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The packaging industry will be subject to strict new rules from the end of 2025 when the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) enters into force. Under the new legislation, anyone who uses wood, paper or leather as packaging materials must, among other things, provide end-to-end proof of origin – right down to the GPS coordinates of the trees used. Its upcoming introduction has triggered a lot of activity in the industry. While many manufacturers are still looking for solutions, hardwood specialist Danzer has long since made all of the necessary preparations.
Recyclability, circular design and compliance rules such as the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) are at the top of the agenda for packaging for luxury brands. However, one less well-known EU regulation is now set to fundamentally shape packaging procurement: the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). A short time from now – on 30 December 2025 – a set of strict rules applying to all products sold on the EU market containing wood, paper, leather or other forest-based materials will enter into force. International hardwood company Danzer, which uses wood from temperate forests in the northern hemisphere, is already very well placed to meet the requirements of the new regulation.
Danzer already satisfies requirements
“We have been preparing for this intensively for years,” explains Cathy-Lynn Danzer, Head of Sustainability and Compliance at Danzer, the world’s leading provider of hardwood products. “All of the wood we process comes with complete geolocation data and risk documentation, and is submitted to the EU database for compliance. This way, our customers – and their buyers in turn – are safe in the knowledge that they meet the requirements without compromising on design or material quality.” Under the new regulation, going forward all products on the EU market must be deforestation-free and fully traceable all the way back to their place of origin (including GPS coordinates) and registered in a new EU compliance system. In this specific context, “deforestation-free” means that no forest was cleared on a large scale for wood harvesting, and destroyed or converted for other uses as a result.
Incomplete documentation a compliance risk
This affects not only raw materials, but finished luxury packaging, too. Examples include wooden presentation boxes and cases, veneer components as well as paper-based materials, as used in the perfume, spirits, jewellery and high-end gift industry. “Luxury brands have made enormous progress in terms of sustainability – but there is a blind spot here,” says Gertraud Storz, sales expert for luxury packaging at Danzer. “Even elaborately designed, responsibly produced packaging can now represent a compliance risk if the origin of the material is not properly documented.” From its own experience, the Danzer team knows that many suppliers and packaging manufacturers are not yet sufficiently prepared for the traceability requirements set out in the EUDR.
Need for action
“For luxury brands, procuring traceable materials is not only a legal obligation – it is also a clear brand statement,” adds Cathy-Lynn Danzer. “Anyone who acts early turns compliance into a competitive advantage.” After all, any packaging that contains wood, paper or leather is subject to the EUDR. With this in mind, executives and purchasing managers should ask their wood- and paper-based packaging suppliers the following questions:
- Can the exact geocoordinates of each wood-based component be provided?
- Has a due diligence system for deforestation risks been implemented?
- Will complete EUDR documentation for the materials used be available by December 2025?
If one or more of these questions is answered with “no”, there is probably a need for action. In any case, hardwood specialist Danzer already fulfils all of the prerequisites stemming from the introduction of the new EU regulation and has every confidence ahead of its entry into force on 30 December 2025.
More about the EUDR at Danzer:https://www.danzer.com/en/company/corporate-responsibility/faq-about-eudr