Overview
Trase is a not-for-profit research initiative founded in 2015 by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and Global Canopy. It provides open-access data and analysis connecting agricultural commodity trade with deforestation and other environmental impacts.
Its mission is to improve supply chain transparency and support more sustainable and equitable commodity production, trade and consumption.
Mission and focus areas
Trase focuses on deforestation, biodiversity loss, agricultural land use and environmental risks associated with global commodity supply chains. Its research covers commodities including soy, beef, palm oil and cocoa, linking production regions with trading companies and consumer markets.
Its data supports environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis, supply chain due diligence and sustainable finance. Banks and investors can assess deforestation exposure in lending and investment portfolios, identify higher-risk companies and inform shareholder engagement.
Structure and governance
Trase operates as a collaborative partnership co-directed by SEI and Global Canopy. As of 2026, its co-directors are Chris West of SEI York and Helen Bellfield of Global Canopy.
Its international network includes research institutions, environmental organisations and technical partners, including Imaflora, the European Forest Institute and several universities. Funding and institutional support are provided through its network of partners and funders.
The partnership combines scientific research, data development and engagement with governments, businesses, financial institutions and civil society.
Programs and offerings
Trase provides open-access supply chain datasets, interactive mapping tools, methodological guidance, research publications and country-specific analyses. Its material flow analysis connects commodity production locations with traders and importing markets.
Its environmental indicators help users assess deforestation exposure and related sustainability risks. Trase also contributes data to Forest IQ, supporting financial institutions in evaluating corporate deforestation risks.
The initiative publishes insights, factsheets and practical guidance for portfolio screening, corporate due diligence and responsible sourcing. Its 2025–2030 strategy expands coverage of biodiversity, climate, water and human rights impacts.
For finance professionals, these resources support nature-related risk assessment, ESG integration, investment research and monitoring of deforestation-related commitments.
Mission
To increase understanding and transparency around commodity supply chains and their links to deforestation and other impacts, in order to support and promote a global transition to a more sustainable and equitable system of commodity production and consumption.
