It is widely acknowledged within the packaging industry that while EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was deferred back in December 2024, it remains a legislation that will impact the sector.
As of 30 December 2025, the new EUDR will replace the EU Timber Regulation, prohibiting the replacement of certain commodities and products derived from raw materials linked to deforestation including wood.
Covering paper, cardboard and packaging, the way that the legislation is to be implemented is unclear, however businesses must prepare if they are to avoid fines and penalties once it comes into effect.
Matthew Miller, Managing Director of CorrBoard, the sheet-feeding specialist supplying corrugated cardboard to non-integrated sheet plants throughout the UK, comments: “While we need to be aware of the EUDR legislation and how it will impact on the sector, there are instances whereby the changes will not impact our clients.
“For example, the changes only apply to material that is exported to or placed on the market in the EU. Furthermore, it does not apply to recycled paper or packaging materials with goods inside and those used to support, protect or carry another product.
“As such, if companies purchase only recycled paper, don’t export or only export packaged goods, the EUDR should not apply to them.”
It is expected that organisations will see an increase in requests for supply chain documentation from customers whether or not EUDR applies. This is likely to include sustainability credentials and origin traceability.
Matthew continues: “Although CorrBoard does not export product to the EU, we know that our customers use our sheet board in packaging that could be exported. As such, we need to be mindful of the wider product lifecycle and provide the documentation that supports this.
“For us, that means working closely with our paper suppliers to ensure the necessary documentation is compliant with EUDR requirements. As a business that holds Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Certification, all materials sourced are from responsibly managed forests, controlled sources or recycled materials.
“This third-party certification provides full supply chain traceability, giving our customers peace of mind and the reassurance that we have the paperwork to confirm the sourcing of all raw materials.”
In some instances, when engaging with upstream suppliers, there may need to be a revision in sourcing policies and once again businesses need to be prepared to make these changes in order to avoid fines, confiscation of goods or, in the most extreme cases, a ban on trading in the EU.
Matthew concludes: “There is still a lot to navigate, however we must remember that these changes are intended to support better working practices and a more sustainable approach to packaging.
“Having reviewed the information that we have available, it will require robust reporting and an added layer of governance. In many instances, these processes are already in place.
“It is important that we look at how this will impact the packaging sector and work together to collate the information needed. Once in place, it will become second nature to us all and largely remain business as usual.”
For more information about CorrBoard, its sustainability policy and sourcing practices, along with details about the 30 different board grades it offers, please visit: www.corrboarduk.com and for regular updates, follow CorrBoard UK on LinkedIn.
