Surviving Europe’s regulatory tsunami:
An interactive workshop for the pulp, paper & packaging industry

This workshop offers professionals from across the forest products supply chain, a clear, hands-on look at navigating key European regulations that will reshape the industry, especially the upcoming PPWR and EUDR. These measures are driving urgent compliance demands and bringing heightened challenges and opportunities for collaboration across the pulp, paper and packaging sector.

Join us for a dynamic, hands-on workshop, tailored to 40-45 industry stakeholders across the supply chain. This intimate but high impact session will feature a mix of engaging presentations, roundtable discussions, interactive brainstorming sessions and open forums, all aimed at fostering collaboration and uncovering innovative approaches to compliance. Leave equipped with actionable insights and a comprehensive understanding of how to thrive amidst regulatory changes. 

Key Regulations:

· EUDR: Requires raw materials like wood to be deforestation-free for EU sales or export, with strict supply chain traceability down to the geo-location level.

· PPWR: Expected to pass soon, this regulation mandates 85% recyclability for all paper and cardboard packaging by 2030, along with a reduction in packaging volume and weight.

09:30 Welcome & Introductions

09:35 Introduction & Morning Icebreaker

09:40 Presentation: EUDR – The true impact on market dynamics and the future of trade

• · What level of geo-localisation is required for tracing virgin fibre, especially in complex products like corrugated board? 
• · What data and reporting systems are necessary for EUDR compliance? 
• · How feasible is geo-localisation across global supply chains, and what strategies are companies using? 
• · What penalties could arise from non-compliance, and how will they impact businesses? 
• · What are the cost implications of implementing these compliance systems? 
• · The role of EPR in compliant reporting

10:15 Unboxing the PPWR regulation

This segment will cover the scope of regulatory requirements concerning packaging, including recyclability, recycled content, reuse, labelling, and packaging waste prevention. 

• · Where have we come from, and where are we going with the PPWR?
• · Which paper grades might be pushed out of the market due to these policies? 
• · How can companies conduct assessments of their products and their impacts? 
• · How will different barrier segments of the market be affected?

10:45 Networking break

11:15 How to design products for recyclability – design for recycling guidelines

Following on from there first and second edition guidelines, 4Evergreen will highlight the
latest developments and best practice examples on how to design for upcoming policy
requirements under the PPWR

• · Overview of design for recycling guidelines  
• · How efficiently can fibre based packaging materials be recycled?
• · What are the considerations needed? 

11:45 Case study: Rethinking packaging: The shift to reusable solutions

• · How achievable are the PPWR targets, and what are the potential implications of these mandates? 
• · A comparison of corrugated cardboard and plastic reusable crates: Pros and cons. 
• · What costs are associated with implementing reusable packaging alternatives? 
• · Assessing the environmental impact of storage and transportation for reusable solutions.

12:15 Interactive task

Collaborate in groups to tackle a real-world industry challenge. You’ll be assigned a specific problem to solve, encouraging teamwork and innovative thinking. Develop a comprehensive solution and present your insights to the larger group, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and strategies. This session will enhance your understanding of industry dynamics.

13:15 Networking lunch

14:15 Interactive brainstorm: One-word reflection

In this engaging activity, participants will address two key questions regarding the European regulatory environment: 

• · How would you describe your current sentiment towards the regulatory landscape? 

• · What would it take to change your perspective on this? 

14:20 Roundtable breakout

Join roundtable discussions with key leaders across the supply chain to explore the most pressing issues and debates surrounding the future of policy. Gain insights into how others are navigating current challenges to ensure compliance.

15:20 Networking break

15:50 PPWR: Opportunity or obstacle for brands?

• · Transforming challenges into brand innovation and transparency 
• · Key cost considerations 
• · The impact of changing consumer preferences
• · What do end-users expect from the supply chain?

16:20 European green deal: Let’s be realistic: What’s next for the industry?

Europe has a net zero target by 2050, and 55% of reduced emissions by 2030 – what does that mean for the forest products industry? 

• · Key preparations for companies to meet targets 
• · Impact on smaller players with limited resources  
• · Projected costs of decarbonizing supply chains 
• · Role of energy efficiency in achieving targets 

16:50 Closing summary and workshop overview: Where does the industry go next?

• · Key takeaways and insights covered  
• · What are the collaborative strategies for ongoing compliance?   

17:00 End of workshop