EDANA, the global association representing the nonwovens and related industries, has expressed concern over the European Commission’s recent reversal on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The organization considers this move a missed opportunity to create a clear, consistent, and effective framework to tackle global deforestation.
Instead of simplifying the regulation, EDANA notes that the latest announcement adds unnecessary complexity. This shift, according to the association, risks confusing operators, disrupting already complex supply chains, and undermining Europe’s global competitiveness.
While EDANA members remain committed to combating deforestation, they believe the current Regulation—backed by an IT system not yet ready for implementation—poses several critical challenges. These include persistent problems with polygon geolocation and excessive due diligence requirements, both of which remain unresolved.
EDANA calls for the European Commission to reconsider the timeline and retain its original proposal submitted to the European Parliament. The association recommends a 12-month delay in implementation to allow additional time to ensure the Regulation is practical, equitable, and workable for all operators involved.
Frequent policy changes, EDANA warns, erode business confidence and create uncertainty across international markets. The association highlights that the latest developments have sparked confusion globally, with some nations pushing for acceleration, while others advocate postponement.