Tracking materials from origin to product

How we collaborate with the value chain to achieve transparancy

Publish Date
May 10, 2025
Author
Compone
Reading Time
3 min Read
Introduction

Where does a material really come from, and what happens to it after use? At Compone, these are the questions that drive our work. To build truly circular products, we need to understand the full story of the materials we use. Together with our partners, we’re working to make that story visible, step by step, from origin to product.

Working together across the chain

With recycled materials it is not always clear where it came from and how it was originally produced, and that’s exactly why collaboration is essential. From recyclers and compounders to producers and clients, we work together to trace materials back to their origin and document what we can verify. By combining knowledge and data from multiple partners, we build a clearer picture of each material’s story and impact.

The challenge of tracking

Tracking materials isn’t easy. In many cases, disposers and recyclers no longer have full insight into where certain waste streams originally came from or what was added along the way. That lack of information makes it difficult to guarantee complete traceability, but it also drives us to innovate. We’re developing better documentation processes and exploring digital tools that make material histories more visible and verifiable.

Why transparency matters

Circularity depends on access to trustworthy data. Without it, it’s impossible to recycle materials safely, reuse them effectively, or communicate their true environmental value. By gathering and sharing verified information, we help our partners design with confidence, knowing what’s inside the products they specify and how those materials can live on.

Building towards full traceability

We’re preparing our systems for a future where every product can be digitally traced, from origin to reuse. That means aligning with emerging standards for digital product passports and continuously improving the data we collect and share.
It’s an ongoing journey, but each step brings us closer to truly transparent, circular material flows.

Final Thoughts

We may not have all the answers yet, but we believe progress starts with openness. By sharing what we know, and being honest about what we don’t, we help the industry move forward together. Because only through collaboration and transparency can we build the materials that truly close the loop.