Did you know that one of the biggest changes to European environmental policy is approaching?
It’s called The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and it will affect anyone buying or supplying paper products into the EU and will begin applying to large operators at the end of 2026. It also introduces new responsibilities around how forest‑based materials are sourced and reported.
Paper products fall within this scope as they are typically made from cellulose fibres derived from wood pulp. It also means this regulation is relevant to cruise, where tissue and paper products are used every day in cabins, public areas, and back‑of‑house operations.
In the video below, I talk through the basics of the EUDR and how it relates to paper products. It’s only a short overview and I would encourage anyone to read up more on the topic. But it should help put the regulation into context and why it matters for anyone responsible for sourcing tissue and paper items.
The EUDR is designed to prevent products linked to deforestation from entering the EU market. It covers a wide range of commodities, including timber, cattle, soy, palm oil, rubber, and their derived products.
I am sure that if you are reading this (and already purchase paper products), you will no doubt be familiar with certifications such as FSC, PEFC, or the EU Ecolabel. These have been the standard way to demonstrate responsible sourcing, and many procurement teams request them as part of their due diligence.
It’s important to understand that The EUDR does not replace these certifications, but it does require a broader level of reporting and traceability. The good news is that FSC and PEFC are already updating their policies, which will help certificate holders align with the new regulation, so they remain relevant and useful.
We work closely with our key manufacturing partners - and many already operate with strong traceability systems – so we are confident in our ability to comply with the upcoming EUDR requirements. As the regulation dates moves closer, we will continue reviewing our product ranges and documentation to ensure the paper products we supply meet the new expectations.
If you would like to explore our current paper range or understand how the EUDR may affect your purchasing decisions, our cruise team is always happy to help!
