Material Provenance

Definition ∞ Material provenance refers to the origin and history of a physical substance or product. It tracks the sequence of custody and transformations an item undergoes from its source to its current state. Verifying provenance ensures authenticity, ethical sourcing, and compliance with industry standards. Blockchain technology offers an immutable ledger for recording these transactional histories securely.
Context ∞ Current discussions surrounding material provenance heavily involve supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing demands. There is a growing requirement for verifiable records of materials, particularly in high-value or regulated industries. Blockchain-based solutions are gaining traction to provide verifiable, tamper-resistant proof of origin. This addresses concerns about counterfeiting and unsustainable practices effectively.