The Initiative Online Print (IOP) officially launched EUDR-X, a new cross-industry data standard designed to help print and packaging companies comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which goes into effect at the end of 2024. The regulation requires strict traceability and proof of deforestation-free sourcing for commodities such as wood and paper, which are fundamental to the print manufacturing industry. With EUDR-X, the print industry now has a standardized, digital solution to track product origins throughout the supply chain.

EUDR-X was developed in collaboration with leading members of the IOP network and digital solutions firm Zaikio. The tool provides companies with a centralized, manufacturer-neutral data format for recording and transmitting the due diligence information now required under the EU regulation. By enabling secure, transparent data exchange across stakeholders, including printers, paper suppliers, logistics providers, and brand owners, EUDR-X ensures that documentation is auditable, up-to-date, and compatible with future legislative requirements. Companies can begin using EUDR-X now in preparation for mandatory compliance in 2025.

“This is a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Bernd Zipper, Chairman of Initiative Online Print. “EUDR-X enables the entire value chain, from forest to final product, to demonstrate compliance with environmental regulations without disrupting production. It provides printers and packaging companies with the clarity and tools they need to navigate one of the most important regulatory shifts of the decade.”