DANZER BLOG

As a company in the wood industry, we at Danzer recognize the importance of maintaining an intact natural environment and are committed to responsible sourcing of timber. For decades, we have embraced sustainable practices, ensuring that our operations align with the principles of environmental stewardship. It is a resource we have depended on for three generations after all.

Sustainably sourced and traceable – for over 20 years
More than 20 years ago, Danzer decided that knowing more about the origin of the wood we purchase is of utmost importance to act sustainably and to fulfill our company values. This commitment to traceability means that we only source wood certified by internationally recognized standards for good forest management and human rights, such as sustainable management certifications. However, in high-risk areas, we go beyond these certifications by conducting our own assessments to ensure compliance and to eliminate identified risks. This includes checks for legal harvesting, anti-bribery and corruption measures, and adherence to labor laws, including the prohibition of child and forced labor.

Proactive Compliance with EUDR
For the first time, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) includes agricultural commodities that are deforestation drivers, often more impactful than the timber industry on existing forest cover. It introduces new, more rigorous requirements for traceability and due diligence in the supply chain focusing not only on timber legality but also deforestation and forest degradation. At Danzer, we welcome this development and are almost fully prepared for this change, because we have been implementing similar processes for over 20 years.

Our systems are designed to meet EUDR requirements by:
Deforestation checks: We have integrated geodata documentation into our SAP systems to track where and when each tree was harvested. This level of detail ensures traceability and verifies that no deforestation or degradation occurs.
Due Diligence System: The EUDR requires all companies to implement a comprehensive due diligence system for products within its scope. This system involves assessing the risk of non-compliance with harvesting, environmental and labor regulations, human rights, and more for each supplier and product. Companies must demonstrate their risk assessment process and, if risks are identified, implement appropriate mitigation measures to ensure negligible risk levels. This is not a one-time process but requires ongoing systematic screening of supply regions and at times, individual suppliers.
For years, Danzer has had a comprehensive due diligence and risk assessment system in place that systematically evaluates the supply chain. This system has been updated to comply with the EUDR and its guidance material.
While waiting for the EU benchmarking we have categorized risks into low, standard, and high levels and implement mitigation strategies accordingly. This continuous evaluation assures us that all wood sourced by Danzer is legally harvested and responsibly managed, with a new focus on deforestation.
A Due Diligence Statement or the reference to the Due Diligence Statement from the EU IT Platform will be provided with each shipment.

Leading the Industry in EUDR Implementation
Our proactive approach has positioned us as leaders in EUDR compliance. We were among the first to test the EU's geodata system, contributing our expertise to refine this crucial tool. Our longstanding commitment to due diligence means that while other companies scramble to meet the regulation’s requirements, we continue business as usual with minimal disruption.

Why Choose Danzer?
As our partner – be it as supplier or customer – you can be confident that you are working with a company deeply invested in sustainable forestry and compliance with international regulatory requirements. Our decades-long experience in due diligence ensures that our supply chain remains deforestation-free and ethically sound. By choosing Danzer, you align your business with a partner committed to preserving our planet's forests for future generations. We are ready for EUDR, and as our partner you can be sure that you get the information you need to comply with the EUDR.

After more than 90 years, at Danzer, sustainable forestry is not just a practice—it's part of our identity. And our dedication to transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility provides peace of mind for our partners and clients navigating the complexities of the EUDR landscape.