Origin science

Whether an item is natural or man-made, its chemical composition represents where it is from and how it may have been produced. Animals absorb markers like trace elements and isotopes through eating, plants through nutrient uptake, and minerals and stones during mineralising events. When analysed correctly, these markers are like in-built barcodes that reveal a product’s origin.

Trace element analysis (TEA)

TEA involves the identification and quantification of trace levels of elements present in a physical product sample. These elements are absorbed into products, like food and timber, from the surrounding environment, including the underlying geology and water.

For this reason, the combination of these elements is unique to their environment or origin, making their analysis critical to determining where products came from. This type of analysis uses various instrumentation techniques, such as mass spectrometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and atomic emission spectroscopy, to detect and measure elements at parts-per-million (ppm) and parts-per-billion (ppb) levels.

Stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA)

SIRA, or isotopic testing, refers to the analysis of the isotope ratios of the light elements such as carbon (δ13C), oxygen (δ18O), hydrogen (δ2H), nitrogen (δ15N), and sulfur (δ34S). The technology is used in ecology, climate science, biogeochemistry, hydrology, forensic science, anthropology, atmospheric chemistry, and in trade regulation. SIRA databases for origin verification have been developed for many commodities, including timber. They offer useful data that enhances the accuracy and robustness of our origin verification service.

TEA and SIRA enable us to analyse chemical markers present in a physical product. The combination of markers constructs a reference ‘fingerprint’ unique to the product’s granular geographical origin. We validate our client’s origin information by comparing it against the location determined by our analysis. 

As pioneers of origin science and the analytical methods needed to deliver it, we can validate geographical origin claims to a level of precision that is difficult for our competitors. When we design a service for your product, we determine whether trace element analysis, stable isotope analysis, or both methods are required depending on the level of origin we are verifying.

Testing providers using only SIRA are limited to a country-level claim, which in many cases is not sufficient for client needs. We can identify the country or region of origin, or go beyond that to farm, fishery or plantation of harvest.

From seafood, eggs and dairy to diamonds, metals and minerals, our origin science delivers accurate and reliable origin results.

As experienced analytical service providers, we know that testing is much more than individual test results. What sets us apart from others is that our staff is on hand to work with you and your suppliers to solve problems. 

Talk to us about your verification needs today.