EUDR Explained: What Businesses Should Know About the EU’s Deforestation Regulation
Created on 03.25
Over the next few years, one regulation will quietly reshape global paper supply chains:
EUDR — the EU Deforestation Regulation.
For companies supplying paper, garment hang tags, labels, and premium packaging, this regulation is more than a policy update. It signals a structural shift in how brands evaluate materials and suppliers.
What is EUDR?
EUDR aims to ensure that products sold in the EU are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation after December 31, 2020.
The regulation covers several key commodities, including wood, which means it also applies to pulp, paper, and paper-based packaging products.
In other words, many everyday items — from hang tags and labels to luxury packaging boxes — are indirectly affected.
When Will It Take Effect?
EUDR officially entered into force in June 2023, with compliance deadlines approaching:
• Large and medium companies: December 30, 2026
• Small and micro enterprises: June 30, 2027
Companies selling relevant products in the EU will need to demonstrate traceability and due diligence across their supply chains.
Why It Matters for Paper and Packaging
For fashion brands, hang tags are considered part of the final product entering the EU market. As a result, brands are increasingly looking at where the paper comes from and how the fiber is sourced.
The same applies to cosmetics packaging and premium paper boxes, where sustainability is already a key part of brand identity.
More and more procurement teams are now asking about:
• fiber origin
• sustainability certifications
• recycled content
• supply chain transparency
One Important Opportunity: Recycled Paper
A key point often discussed in the industry is that papers made from 100% recycled fibers are generally considered outside the core scope of EUDR, since they do not rely on newly harvested wood.
Because of this, recycled papers — especially FSC Recycled materials — are likely to see growing demand in packaging and printing applications.
Looking Ahead
For the paper and packaging sector, EUDR highlights a broader trend: sustainability and traceability are becoming essential parts of material sourcing.
Suppliers who can provide certified, transparent, and recycled paper solutions will be better positioned to support brands preparing for the European market.
At Fuyin Paper, we offer FSC Recycled 100% papers as well as EUDR-aligned paper options, supporting packaging manufacturers and brands looking for responsible paper solutions.
How is your company preparing for EUDR and the growing demand for traceable materials?
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