Intergraf, the European printing industry association, representing employers in the graphical sector, released a statement addressing the implications of the upcoming EU Regulation on deforestation-free products — known as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The regulation, which aims to prevent deforestation through stricter monitoring of supply chains, will have a significant impact on the print value chain, covering paper, board, and printed products. The majority of its provisions will take effect on December 30, 2024.
Intergraf’s statement highlights key information for both printing companies and their customers as the industry prepares for this regulatory shift. With the implementation date approaching, Intergraf outlines the obligations of the sector under the new law.
Intergraf emphasizes the challenges facing the print value chain in complying with the new regulation, particularly as legal tools and guidelines from the European Commission are still awaited. As a result, Intergraf and other stakeholders are advocating for a postponement of the regulation’s entry into force to allow for smoother compliance processes.
To further support the industry in navigating these regulatory changes, Intergraf will host a public webinar titled Advancing EUDR Compliance in the Print Value Chain on 22 October 2024. This webinar is designed to help the graphic sector prepare for EUDR compliance amid ongoing uncertainty as the legislation approaches its implementation date. Featuring a presentation from Intergraf and a statement from CEPI, the Confederation of European Paper Industries, the event will offer valuable insights and practical guidance for printing companies and stakeholders throughout the value chain.
The European graphical sector is made up of some 100,000 printing companies (95% SMEs), which employ 600,000 people, and generate a combined turnover of 80 billion Euros (EU27 + UK, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland).
