EUDR and beyond with Donau Soja

 

The European Union (EU) has recently released several legislative initiatives and proposals as part of the Green Deal, aimed at strengthening sustainability and responsibility within businesses operating in the EU. These initiatives will introduce new sustainability requirements for companies’ supply chains.

The key points include:

EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): Starting from December 30, 2024, companies must ensure, through a due diligence process and statement, that certain raw materials, including soya, are produced deforestation-free and in compliance with national legislation. Donau Soja projects for EUDR compliance start now with the 2023 harvest already.  

QS scheme: From January 2024 on, all soya in animal feed in the German quality and safety scheme QS must be certified deforestation- and conversion-free (new Soja Plus module). Donau Soja and Europa Soya are recognised by QS as sustainability standards – We are already prepared to start the implementation with you now.

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): Starting from 2025 for the reporting year 2024, affected companies must report on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects using a mandatory framework called European Sustainability Reporting Standard (ESRS).  

European Sustainability Reporting Standard (ESRS): prescribes a common framework for ESG reporting. This includes the implementation of CO2–reduction goals and measures (including Scope 3 emissions) within their supply chains, among others. 

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (commonly referred to as the EU Supply Chain Act; CSDDD): It is proposed that companies must ensure respect for human rights and environmental protection in their supply chains, including compatibility with the 1.5-degree goal (Paris agreement), which also implies CO2–reduction in their supply chains. 

Benefits of Donau Soja & Europe Soya   

Donau Soja is a pioneer in deforestation and conversion-free supply chains. Donau Soja offers not only certified soya that is grown in Europe without causing deforestation or harm to other valuable ecosystems but also helps companies to comply with further sustainability aspects of the new legislation or corporate commitments, such as:

 

  • CO2-Reduction: Donau Soja/Europe Soya certified soya can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of products. This helps with upcoming legal requirements like the CSRD and the EU Supply Chain Act, as well as voluntary initiatives like the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). About 6,800 companies worldwide have committed to reducing CO2 in their operations and supply chains as part of SBTi. We work closely with WWF Austria to support our members in reducing CO2 and meeting SBTi goals.
  • Traceability: Donau Soja/Europe Soya offer complete traceability of soya back to the field through a multi-stage control system and traceability certificates. Donau Soja is a pioneer here, providing companies with a significant advantage in implementing the EUDR. 
  • Land Conversion: Donau Soja/Europe Soya is grown in Europe and guaranteed conversion-free (cut-off date 2008), ensuring the protection of valuable ecosystems in addition to forests. This goes well beyond the requirements of the EUDR and helps companies and initiatives committed to deforestation- and conversion-free supply chains. 
  • Biodiversity: Donau Soja protects biodiversity through a variety of cultivation practices such as reduced pesticide usage, best practice water management and conversion-free cultivation. 
  • GMO-Free: Donau Soja/Europe Soya is guaranteed GMO-free

EUDR Projects – Join Now  

Donau Soja invites interested companies to participate in projects to implement the EUDR NOW and establish sustainable, deforestation and conversion-free supply chains together. If you wish to participate or receive further information, please contact us at sustainability@donausoja.org. 

Webinar: EUDR & beyond – 17.10.2023

Donau Soja and the Global Nature Fund provided valuable insights into the 2023 European soya harvest forecast, upcoming requirements for European soya supply chains, and the innovative ELAN tool designed by the Global Nature Fund to assess deforestation risks within supply chains.

The presentations from the webinar are available here:

A recording of the webinar is available here: