What is the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)?
In June 2023, Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) was introduced, a law designed to combat deforestation caused by products sold in the EU. Under this regulation, companies selling timber, wood-based products, and other commodities in the EU are required to provide clear proof of the product’s origin and ensure it was not sourced from deforested areas.
According to the European Commission (2023), this regulation aims to:
- avoid that the listed products Europeans buy, use and consume contribute to deforestation and forest degradation in the EU and globally
- reduce carbon emissions caused by EU consumption and production of the relevant commodities by at least 32 million metric tonnes a year
- address all deforestation driven by agricultural expansion to produce the commodities in the scope of the regulation, as well as forest degradation
The EUDR adds an extra layer of responsibility, ensuring we can prove our commitment to sustainable forestry practices. While our values have always aligned with these principles, the EUDR ensures that we now offer verifiable proof in every step of our supply chain. With enforcement beginning in December 2025, this regulation strengthens our dedication to sustainability and responsible sourcing.
EUDR & Hardwood Flooring
Now let’s dive into what this means in the hardwood flooring industry. The EUDR outlines three key requirements for companies like ours:
- Traceability: We must prove where our timber comes from, down to the forest it was harvested from.
- Due Diligence: We need to assess and mitigate the risk of deforestation at each step of the supply chain.
- Risk Assessment: Before selling any flooring products, we must assess the environmental risks tied to their origins and ensure they meet the EUDR’s strict standards.
For products placed on the EU market, the relevant operator or trader must complete the EUDR due-diligence process and submit the required due-diligence statement before placing the product on the market or exporting it, subject to the applicable commencement dates and legal responsibilities.
Meeting EUDR Standards with KoltiTrace
We’re committed to bringing you the highest quality hardwood floors, all while doing our part to protect the planet. To meet EUDR standards, we’ve teamed up with KoltiTrace, a powerful traceability platform – enabling us to track the journey of our timber all the way from forest to final product. This means you can enjoy our beautiful, durable hardwood flooring with the full knowledge that it has been sourced responsibly, with full traceability and transparency in place.
KoltiTrace allows us to trace each piece of timber back to its source, ensuring that it’s legally harvested and meets our high standards. If timber is flagged for deforestation risk at any point, it enables us to address the issue before it even enters our production line.
This real-time traceability not only helps us comply with the EUDR, but it also gives us the confidence that our products are made with respect for the environment. KoltiTrace is used to support timber traceability and due-diligence records. Product claims are limited to consignments for which the required traceability and due-diligence documentation has been completed.
Why Compliance Goes Beyond Legal Requirements
EUDR compliance isn’t just about following the law, it’s about standing by our values and offering products that reflect our commitment to responsible sourcing.
EUDR compliance brings multiple benefits:
- Building Trust: As consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability, offering traceable, responsibly sourced products builds trust and loyalty, showing that we’re not just talking about sustainability, but actively demonstrating it.
- Strengthening Our Brand: We take pride in our commitment to sustainability, and by complying with EUDR, we reinforce our reputation as a brand that stands for environmental responsibility.
- Leading the Way: By prioritising sustainability, we’re not only standing out in a competitive market but also shaping the future of responsible manufacturing.
These benefits extend beyond the industry – they also directly impact consumers in meaningful ways.
EUDR-Compliant Flooring for End-Users:
- Traceability and due-diligence information supports verification of origin and deforestation risk.
Forestry Timber’s Ongoing Sustainability Efforts
Sustainability has always been a core value at Forestry Timber, and our eco-friendly practices have earned us FSC and PEFC certifications for several of our product lines. These programs certify that our timber comes from responsibly managed forests, aligning perfectly with the values upheld by the EUDR.
As we look ahead, we look forward to growing in sustainability. By utilising technologies such as KoltiTrace and refining our sourcing, we are ready to meet evolving global standards and provide flooring products you can feel good about.
For more information on our certifications and compliance, click here.
We’re proud to offer flooring that’s not just beautiful, but also sustainably sourced. Browse our collections and see how style meets sustainability.
References
European Commission. (2023). Regulation on deforestation-free products. Retrieved from https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/forests/deforestation/regulation-deforestation-free-products_en