EU Deforestation Regulation: SWM's Integrated Approach

As a company already certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) across all our sites, we have long adhered to the highest standards for responsible sourcing and forest management. Our FSC certification ensures that the raw materials we use are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Now, as the European Union introduces the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), we are actively aligning our approach and practices with this new legislative framework, further demonstrating our dedication to more sustainable operations and transparent supply chains.

What does EU Deforestation Regulation compliance mean for SWM?

Adopted in 2023, the EU Deforestation Regulation, is designed to ensure that products contributing to deforestation or forest degradation are not placed on the EU market. The regulation applies to specific commodities such as wood, rubber, soy, and palm oil as well as products derived from them. As a paper producer, SWM builds on a strong, robust process, reflected by our existing FSC certifications. Internal traceability, supplier selection, risk mitigation, and chain-of-custody tracking are already standard procedures. Now, our team of experts is working on upgrading our data management capabilities to meet the rigorous EUDR-related requirements.

Onboarding our suppliers to mitigate risks

Although our FSC certification already involves comprehensive due diligence, we are reinforcing our raw materials control procedure with our suppliers to assess and mitigate the risks, ensuring responsible procurement and deforestation-free shipments. We are working even more closely with our suppliers to collect geolocation data and ensure the traceability of all commodities included in the EUDR compliance scope. This involves running a series of audits to ensure our supply partners apply the new requirements. Suppliers must provide the necessary information with transparency and accuracy and prove that all sourcing locations comply with EUDR’s non-deforestation criteria.

“The risks are mitigated because our suppliers are already fully aware of EUDR requirements. A close partnership with our suppliers, combined with the appropriate data management tool, is key to the successful implementation,” notes Sophie Hervé-Dupenher, Sustainability Project Manager within the ESG team.

Advanced digital solutions for geolocation mapping

As from January 1st, 2026, all products in shipments transitioning through the European Union must be identified with all associated plots of land. We must ensure these commodities haven’t mixed with non-compliant commodities during the supply chain processes. Our team is currently exploring digital solutions to manage and automate traceability, geolocation mapping, and compliance reporting. Integrating advanced geospatial data technology will not only streamline our EUDR compliance efforts but also reinforce the integrity and visibility of our supply chain. Our mills located in the EU, USA, and Brazil are on track to be ready for the EUDR implementation by December 31, 2025!

An opportunity to be even more conscious and cautious of biodiversity

SWM International views this regulation not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to play a significant role in the protection of biodiversity. As we move forward, we remain committed to transparency, continuous improvement, and delivering value to our customers while protecting the natural resources that sustain our communities, our planet and our industry.