The EU will soon roll out new legislation that requires companies to demonstrate that their products come from legal and deforestation-free sources. Many companies in the packaging sector will also be affected by this EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Bart Holvoet, director of FSC Belgium, explains at Empack how companies can prepare for this.
The EU already had legislation in place with the EUTR to guarantee the legal origin of wood and various derived products. The EUDR now raises the bar: wood products – and many other commodities such as palm oil and soy – must also be deforestation-free. In this way, Europe wants to avoid its consumption contributing to global deforestation any longer.
“The EUDR’s requirements in terms of guarantees of origin therefore go a lot further and also have an impact on more companies compared to the EUTR,” says Bart Holvoet. “Further down the chain, companies are also obliged to work only with materials that comply with these rules and to do what is necessary in terms of traceability.”
How will this affect you?
Most companies in the packaging sector will, directly or indirectly, be impacted by the EUDR, especially if they work with paper, cardboard or timber products. This will entail additional administration and reporting.
“Depending on your position in the supply chain (and whether or not you are an SME) you will feel this impact more or less,” Bart explains. “If you import paper packaging from China, you will need to collect all the necessary data yourself, which means a lot of extra work. Those purchasing from European suppliers will find it easier to comply: the links before you in the chain will already be obliged to meet the rules. But one thing is certain: you will always face obligations concerning ‘internal traceability’, and obtaining the right information will be crucial.”
How can FSC help?
FSC Belgium receives many EUDR-related questions, ranging from general to FSC-specific. Will I fall under these new rules? If I am already FSC-certified, what more do I need to do? At an information session at Empack, FSC Belgium aims to provide an overview tailored to the sector.
“Most companies are already aware of the EUDR, but they do not yet know exactly if or how it will affect their business. During the session, we will explain the basics of the EUDR, and also how an FSC certificate adds value in helping to comply with it, including the tools FSC certification offers. For example, our blockchain tool ‘FSC trace’ makes information on origin available throughout the supply chain.”
Curious whether and how the EUDR will affect your business? Prepare in time and come listen to Bart Holvoet at Empack, on 22 and 23 October at the Nekkerhal in Mechelen. Register now.
