Case Study
Building and proving deforestation-free supply chains with Seedtrace
Deforestation, which continues to progress globally at an alarming rate, has severe consequences for biodiversity, climate protection, water reservoirs, and habitats. Therefore, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will come into effect soon, which also affects Seedtrace customers. Current discussions indicate a revised start date of 30 December, 2025, replacing the initially planned start date on 30 December, 2024. Using a project example with a medium-sized chocolate manufacturer operating both inside and outside the EU, we showcase how Seedtrace’s platform for supply chain and sustainability data helps companies implement the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the EUDR.
Case Study
Building and proving deforestation-free supply chains with Seedtrace
Deforestation, which continues to progress globally at an alarming rate, has severe consequences for biodiversity, climate protection, water reservoirs, and habitats. Therefore, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will come into effect soon, which also affects Seedtrace customers. Current discussions indicate a revised start date of 30 December, 2025, replacing the initially planned start date on 30 December, 2024. Using a project example with a medium-sized chocolate manufacturer operating both inside and outside the EU, we showcase how Seedtrace’s platform for supply chain and sustainability data helps companies implement the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the EUDR.
90
%
of global deforestation is driven by the expansion of agricultural land.
11
%
of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by deforestation.
10
%
of the Earth's remaining forests disappeared globally between 1990 and 2020.
Situation and objectives
Although the chocolate manufacturer is not directly impacted by the EUDR due to its headquarters being located in a non-EU country, its subsidiaries within the EU must ensure that raw cocoa and all relevant products comply with the regulation. This requires 1) verifying that no deforestation has taken place in all cultivated areas, 2) performing a risk assessment to ensure that cultivation and harvesting comply with local legislation, and 3) submitting the due diligence statement to the EU Information System.
Situation and objectives
Although the chocolate manufacturer is not directly impacted by the EUDR due to its headquarters being located in a non-EU country, its subsidiaries within the EU must ensure that raw cocoa and all relevant products comply with the regulation. This requires 1) verifying that no deforestation has taken place in all cultivated areas, 2) performing a risk assessment to ensure that cultivation and harvesting comply with local legislation, and 3) submitting the due diligence statement to the EU Information System.
Solution by Seedtrace
Step by step, the specially developed digital compliance guide and the Seedtrace team guide the customer through the EUDR requirements. The guide starts with the identification of the due diligence requirements. Subsequent steps include collecting geo-data, analysing deforestation risks, and ensuring compliance with national regulations. Additionally, the Seedtrace platform facilitates the preparation of due diligence statements for the EU and other reports mandated by the directive.
Solution by Seedtrace
Step by step, the specially developed digital compliance guide and the Seedtrace team guide the customer through the EUDR requirements. The guide starts with the identification of the due diligence requirements. Subsequent steps include collecting geo-data, analysing deforestation risks, and ensuring compliance with national regulations. Additionally, the Seedtrace platform facilitates the preparation of due diligence statements for the EU and other reports mandated by the directive.
Results and positive developments
Traceability creates facts and opportunities to take action
Establishing traceability in the supply chain enables the chocolate manufacturer to demonstrate its assumption of responsibility with concrete data. It also creates the basis for improvements in raw material procurement and operational processes. Collaboration with suppliers and local NGOs can be intensified, and new partnerships and joint solutions can be developed.
EUDR compliance ensures further trade and imports into the EU
By successfully establishing and automating the EUDR-related processes, the chocolate manufacturer is ensuring continuous import and trade in the European Union, which will likely be no longer possible from the beginning of 2026. In addition, compliance with the regulations will avoid penalties of up to four percent of annual turnover.
Ensure that your products comply with EUDR regulations
Our expert in deforestation-free supply chains is here to support you with any questions regarding EUDR. Together, we will guide you through the essential steps to achieve supply chain traceability and ensure compliance with EU regulations.
Katharina Elisa Davids
CEO and Co-Founder
Important learnings from the project
Already at the beginning, it became clear that batch-level traceability is an indispensable prerequisite for compliance with the EUDR. Although its implementation often requires adjustments to existing operating processes, it also creates optimisation potential along the entire supply chain and significantly minimises manual effort. Moreover, ensuring that the collected data can also be passed on to other players along the supply chain is highly relevant in order to achieve comprehensive transparency and compliance.
Important learnings from the project
Already at the beginning, it became clear that batch-level traceability is an indispensable prerequisite for compliance with the EUDR. Although its implementation often requires adjustments to existing operating processes, it also creates optimisation potential along the entire supply chain and significantly minimises manual effort. Moreover, ensuring that the collected data can also be passed on to other players along the supply chain is highly relevant in order to achieve comprehensive transparency and compliance.
Learn more about the key challenges and milestones in building deforestation-free supply chains
Implementing the requirements of the regulation within the timeframe before it takes effect is a complex task. Success depends heavily on the collaboration of all stakeholders across the supply chain. Explore our case study for an in-depth look at the challenges and key milestones in preparing for EUDR compliance.
