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.
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.
This regulation is more than just compliance, it’s about ensuring that every plank of wood used in our flooring contributes to a sustainable, deforestation-free future.