🌳 The European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): What It Means for Leather

As global awareness of deforestation and forest degradation grows, the European Union has taken a major step to address these critical environmental challenges. The European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is set to reshape supply chains by ensuring that products linked to deforestation—such as leather—are sourced more responsibly.

Here’s everything leather manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders need to know about the EUDR and how it impacts the industry.

🌱 What Is the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)?

The EUDR aims to curb deforestation and forest degradation by regulating the sourcing of key commodities that contribute to these issues. The regulation affects a wide range of products, including leather, and requires companies to take proactive steps to ensure their supply chains are deforestation-free.

At its core, the EUDR focuses on:

• Reducing carbon emissions
• Protecting biodiversity
• Promoting sustainable sourcing practices

Companies operating in the European market will need to assess their supply chains and document the origin of their materials to ensure compliance.

📝 Key Requirements of the EUDR

To comply with the EUDR, companies must meet strict requirements:

🔍 1. Supply Chain Assessments

• Companies must conduct detailed evaluations of their entire supply chain to identify potential deforestation risks.

📄 2. Documentation of Origin

• Businesses must prove that their products do not come from deforested areas after a cutoff date specified by the EUDR.

📍 3. Geolocation Data

• Companies must provide precise geolocation data to trace the origins of commodities, ensuring they meet sustainability standards.

These measures will help the EU ensure that products entering its markets are deforestation-free and sourced from responsible, sustainable suppliers.

👜 Impact on the Leather Industry

The EUDR will have significant implications for the leather industry:

This regulation means that all leather manufacturers, suppliers, and even customers operating within Europe will need to conduct thorough assessments of their supply chains and document sourcing practices to meet compliance standards.

🌍 Why the EUDR Matters

Deforestation is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. The EUDR represents a crucial effort to reduce the environmental impact of global trade by addressing these issues at the source.

For the leather industry, the regulation brings both challenges and opportunities:
✅ Challenges: Increased compliance requirements and the need for detailed documentation.
✅ Opportunities: Improved traceability and sustainability credentials, which can strengthen brand reputation and open doors to deforestation-free markets.

🔄 What’s Next? Preparing for Compliance

The EUDR is already reshaping how companies source their raw materials. To stay ahead of the curve, leather manufacturers and suppliers should:

1️⃣ Stay Informed – Keep up with EUDR developments and best practices for compliance.
2️⃣ Assess Your Supply Chain – Work with suppliers to ensure that geolocation data and sourcing documentation meet EUDR standards.
3️⃣ Adopt Sustainable Practices – Implement traceability systems and sustainable sourcing strategies to future-proof your business.

By staying proactive, companies can not only comply with the EUDR but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability within the leather industry.

🌟 A More Sustainable Future for Leather

The EUDR offers a path toward a more ethical, transparent, and sustainable leather supply chain. By reducing deforestation risks and promoting responsible sourcing, the leather industry can help contribute to a healthier planet and ensure long-term success in a changing global market.

Together, we can create a deforestation-free future and strengthen New Zealand’s reputation for producing high-quality, sustainable leather products.

📢 Need Help with EUDR Compliance?

For more information on how LASRA can assist leather manufacturers with EUDR compliance and sustainability strategies, visit our research updates or contact us directly.

💻 Explore Our Resources:

• EUDR Overview by the European Commission
• 🌱 LASRA Sustainability Initiatives

💡 Did You Know?
The leather industry is a by-product of the meat and dairy industry. By utilizing hides that would otherwise go to waste, leather production contributes to circular economy practices, helping to reduce waste and maximize resources.