How the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Is Set to Impact the Digital Print Industry

EUDR isn’t just about forests. It’s about proof of origin, chain-of-custody, and risk mitigation. And for digital print professionals — from print service providers to print media manufacturers — the regulation could affect how materials are selected, documented, and marketed.

So what is the EUDR, and what does it mean for our industry?

What Is the EUDR? A Quick Overview

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was adopted in 2023 and will come into force in stages starting December 31, 2025. Its goal is to ensure that products sold in the EU are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, anywhere in the world.

It applies to seven key commodities — including wood, paper, rubber, and palm oil — and their derived products.

In practical terms, this means that businesses placing affected goods on the EU market must:

• Prove the product is deforestation-free

• Provide geo-location data for the land where the material was harvested

• Conduct due diligence and assess the risk of deforestation in the supply chain

• Keep detailed records to demonstrate compliance

Why the Digital Print Industry Should Pay Attention

While the regulation mainly targets agriculture and timber, it directly affects the substrates we print on — especially anything derived from wood or pulp, such as:

• Paper and board stocks

• Cardboard packaging

• Certain coated or laminated substrates

• Labels and adhesive materials containing paper components

If you’re using, importing, or distributing these materials in the EU, you’ll need to ensure your suppliers are compliant — and that you can prove traceability if asked.

What This Means for Printers and Substrate Suppliers

The EUDR introduces a new layer of complexity — but also an opportunity to strengthen supply chain transparency and customer trust.

For Printers:

• Know your substrates: Work with suppliers who can provide EUDR-compliant documentation

• Ask for certification: FSC® and PEFC are useful, but may not be enough — geo-location and due diligence reporting are now key

• Update your sourcing strategy: Favor suppliers that offer full traceability and are actively preparing for EUDR requirements

• Prepare for client questions: Especially from brands in retail, packaging, or public procurement who must show their own compliance

For Manufacturers:

• Map your supply chain now — especially if you deal in any pulp-based or mixed-material substrates

• Document the origin of your raw materials and assess risk exposure

• Highlight compliant products to stand out in a market demanding greater accountability

• Collaborate with platforms like Substrate Bank to provide transparency and data accessibility to print professionals

The Role of Substrate Bank in the Age of EUDR

As compliance becomes part of material selection, access to verified substrate data is more important than ever. Substrate Bank can help:

• Showcase certified, traceable materials

• Surface documentation on sustainability and compliance

• Help print professionals discover safer, regulation-ready alternatives

• Build trust across the supply chain through transparency

In an EUDR world, data isn’t just nice to have — it’s required. And centralized platforms will play a major role in making that data accessible, consistent, and actionable.

Final Thought: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage

The EUDR is a wake-up call for all industries — print included. But it’s also an opportunity.

By embracing transparent sourcing and responsible material selection, printers and manufacturers can go beyond compliance — and become trusted partners to brands who take sustainability seriously.

The future of digital print is not only creative and fast — it’s accountable.