Field visit in India in 2006 with WWF
Deforestation remains one of the greatest risks to our climate, biodiversity, and supply chains. And today, companies are expected, by regulators, investors, and consumers alike, to prove that their products are deforestation-free.
It wasn’t always this way, not so long ago, when the concept of sustainability within a product’s supply chain needed explaining to people – including the businesses directly involved. Today, the conversation has moved forward.
It’s no longer about what sustainability is, but what action businesses must take to ensure transparency and accountability in their supply chain. That’s where Satelligence comes in. We transform satellite data into decision-grade insights that help companies act with confidence, stay compliant, and protect biodiversity.
Where It All Began
Over two decades ago, research students from Wageningen University, Niels Wielaard and Arjen Vrielink took a trip deep into the Indonesian jungle.
Specialising in forestry, and tropical land management respectively, the two men were on a mission to monitor forestry management practices using radar systems.
This fieldwork was designed to calibrate their systems for detecting gaps in the forest canopy and identifying both sustainable and unsustainable forestry management practices. When they arrived to conduct their study, they quickly discovered huge fire-burned landscapes.
Not only that, their research forest was being cut down before their fieldwork had even begun.
It didn’t take long for Niels and Arjen to realise the obvious tension between economic development – especially for local people in need of a livelihood – and the significant negative impact on rich, biodiverse nature.
With their love of technology, the pair soon knew what they wanted to do: find ways to use tech to ensure harmony between forestry and economy.
The seed of Satelligence was sown.
“Inspired by my great grandmother’s stories about her life growing up in Indonesia, I developed a fascination for tropical forest landscapes and its people around the world.
Fresh from Wageningen University I travelled the world for over two decades, to study how new and untapped science & technology designed with humans in mind could halt deforestation and prove sustainable production. Experiencing both the impact of environmental destruction and the hopeful hardships of local people striving to make a decent living made a lasting impression.
It led me to pioneer sustainable sourcing monitoring systems and ultimately launch Satelligence. I have been fortunate to learn from so many people over the years and believe in the power of partnerships driving change to make a meaningful impact.
So I invite you to join too – let’s turn commodity risk into opportunity!”
Niels & Team Satelligence
Succeeding At Sustainability
Fast forward to today. Despite enormous progress, deforestation remains a pressing challenge. Campaigners and businesses alike are calling for accountability, yet visibility is often poor, and basic satellite tools don’t always provide the whole picture.
When data is incomplete or unreliable, it can create confusion in supply chains and even lead to accusations that don’t always reflect reality on the ground. For companies trying to do the right thing, this creates reputational risk. Even when evidence is shaky, the consequences for brand trust and public perception are real.
Part of the challenge lies in the complexity of global sourcing. Supply chains stretch across multiple regions, often in remote geographies where oversight is limited. Without clear visibility, it’s difficult to know where risks exist, or to verify where progress is genuinely being made.
This is where Satelligence makes the difference. By combining radar and optical satellite data with local expertise, we provide independent, unbiased insights that give companies a complete and trusted view of their supply chain. With real-time monitoring, businesses can detect deforestation risks early, take targeted action, and demonstrate measurable progress toward climate and biodiversity goals.
The result is both peace of mind for companies getting it right and a clear path forward when challenges arise.
Field visit in Indonesia in 2014
Towards Deforestation-Free Products
Combining radar and optical satellite sources with the latest remote sensing and predictive modelling technology, Satelligence gives businesses, NGOs, and governments the tools they need to make measurable progress toward net-zero deforestation.
There are many drivers behind the movement for deforestation-free products. Consumer preference is one. Ethically-sourced and environmentally friendly products are fast becoming an expectation. They’re also important for investors with sustainable portfolios looking for traceability and accountability. And now, regulation is reshaping the playing field.
In regions such as the EU, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is now in force. Large and medium companies must comply from December 2025, and SMEs by June 2026. The law requires operators of commodities like cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, rubber, and wood to prove their products are deforestation-free.
But the move towards deforestation-free supply chains is about more than compliance. Companies that act early can build resilient sourcing networks, reduce exposure to supply chain disruptions, and demonstrate leadership on climate and biodiversity commitments. At the same time, they strengthen consumer and investor confidence, turning regulatory pressure into a long-term competitive advantage.
Protecting forests means safeguarding biodiversity, securing vital carbon stores, and supporting the communities who depend on them. Deforestation-free sourcing is both a responsibility and an opportunity.
Get in touch to discover how we can provide complete transparency and insight into sustainable and unsustainable forestry management within your supply chain.
Field visit in Vietnam in 2016