The Responsible Mica Initiative & Tilkal Launching First Multi-Stakeholder Blockchain-based Solution to Improve Traceability Across Mica Supply Chains

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) and Tilkal are pleased to announce their collaboration in the development of a solution that will improve traceability across mica supply chains using blockchain technology.

Since its creation in 2017, the Responsible Mica Initiative has been working towards the establishment of a fair, responsible and sustainable mica supply chain where child labor and poor working conditions are eradicated. Timely and accurate data collection across the entire mica supply chain – from mines and processors to intermediate and end-use industries – has been a key organization tool. Blockchain-based traceability data platform from Tilkal, a pioneer in the field, will enable RMI to better understand its mica supply chain. Adoption of Tilkal's system will improve data transparency while maintaining security and providing a flexible, cost-efficient and auditable traceability system.

"From day one, we've known that our ability to trace mica to and from end-users and mines would be key to our success," explained Fanny Fremont, RMI Executive Director. " The state-of-the-art blockchain tool from Tilkal that we're going to use will take our program to the next level, giving us more detailed and timely data. Blockchain will help us monitor our supply chains, identify where & who RMI can further support and make responsible mica sourcing a reality in the communities we serve."

"Working with RMI is an incredible opportunity and a huge responsibility altogether. At Tilkal we are always proud of how our innovative platform supports our customers’ supply chains: yet supporting a mission-driven organization like RMI in its social cause is particularly rewarding," said Matthieu Hug, Chief Executive Officer of Tilkal. "Besides this initiative from RMI to secure mica supply chains is unique in its breadth and ambition, considering the wide variety of industrials from around the world joining forces.”

Why a next generation traceability tool for the mica supply chain?

RMI has used confidential mica supply chain mapping since 2017 but the process has been manual. Today, with more than 70 mica supply chain members drawn from a wide range of industries located on different continents, a manual system is unduly labor intensive, cumbersome and lacks the sophistication needed to support transparency and optimize data formats and reporting in ways that can advance RMI goals. There are a number of specific benefits of Tilkal's software:

• Traceability of mica will significantly improve 360° knowledge of the supply chain, enabling thorough mapping and verification of all members committed to implement responsible workplace practices.
• By sharing a common database, RMI members will promote transparency across mica supply chains, enabling more efficient risk identification and easier reporting processes.
• Tilkal's technology offers better insights into the sustainability performance along the mica supply chain and enables RMI to customize support to improve workplace practices among all stakeholders.

How Tilkal’s solution will help?

By efficiently capturing information along the mica supply chain in a decentralized network, Tilkal's traceability solution will reduce complexity while offering greater flexibility and auditability. Blockchain technology provides the necessary foundation to build such a network for sharing end-to-end traceability data, a field in which Tilkal is paving the way. The system is also designed to ensure confidentiality of individual member data.

About the Responsible Mica Initiative

The Responsible Mica Initiative is a non-governmental organization created to establish a fair, responsible and sustainable mica supply chain in India by promoting responsible sourcing practices, and eradicating child labor and unacceptable working conditions. RMI members are drawn from industries associated with the mica supply chain in partnership with civil society organizations and local stakeholders. The Responsible Mica Initiative is an association, established in accordance with the French Law of 1901 concerning non-profit organizations, with its head office located in 44-46 rue de la Bienfaisance, 75008 PARIS – France.

About Tilkal

Tilkal is an end-to-end, real-time traceability platform for supply chains. Combining permissioned blockchain networks with data intelligence in a B2B-ready solution, Tilkal enables sharing and analysis of traceability data, improved control over compliance obligations and transparency towards consumers. Tilkal’s infrastructure is live in the food, textile, cosmetics and aeronautics sectors, tracking overall more than 250M products per year.