At a Glance
#1 EUDR Update from the EU Environment Commissioner
#2 Improving Forest Maps
#3 Interview with Enrico from Circular Rubber Platform
#4 Thailand Rubber Authority Briefing
#5 Fact sheet for Smallholders
#Bonus Run Deforestation-Risk checks with Dilify
#1 EUDR Update from the EU Environment Commissioner
The newly appointed EU Environment Commissioner, Mr Šefčovič, gave an eagerly anticipated update on the 1st of August 2024 on the progress of the EUDR information system for producing due diligence statements and the Country risk benchmarking system.
Mr Šefčovič confirmed the continuation of testing of the EU information system - ensuring it is robust, has the relevant cybersecurity and data protection in place, and the API which will be available before EUDR comes into force.
He also updated us on the progress of the benchmarking system where the EU is developing a ‘technically sound and scientific methodology’. The commission will engage with high-risk countries to ensure a dialogue on the outcomes of their risk assessments. More updates on this to follow I’m sure.
#2 Improving Forest Maps
As we highlighted in June’s newsletter, the EU forest observatory maps are not always accurate, as we’ve encountered in some of our clients' geolocations where we have needed to conduct additional analysis to provide evidence to the EU customers for their due diligence obligations.
Indonesia, Australia, and Canada have raised this as a significant challenge, with Indonesia making progress in working with the EU on rectifying the EU forest maps to ensure the correct classification of forests under the FAO definition.
This will be a key talking point over the coming months as we get closer to the deadline as the debate continues on correctly identifying forests under the EUDR definition.
#3 Interview with Enrico at Circular Rubber Platform
1. Introduction and Role
My name is Enrico Koggel, and I am a rubber product engineer specialising in the design of custom solutions for OEM markets. My expertise lies in developing high-performance rubber components for various industries, including automotive and railway. I am also co-founder of the Circular Rubber Platform with my partner Jan.
2. What is Circular Rubber Platform?
The Circular Rubber Platform is an online community focused on promoting rubber circularity. It serves as a hub where companies can showcase their initiatives and connect with individuals interested in sustainable rubber practices. Currently, our community comprises over 150 individuals, 50+ companies, and two universities.
Our platform facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration through several key initiatives such as online networking sessions and webinars, a comprehensive database of circular rubber solutions and success stories, and industry-specific projects aimed at enhancing circularity across entire supply chains
We aim to accelerate the adoption of circular practices within the rubber industry, promoting sustainability and innovation on a global scale.
3. Why did you co-found it?
My journey into sustainable rubber engineering began with a desire to reduce the environmental impact of my products and better understand Lifecycle Analysis (LCA).
Through extensive research, I concluded that adopting circular economy principles—incorporating recycled materials and prioritising renewable raw materials—would be the most effective approach. However, I quickly realised that implementing these changes was not solely a matter of individual design choices, but rather a complex supply chain challenge.
This realisation led to the inception of the Circular Rubber Platform.
4. Key market insights on why businesses join?
Businesses join the Circular Rubber Platform for various strategic reasons, ranging from showcasing existing green solutions to gaining market insights and demonstrating commitment to sustainability.
The platform's focus on circular economy principles aligns closely with the challenges posed by the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), making it particularly valuable for companies across the rubber supply chain.
As EUDR impacts both polymers and natural fillers like lignin and cellulose, our platform serves as a crucial resource for natural rubber producers, compounders, and end-users alike. Members leverage our network to navigate EUDR compliance, explore sustainable sourcing options, and develop innovative solutions that address both regulatory requirements and market demands for environmentally responsible rubber products.
This collaborative approach enables companies to adapt to EUDR's stringent standards while also advancing broader sustainability goals within the industry.
5. Advice for Rubber businesses who want to become circular
For rubber businesses looking to become circular, my advice is simple: get inspired and take action, no matter how small. Start by exploring what other companies in the industry are already doing successfully. Many companies hesitate because they think they need to make massive changes immediately, but that's not the case. The important thing is to begin the journey towards circularity. Small, concrete steps can lead to significant progress over time, and you'll learn valuable lessons along the way that will inform your future circular initiatives.
#4 Thailand Rubber Authority Briefing
The European Forest Institute (EFI) and Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) have released a briefing on the progress of Thailand’s preparations for EUDR.
Here are a few highlights from the report:
- RAOT has mapped more than 3.1 million hectares of rubber plantations
- RAOT has collected geolocation information on about 1.98 million rubber plots
- RAOT has registered 1.6 million farmers onto its database
- Key challenges include:
- Land tenure issues, especially for farmers without land titles
- Complex supply chains with multiple layers of traders
- Traceability of rubber from smallholders to processors
- Ensuring the legality of rubber cultivation on public lands
- Compliance with labor laws for foreign workers in the rubber sector
This is great progress on behalf of the RAOT on getting Thailand ready for EUDR, and we look forward to many of the other main producing commodities countries getting to 100% of farms or plantations mapped as well as all farmers or growers registered to ensure full traceability on each commodity.
#5 Fact sheet for Smallholder Farmers
The EU has an EUDR fact sheet for smallholders to ensure there is a continuing flow of updated information filtered to the growers and planters of the commodities.
The principles that have been highlighted by the EU are:
- Make sure not to produce on land that was deforested after 2020
- Collect information, especially geolocation data of the production area
- Communicate with business partners and pass on relevant information
- Respect land use rights and labour rights
Key to note that no personal information is required for EUDR and the data is only required to be collected once.
#Bonus Run Deforestation checks with Dilify
We have released our Dilify EUDR compliance solution to a few lucky beta testers who were able to run a free deforestation check on their plots before purchasing their commodity to ensure it is EUDR compliant.
This has saved them from a potentially expensive decision where their product does not satisfy their EU client’s due diligence when it is time for the consignment to be shipped.
Feel free to contact us on being onboarded to our solution by booking a slot here.