EUDR: how the EU defends forests – with this material at the centre.

Today, the European Union faces one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our era—stopping global deforestation and forest degradation. This issue not only causes a dramatic decline in biodiversity but also worsens the climate crisis by reducing natural carbon-absorbing ecosystems. In response, the EU introduced the EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation), a law aimed at restricting the import and trade of products linked to forest destruction.

In this article, we will highlight why natural cork holds a special position within the framework of the EUDR.

 

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. What is the EUDR?
3. The distinctive nature of natural cork
4. Cork’s compliance with EUDR standards
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ

 

What is the EUDR?

The EUDR, short for EU Deforestation Regulation, is legislation adopted by the European Union in 2023 with the key objective of reducing the harmful effects of European consumption on the world’s forests. It officially took effect in June 2023, with compliance becoming mandatory by the end of 2024.

Objective and scope of the regulation

At its core, the EUDR ensures that products sold within or exported from the EU do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. This requires businesses to demonstrate that the raw materials and goods they handle originate from areas free of illegal logging or environmental destruction.

Obligations for companies

According to the EUDR, every company placing goods on the EU market must submit a due diligence statement. This declaration must contain:

• geolocation information for the source of the raw material,

• evidence of compliance with local legislation,

• confirmation that no deforestation has taken place since December 31, 2020.

Businesses that do not meet these requirements may face strict consequences, such as heavy fines, product confiscation, or even exclusion from operating within the EU in cases of repeated non-compliance.

Global relevance

The EUDR marks a significant step forward in EU climate and environmental policy. On one side, it reinforces commitments under the European Green Deal, and on the other, it sends a powerful signal to global markets that only producers adhering to sustainable practices will be granted access to the European market.

 

The distinctive nature of natural cork

How cork oak bark is harvested

Natural cork is obtained from the cork oak (Quercus suber), a tree native to Mediterranean areas such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Morocco. The standout feature of this process is its non-destructive nature: cork is collected by removing the bark rather than cutting down the tree.

The first harvest takes place when the tree is about 25 years old and its bark has thickened sufficiently. After that, harvesting occurs every 9–12 years over the tree’s lifespan, which can reach up to 200 years. This method enables a single tree to yield cork repeatedly without losing its regenerative capacity.

The process involves three main stages:

1. Carefully cutting the bark – using specialized tools to avoid harming the living tissue of the tree.

2. Separating bark panels – which are then dried and processed further.

3. Bark regeneration – within the next decade, the tree develops a new layer, ensuring a continuous supply of material.

This method of harvesting makes cork production one of the most sustainable practices in modern forestry.

How cork compares to other forest resources

Unlike wood, which generally requires felling entire trees, cork is a renewable resource harvested in cycles. This means that its production does not drive deforestation but instead contributes to the long-term vitality and health of cork oak forests.

Other forest-based resources, such as exotic timber, palm oil, or rubber, are often associated with significant environmental problems:

• loss of biodiversity – through the destruction of habitats,

• CO₂ emissions – resulting from logging and soil degradation,

• irreversible damage to ecosystems – often wiping them out entirely.

 

Cork’s compliance with EUDR requirements

No tree cutting required

A fundamental requirement of the EUDR is proving that raw material production is not connected to deforestation or forest degradation after December 31, 2020. For natural cork, this criterion is met almost by default. Harvesting involves only removing the bark of cork oaks, not cutting them down. Consequently, cork production does not reduce forested areas—it actively helps protect them.

In practice, each tree remains undamaged and continues to thrive, while the cork industry itself becomes a means of safeguarding forests. Cork-based economies promote the preservation and care of cork oak forests, which might otherwise face conversion into farmland or urban developments.

Natural regeneration and the longevity of cork oaks

Another factor that makes cork fully aligned with EUDR requirements is the cork oak’s ability to regenerate its bark. Once the outer layer is removed, the tree begins a natural restoration process that takes several years until the cork is replenished. Because cork can be harvested multiple times—often over a dozen times during the tree’s lifespan—the production cycle is entirely renewable.

In addition, cork oaks can live for up to 200 years, meaning a single tree can provide material across many generations. This long-term perspective ensures both supply chain stability and compliance with the core EUDR principle of “zero deforestation.”

Why cork sets the standard for compliance

• No tree felling involved – harvesting is entirely non-invasive.

• Promotes forest sustainability – supporting the preservation of unique Mediterranean ecosystems.

• Renewable by nature – cork regenerates naturally, allowing for cyclical harvesting.

• Exceptional tree lifespan – enables stable, long-term sourcing without harming the environment.

This makes cork a near-perfect example of a material that meets EUDR standards—a forest resource that not only avoids harming forests but actively helps protect them.

 

Summary

The EUDR is among the EU’s most significant instruments in combating global deforestation and ecosystem decline. Its aims are ambitious: to minimize the harmful effects of European consumption on forests and the climate, and to ensure that products entering the EU market align with sustainable development principles.

Within this framework, natural cork stands out as an exemplary resource—perfectly in line with regulatory requirements. Its harvesting does not involve tree cutting but instead plays an active role in conserving cork oak forests, which regenerate after every harvest cycle.

 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can increasing demand for cork result in overharvesting of cork oak forests?
No. The harvesting cycle is tightly regulated (every 9–12 years), and cork oaks are legally protected. Overharvesting is therefore not possible—if anything, the rising economic importance of cork strengthens the incentive to conserve these forests.

2. Which sectors stand to gain most from cork’s growing importance?
In addition to its traditional use in the wine industry, cork is increasingly used in construction (for thermal and acoustic insulation), the automotive sector (light yet durable components), fashion (eco-friendly textiles and accessories), and innovative green design projects.

3. Does purchasing cork products support environmental protection?
Yes. Every natural cork product helps preserve cork oak forests, which absorb CO₂, safeguard biodiversity, and provide livelihoods in Mediterranean regions. Choosing cork means making both an eco-friendly and socially responsible decision.