In an exclusive interview with The Exchange Asia, Manoj Vembu, Director of TRST01, shared insights into how the company is leveraging blockchain to enhance data integrity, sustainability reporting, and carbon credit verification. “Our goal is to build trust in supply chains by ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage,” Vembu emphasized. As a leader in supply chain traceability, TRST01 is at the forefront of integrating digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) solutions to help businesses navigate evolving regulatory landscapes.
Data Immutability at the Core of Sustainability
Unlike traditional blockchain solutions, TRST01 embeds data immutability at the point of collection. Through mobile-based photo documentation and IoT sensors, the company ensures real-time, tamper-proof data that strengthens sustainability claims. “This innovation has reduced the carbon credit verification process from two years to just six months,” Vembu explained, making it more accessible for businesses and smallholder farmers.
For example, TRST01’s dMRV system measures methane reduction in biogas projects and paddy fields, converting the metrics into tokenized carbon credits. With carbon credits valued at $20 per credit, small biogas digesters can generate up to 20 credits, increasing farmer revenue while driving climate-positive change.
Enhancing Supply Chain Traceability
TRST01’s flagship solution, TRST01Chain®, is transforming traceability across industries like natural rubber and coffee. Currently, 85% of the world’s natural rubber used in tire manufacturing is being traced through the platform, helping companies such as Apollo Tyre and JK Tyre meet ISCC and EUDR compliance standards.
Beyond large enterprises, TRST01 also supports small-scale producers. OVO Farm, an agricultural business in India, uses TRST01’s Footprint® solution to enhance transparency in egg production. “By enabling consumers to scan a QR code and access detailed supply chain data, we are empowering them to make informed choices while ensuring food safety compliance,” Vembu noted.
Overcoming Traceability Challenges
Businesses face several hurdles when implementing traceability solutions:
- Data Fragmentation: A lack of unified tracking systems.
- Regulatory Compliance Burden: Detailed proof of sourcing is required under regulations like EUDR.
- Cost and Complexity: Many solutions are expensive and inaccessible to smallholder farmers.
TRST01 addresses these challenges through:
- Seamless Integration: TRST01Chain® works with existing ERP systems, reducing adoption barriers.
- Blockchain for Data Integrity: Preventing data tampering and ensuring credibility.
- Scalability & Accessibility: Enabling even smallholder farmers to comply with global standards.
Expanding into New Industries
TRST01 is extending its solutions to palm oil, cocoa, rice, and regenerative agriculture. Each sector has unique sustainability challenges:
- Palm Oil: High deforestation risks and labor concerns.
- Cocoa: Child labor issues and fair trade certification challenges.
- Rice: Methane emissions from flooded paddy fields.
In rice farming, TRST01’s dMRV system is enabling sustainable practices like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), which:
- Reduces water use by 60%.
- Cuts methane emissions by 70%.
- Increases crop yields by 10-15%.
“By integrating blockchain-based carbon credit verification, we are helping rice farmers monetize their sustainability efforts, earning up to $60 per hectare per year,” Vembu highlighted.
Automating ESG Reporting with Footprint®
As ESG reporting becomes mandatory, TRST01’s AI-driven Footprint® solution automates Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions tracking. The platform aligns with global frameworks such as SGX, ISSB, TCFD, and EU Sustainability Reporting Standards, helping companies reduce compliance risks while maintaining transparency.
Palmolive (India) is one example of a company that has improved its ESG strategy using Footprint®, streamlining sustainability tracking and enhancing investor confidence.
Making Carbon Credits More Accessible
Small-scale farmers often struggle to participate in carbon markets due to verification complexities. TRST01’s dMRV system bridges this gap by:
- Using IoT sensors to quantify emissions reductions.
- Tokenizing carbon credits on blockchain for security.
- Reducing verification time from two years to six months.
- Enabling farmers to earn additional income through carbon credits.
“We want to democratize access to carbon credits, making sustainability financially rewarding for every stakeholder in the supply chain,” Vembu stated.
The Future of Sustainable Supply Chains
TRST01 is expanding into Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia to drive sustainability in agriculture, carbon credit verification, and ethical sourcing in fashion. The company is also forming Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to standardize global sustainability reporting.
One such initiative is iSNR, a collaboration between TRST01 and the India Rubber Board, covering 888,400 hectares of rubber plantations and 1.2 million farmers. “Through such partnerships, we aim to improve economic opportunities for farmers while ensuring compliance with global sustainability standards,” Vembu affirmed.
As regulatory landscapes evolve, businesses must adopt end-to-end traceability, automate ESG reporting, and leverage carbon credits to stay competitive. With blockchain-driven innovations, TRST01 is shaping the future of sustainable supply chains—ensuring transparency, compliance, and real climate impact.
