EUDR and the Pulp & Paper Industry: What It Means for Digital Print

Pulp and paper are foundational to everything from large-format signage to packaging and promotional materials. But with EUDR enforcement beginning at the end of 2025, every paper-based substrate entering the EU market will face new scrutiny. This isn't just about trees. It's about transparency, traceability, and accountability — and the entire industry needs to prepare.

What the EUDR Demands from Paper and Pulp Products

The EUDR requires that certain commodities — including wood and derived products like pulp and paper — be proven deforestation-free before they can be placed on or exported from the EU market.

To comply, companies must now provide:

• Geo-location data for where the wood was harvested

• A declaration that the product is deforestation-free and legal

• A risk assessment and due diligence report documenting compliance

• A full chain-of-custody record proving traceability

This affects a wide array of paper-based products used in digital print:

• Coated and uncoated paper stocks

• Folding cartons and cardboard

• Recycled content papers (depending on origin traceability)

• Specialty substrates with paper cores or liners (e.g., self-adhesives, laminates)

For both manufacturers and print buyers, this is a significant shift.

Impact on the Supply Chain: More Than Just Paperwork

The pulp and paper industry already uses certifications like FSC® and PEFC to demonstrate responsible sourcing. But under EUDR, these alone are not enough. Companies will need to provide exact geographic sourcing details, which most certifications don’t currently offer.

As a result:

• Suppliers will need to overhaul documentation systems to ensure traceability down to plot level

• Printers may see delays or reduced availability of some paper types during the transition

• Costs may increase as supply chain transparency and compliance efforts grow

• High-risk origin countries (e.g., certain regions in Asia, Africa, or South America) may become less viable for sourcing

The regulation essentially raises the bar — from “certified responsibly” to “proven deforestation-free.”

What Printers and Buyers Need to Do Now

For printers, converters, and print materials and substrate buyers, this is not just a concern for manufacturers — it’s a business issue that affects material availability, client compliance, and competitive positioning.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Audit your paper supply chain: Know where your substrates are coming from — and whether your suppliers are preparing for EUDR compliance.

• Request documentation early: Ask for chain-of-custody data and deforestation declarations — especially for projects landing in Q1 2026 and beyond.

• Choose low-risk sources: Favor substrates produced in countries with strong forest governance and transparent harvesting practices.

• Educate clients: Help brands understand the regulatory landscape and why compliant substrates are essential — especially in retail, packaging, and public sector work.

How Material Libraries Like Substrate Bank Support the Shift

As the market demands clearer substrate data, platforms like Substrate Bank will be key to navigating the EUDR transition.

• Manufacturers can showcase EUDR-ready paper substrates with verified traceability and compliance documentation

• Print professionals can filter and compare materials based on sourcing risk, certifications, and region of origin

• The industry as a whole gains a transparent, shared resource for navigating complex regulations

In short, Substrate Bank helps bridge the gap between regulation and action — turning compliance from a burden into a business asset.

Conclusion: Transparency Is the New Standard

The EUDR marks a turning point for pulp and paper. It’s no longer enough for paper to be recycled or FSC-certified — it must also be proven free from deforestation, with traceable origins.

For the digital print industry, that means tighter supplier relationships, smarter substrate selection, and a growing reliance on transparent, data-rich tools.

Because in today’s regulatory climate, it’s not just what you print on — it’s where it comes from that matters.