Who has Joined the EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition?

A new coalition has formed in the European Parliament to push for legislation on agricultural and timber supply chains.

The EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition brings together companies, NGOs and stakeholders who want policy that addresses sustainability in commodity production and distribution networks.

The coalition includes 17 industry leaders alongside environmental organisations. According to the group, its aim is to create partnerships with producing companies and coordinate advocacy efforts between members on supply chain issues.

Platform for supply chain policy

The coalition provides a forum for supply chain stakeholders to engage with EU policy makers on agricultural and timber commodity networks. Its stated ambition is to achieve sustainability in these supply chains, with particular attention to sectors where smallholder farmers make up a large portion of production.

The coalition argues that farmers and workers should receive living incomes and operate in supply chains where human rights abuses, deforestation and environmental degradation are prevented. To reach this goal, the group is calling for changes in sector design and implementation of EU legislation and policy.

It plans to coordinate advocacy efforts and work on EU-focused activities, including partnerships with producing countries. The coalition was hosted by Delara Burkhardt MEP in the European Parliament.

Delara says: "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."

Deforestation rules and supply chain traceability

Global chocolate manufacturer Tony's Chocolonely is among the 17 industry leaders forming the coalition. According to the company, its focus is on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which requires 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 EUDR requirements, companies must invest in consistent and reliable data collection, increasing traceability across entire supply chains. The EU is a major importer of agricultural and timber products, which could mean that conditions placed on imports can reinforce incentives for sustainable production practices.

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."

Member organisations and collaboration

The coalition comprises 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, says: "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. According to the coalition, the review of the Deforestation Regulation is expected to have been completed by 30 April.