What is the EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition?

The EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition has been launched in the European Parliament.

It brings together companies, NGOs and stakeholders to call for legislation and policy for sustainability in agricultural and timber supply chains.

It aims to partner with producing companies and coordinate advocacy efforts between members.

What is the coalition?

The coalition aims to provide a platform for progressive supply chain stakeholders to engage with EU policy-makers.

Its ambition is to achieve sustainable agricultural and timber commodity supply chains, especially in sectors characterised by significant production by smallholder farmers.

This should allow farmers and workers to enjoy living incomes and work in supply chains in which human rights abuses, deforestation and other forms of environmental degradation are prevented and addressed.

To achieve its aim, it argues for meaningful change in the sector, with a focus on the design and implementation of ambitious and effective EU legislation and policy.

It also plans to work on other EU-focused activities, such as partnerships with countries, through the coordination of active and transparent advocacy efforts

Delara Burkhardt MEP hosted the meeting in the European Parliament.

She said: “Businesses are ready to deliver on sustainable supply chains.

“The EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition shows that the transition is already underway. What is needed now is certainty.

“The EU’s anti-deforestation rules must be implemented without further delay. Anything else would reward those who hold back.”

Tony’s Chocolonely and deforestation action

Global chocolate manufacturer Tony’s Chocolonely is one of the 17 industry leaders forming the coalition.

It says that its focus is on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is a law requiring that specific commodities including cattle, cocoa and soya and derived products sold in or exported from the EU are deforestation-free, legally produced and traceable.

To meet the requirements of the EUDR, companies must invest in consistent and reliable data collection, increasing traceability across the entire supply chain.

With the EU being a major importer of agricultural and timber products, conditions placed can reinforce incentives for sustainable production.

Tony’s Chocolonely posted on LinkedIn: “We’ve been waiting for the EUDR for years and a third revision would create even more uncertainty, undermining trust and slowing down the momentum we so urgently need to keep forests standing and supply chains resilient.

“No, the legislation isn’t perfect, but our coalition proves that the industry is eager for change. And progress beats waiting for perfection.”

Which companies are involved?

The coalition is made up of key players in the food and drink sector, including Ferrero, The Hershey Company, Mars Wrigley and Nestlé.

Its membership also includes environmental organisations such as Fairtrade International, International Cocoa Initiative, Rainforest Alliance, Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil and the European Cocoa Association.

Francesco Tramontin, Vice President Global Public Affairs at Ferrero, said: “Ferrero is pleased to join with companies, NGOs and other stakeholders in calling for ambitious EU action.

“We will only deliver lasting change if we collaborate across the value chain so we can amplify impact, share best practices and move in the same direction.

“By tackling deforestation, climate change and human rights risks, we can safeguard value and ensure thriving and resilient supply chains.”

The EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition was launched following a meeting on the EUDR.

The review of the Deforestation Regulation is expected to be completed by 30 April.