The recently published Innovation Report on Deforestation-Free Supply Chains, developed by EMMA4EU project partners, analyses 43 case studies to comprehensively evaluate successful and less successful practices to achieve deforestation-free supply chains (DFSC) and offer guidance on EUDR implementation.
The project
The EMMA4EU project, co-funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ Programme, aims to promote the implementation of the EUDR through innovative training and knowledge exchange.
Education plays a crucial role in this initiative. The project team is already developing a training programme that will include e-learning and in presence learning opportunities for both students and professionals. But in order to set up the course in the best possible way, it was essential to collect reliable and up-to-date data on the subject, and from this came the survey that enabled the writing of the report we present on this page.
A deep dive into the Innovation Report
The Innovation Report on Deforestation-Free Supply Chains examines 43 case studies through interviews and dedicated research. The studies were evaluated against effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, feasibility, and innovation criteria.
The case studies showcase effective compliance and enforcement processes and tools, examining successful and less successful practices related to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and technical solutions. The goal is to provide practical examples and tools for organisations striving to meet EUDR standards.
Case Study: forensic timber tracing to link traded wood to deforestation
Key findings
The Innovation report’s case studies are linked to EMMA4EU’s three focus areas: Compliance, Technology, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
One of the standout insights is the need for enhanced guidance on EUDR implementation. This involves developing clear definitions, improving data quality, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. The report also emphasises the importance of technology, showcasing tools like blockchain, AI, and supply chain mapping to support risk assessment, traceability, and legal compliance.
In the realm of CSR, financial institutions such as BNP Paribas and the Dutch Pension Fund demonstrate the financial sector’s potential to drive sustainable practices. Additionally, civil society, observers, and solution providers are critical in monitoring and promoting transparency in supply chains.
The EMMA4EU experts underline the significance of a risk-based approach, robust geolocation requirements, and comprehensive legality standards for the EUDR’s success
Download the key insights
Innovation Report on Deforestation-free Supply Chains
Key insights at a glance
This document offers an executive summary of the ‘Innovation Report on Deforestation-Free Supply Chains’, prepared by the EMMA4EU project partners.It’s tailored to provide policymakers, competent public authorities, corporate sustainability managers, environmental NGOs, media and students with a clear glimpse into innovative tools and practices for establishing deforestation-free supply chains. The full report describes and assesses 43 practical case studies of tools and processes that encompass enforcement, corporate sustainability and technological solutions for sustainable and legal supply chain management.
Other languages: IT – DE – DA – NL
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Project title
EMMA4EU – Innovation Alliance for training programmes for deforestation-free supply chains in Europe.
Main authors
Ulrich Malessa (subcontractor), Laila Berning, Metodi Sotirov (University of Freiburg, UFR).
Contributing lead authors
Kristjan Jespersen, Kedar Uttam (Copenhagen Business School, CBS).
Contributors
Elena Massarenti, Helena Leonel Ferreira, Nicola Andrighetto (Etifor), Mauro Masiero, Aynur Mammadova, Giovanni Bausano (University of Padova, UNIPD), Pieter Zuidema, Andrew Miccolis, Bart Slagter, Jorge Sellare, Jelle Behagel (Wageningen University, WUR), David Hadley Garcia, Chloé Viala, Tim Bender (Preferred by Nature, PbN), Isabell Rzepecki, Stefan Andreas Haas (Open Forest, OF), Rita Raleira, Joana Faggin (AidEnvironment), Michael Mbogga, Fred Babweteera (MAKERE University).
