for example, announced its intention in using blockchain technology to monitor the supply and transaction of used cars in Beijing China just five months ago.
Barely months after, they are already rolling out plans to keep the automobile company on top of the pile, and ahead of others.
In charge of sustainability and development in the division, and also a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Markus Schäfer explained the importance of being ahead of others, as they target lofty goals for the coming decade:
“We are the first manufacturer to use blockchain technology to map CO2 emissions in the global battery cell supply chain. In doing so, we are laying the cornerstone for effective improvements – for the environment and for our businesses”.
Blockchain Here to Maintain Ethics
Mercedes-Benz bent on developing its first carbon-neutral fleet, is dependent on the success of the project. Cobalt, as expected, remains one of the most important sources of lithium-ion batteries, with a larger percentage of its production coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The blockchain has long been touted as an excellent solution for tracking sustainability and ethical production even in complex supply systems. And the unethical mining conditions surrounding large parts of the production of the mineral in DRC is perhaps only best censored or tracked by the blockchain.
By eliminating errors, detecting counterfeit products quite quickly, and detecting very early unethical suppliers, Mercedes-Benz would be more than capable of abiding by sustainability requirements in compliance with much better humane and healthier conditions.