European companies, certification bodies and non-profit organisations have formed a coalition to support the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Sustainable Views reported.
Launched in the European Parliament on 14 April, the EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition’s aim is to call for ambitious EU legislation and policy that assists build sustainability in agricultural and timber supply chains, according to the report on the same date.
Companies involved include Swiss conglomerate Nestlé, global chocolate and cocoa manufacturer Barry Callebaut, and confectionery and snack giant Mars, alongside certification bodies and non-profit organisations such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
The European Commission (EC)’s review of the law – which covers seven commodities linked to deforestation – palm oil, soyabean, timber, rubber, coffee, cocoa and cattle – was expected to be published on 30 April, the report declared.
“Last November, implementation of the EUDR – which came into force in June 2023 – was delayed for the second time following a vote by the right and far-right,” French MEP Pascal Canfin informed Sustainable Views, a specialist news service from the Financial Times.
“Its application has been pushed back to the finish of 2026, and it is essential that no amfinishments are built and that it is implemented fully and rigorously.”
Bart Vandewaetere, Nestlé Europe’s vice-president of government relations and ESG engagement, informed Sustainable Views the initiative could assist “keep discussions on EU policies and other supporting measures constructive and focutilized on effective implementation” and build “more sustainable and resilient supply chains”.
The new coalition was also a way of revealing the USA, which had lobbied against the EUDR, that the EU would not be dictated to, Canfin added.
“If US producers want to continue selling products on our market, they will have to adapt to our rules,” he added.
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