April 13 - Most European consumers care about forests – they don’t want to eat, wear and wash with products that contribute to forest loss. This is the root of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which takes aim at the links between... [5782 chars]

Most European consumers care about forests – they don’t want to eat, wear and wash with products that contribute to forest loss. This is the root of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which takes aim at the links between EU imports and global deforestation, estimated to affect an area almost the size of Rome each year. Yet the EUDR has faced pushback, resulting in dilution ​and delays, with implementation postponed to the end of 2026.

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BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Peruvians head to the polls Sunday to elect a new president and Congress, but illegal mining — a major driver of deforestation and…

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BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Peruvians head to the polls Sunday to elect a new president and Congress, but illegal mining — a major driver of deforestation and mercury pollution — has received little attention on the campaign trail, even as it spreads dee... [6477 chars]

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Peruvians head to the polls Sunday to elect a new president and Congress, but illegal mining — a major driver of deforestation and

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SFGATE

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Peruvians head to the polls Sunday to elect a new president and Congress, but illegal mining — a major driver of deforestation and mercury pollution — has received little attention on the campaign trail, even as it spreads dee... [6205 chars]

As Peru heads into elections, most political parties lack concrete plans to tackle illegal mining, a major driver of deforestation and mercury pollution in the Amazon.

The Associated Press

Candidates in Peru's elections offer few plans to tackle illegal mining

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The CAG attributed the disappearance and degradation of lakes primarily to changes in land use within lake bodies and their catchment areas, along with deforestation, climate change and unregulated human activities

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The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operations
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Globant and CMPC Launched an AI-Based Supply Chain Traceability Solution compliant with EU Deforestation Regulation

Although more progress is needed, a growing number of companies are adopting and implementing deforestation commitments ahead of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) taking effect in December, according to a new report analyzing public data on 500 companies exposed to deforestation in their supply chains.
Global Canopy's newest Forest 500 Report found that 14% of companies mentioned the EUDR in deforestation commitments and more than 25% reported new implementation actions in 2025. The number of companies with traceability mechanisms also increased.
The report also found that 24 companies have never published deforestation commitments and that 14 backtracked on previous commitments in 2025.
The legal uncertainty surrounding the EUDR and its implementation disincentivizes companies from adopting systems for due diligence on deforestation, experts say.
See All Key Ideas
Some companies have made headway toward removing deforestation from their supply chains in the last year, in preparation for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), according to a new report by the NGO Global Canopy. This shows that the upcoming regulation is driving some progress despite an unfavorable global climate for environmental commitments.
The Forest 500 Report 2026 examined the corporate commitments on deforestation, land conversion and human rights of the 500 companies with most influence over nine commodities linked to deforestation and covered by the EUDR: beef, cocoa, coffee, leather, palm, pulp and paper, rubber, soy and timber. It found that more than a quarter of companies reported new forms of implementation action in 2025, and 14% specifically mentioned the EUDR in documents about deforestation commitments. Forest 500 is based on public documents, and more companies could be making decisions based on the EUDR in private, the report notes.
The EUDR is due to take effect Dec. 30 this year after several delays.
'The EUDR is the main focus of this report. The key takeaway is that it's working, it's appearing in lots of company reporting, with 68 companies in our assessment citing it in regard to deforestation commitments, especially with traceability,' said Chloe Rollscane, a research associate at Global Canopy. 'Even though [the EUDR] is not in place yet, it's obvious that companies are getting ready for it.'
These companies include producers and processors in source countries, as well as traders and retailers in the EU, Rollscane told Mongabay in a video interview.
One example in the report is Peruvian coffee company Corporación Perhusa, which said its coffee plots meet EUDR requirements based on analysis of official deforestation maps. Another is restaurant chain Domino's Pizza, which stated it aimed to make its European operations EUDR-compliant by the end of 2025. Domino's did not reply to an email from Mongabay about whether this had been achieved.
Forest 500 also found that traceability for all commodities except beef increased in 2025, with 23% of upstream companies and 14% of downstream companies reporting traceability mechanisms. The EUDR requires companies to be able to trace a commodity to where it was produced, to guarantee it is not linked to deforestation after 2020.
More progress needed
Despite these signs of progress, corporate efforts on deforestation remain insufficient.
Just 29% of the 500 companies had commitments to address deforestation for all the commodities they produce or source. Only 120 companies reported that more than half of their volumes were deforestation and conversion-free (DCF) for at least one commodity. Reporting DCF volumes is a measure of how successful deforestation commitments are. Companies in rubber, leather and coffee performed the worst, with none or very few reporting more than 50% DCF volumes.
A mere 19 companies are considered 'leaders,' with strong implementation as well as comprehensive commitments.
Meanwhile, a group of 24 'persistent laggards' have never published deforestation commitments. This could expose them to legal action, reputational risks and reduced access to capital, the report notes.
Factors such as how much a country or industry engaged with deforestation prior to the EUDR can affect companies' preparedness, said Tina Schneider, director for forest governance and policy at the World Resources Institute. Corporate compliance is easier in countries where governments are implementing their own traceability systems for certain commodities, she said, citing Ghana's wood and cocoa tracking systems as examples. 'It's not always perfect but the fact that there is one coordinated way forward is easier,' Schneider told Mongabay.
Forest 500 also identified 14 companies that backtracked on deforestation efforts in 2025, by removing commitments or withdrawing from certification schemes. Brazilian meatpacker Minerva is one of them, after changing the wording of its commitments in a CDP report, a voluntary reporting framework, to focus on illegal deforestation only. Brazilian law permits a certain level of legal deforestation, but the EUDR prohibits any deforestation. Minerva told Mongabay in a statement that it had not backtracked on commitments, as it stands by the public objective first made in its 2021 sustainability commitment to remove illegal deforestation from its supply chain by 2030. Minerva added that it is well-positioned to meet EUDR requirements.
Another is U.S. sportswear brand Nike, which is exposed to deforestation through pulp and paper for its shoeboxes. Nike has rolled back a 2024 commitment to protecting priority forests and sourcing FSC-certified packaging, the report said.
Rollscane noted that there have been allegations of fraud surrounding FSC, the world's largest green timber label, but there is no way of knowing what prompted Nike's rollback. 'Best practice would be for Nike to publicly say why that is,' she said. Nike did not respond to a request for comment.
Leather highlights EUDR importance
The Forest 500 report flagged some progress on tracing supply chains by companies exposed to leather, arguing that they 'could readily comply,' even as the leather industry is in the spotlight over reports that it is successfully lobbying the European Commission to exclude the commodity from the EUDR's scope.
Recent analysis by the NGO Earthsight found that seven out of the 10 Brazilian states with the most tree cover loss between 2020 and 2024 accounted for nearly a fifth of Brazil's leather exports to the EU in 2024 and 2025. 'Despite this and a mountain of other evidence by other NGOs and investigations, the industry still argues that there is no link to deforestation,' said Miki Ng, a researcher at Earthsight.
Yet there is demand for sustainable leather from consumer brands, she said. 'You have big brands from the fashion industry, the automotive industry, who've said they want to source deforestation-free leather by 2030,' Ng told Mongabay in a video interview. 'The EUDR is kind of moving that along,' she added.
Forest 500 data echo this, citing Spanish clothing company Inditex (which owns Zara), German sports shoe brand Puma, French luxury goods company Kering (owner of Gucci and Saint Laurent) and car firms BMW Group and Volkswagen Group, among others, as improving traceability on leather.
EUDR delays undermine changes
Experts warn that the multiple delays and talks of changes to the EUDR are a disincentive to companies, even as some are taking steps on deforestation ahead of the legislation coming into force.
Schneider said the 'constantly shifting legal landscape' makes it harder for companies to make decisions on setting up and implementing their due diligence systems.
'Efforts have been made by companies and countries to prepare for the law, and every time the law gets reopened or postponed, it doesn't create more legal certainty, it actually increases costs,' Ng said.
'The EUDR should be put into practice so that people can test out those systems, see if they work and then improve them,' she added.
Although the majority is still lacking, a few companies in the Forest 500 report show that it is possible to trace commodities across complex supply chains and guarantee DCF volumes without this affecting a company's bottom line, Rollscane said.
'Nestlé is a really good example of a company that has a complicated supply chain; they are exposed to many commodities, but they are managing to implement a lot of what … aligns with best practice,' she said.
On its website, Nestlé says 96.7% of its primary supply chains for meat, palm oil, pulp and paper, soy, sugar, cocoa and coffee were deforestation-free at the end of 2025, a result based on a combination of satellite monitoring, on-the-ground assessments through partners and certifications and sourcing of volumes traced to low-risk regions.
'It can be done and it's proven it can be done,' Rollscane said.
Banner image: Cattle graze on land recently burned and deforested by cattle farmers near Novo Progresso, Para state, Brazil. The cattle industry in Brazil is a major driver of destruction of the Amazon rainforest, a fact documented by the World Bank and numerous academic studies. (AP Photo/Andre Penner, File)
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Some companies have made headway toward removing deforestation from their supply chains in the last year, in preparation for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), according to a new report by the NGO Global Canopy. This shows that the upcoming regulation is driving some progress despite an unfavorable global climate for environmental commitments. The Forest […]

EUDR is starting to steer company actions, despite slow progress: Report

Some companies have made headway toward removing deforestation from their supply chains in the last year, in preparation for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), according to a new report by the NGO Global Canopy. This shows that the upcoming regulation is driving some progress despite an unfavorable global climate for environmental commitments.
The Forest 500 Report 2026 examined the corporate commitments on deforestation, land conversion and human rights of the 500 companies with most influence over nine commodities linked to deforestation and covered by the EUDR: beef, cocoa, coffee, leather, palm, pulp and paper, rubber, soy and timber. It found that more than a quarter of companies reported new forms of implementation action in 2025, and 14% specifically mentioned the EUDR in documents about deforestation commitments. Forest 500 is based on public documents, and more companies could be making decisions based on the EUDR in private, the report notes.
The EUDR is due to take effect Dec. 30 this year after several delays.
'The EUDR is the main focus of this report. The key takeaway is that it's working, it's appearing in lots of company reporting, with 68 companies in our assessment citing it in regard to deforestation commitments, especially with traceability,' said Chloe Rollscane, a research associate at Global Canopy. 'Even though [the EUDR] is not in place yet, it's obvious that companies are getting ready for it.'
These companies include producers and processors in source countries, as well as traders and retailers in the EU, Rollscane told Mongabay in a video interview.
One example in the report is Peruvian coffee company Corporación Perhusa, which said its coffee plots meet EUDR requirements based on analysis of official deforestation maps. Another is restaurant chain Domino's Pizza, which stated it aimed to make its European operations EUDR-compliant by the end of 2025. Domino's did not reply to an email from Mongabay about whether this had been achieved.
Forest 500 also found that traceability for all commodities except beef increased in 2025, with 23% of upstream companies and 14% of downstream companies reporting traceability mechanisms. The EUDR requires companies to be able to trace a commodity to where it was produced, to guarantee it is not linked to deforestation after 2020.
Despite these signs of progress, corporate efforts on deforestation remain insufficient.
Just 29% of the 500 companies had commitments to address deforestation for all the commodities they produce or source. Only 120 companies reported that more than half of their volumes were deforestation and conversion-free (DCF) for at least one commodity. Reporting DCF volumes is a measure of how successful deforestation commitments are. Companies in rubber, leather and coffee performed the worst, with none or very few reporting more than 50% DCF volumes.
A mere 19 companies are considered 'leaders,' with strong implementation as well as comprehensive commitments.
Meanwhile, a group of 24 'persistent laggards' have never published deforestation commitments. This could expose them to legal action, reputational risks and reduced access to capital, the report notes.
Factors such as how much a country or industry engaged with deforestation prior to the EUDR can affect companies' preparedness, said Tina Schneider, director for forest governance and policy at the World Resources Institute. Corporate compliance is easier in countries where governments are implementing their own traceability systems for certain commodities, she said, citing Ghana's wood and cocoa tracking systems as examples. 'It's not always perfect but the fact that there is one coordinated way forward is easier,' Schneider told Mongabay.
Forest 500 also identified 14 companies that backtracked on deforestation efforts in 2025, by removing commitments or withdrawing from certification schemes. Brazilian meatpacker Minerva is one of them, after changing the wording of its commitments in a CDP report, a voluntary reporting framework, to focus on illegal deforestation only. Brazilian law permits a certain level of legal deforestation, but the EUDR prohibits any deforestation. Minerva told Mongabay in a statement that it had not backtracked on commitments, as it stands by the public objective first made in its 2021 sustainability commitment to remove illegal deforestation from its supply chain by 2030. Minerva added that it is well-positioned to meet EUDR requirements.
Another is U.S. sportswear brand Nike, which is exposed to deforestation through pulp and paper for its shoeboxes. Nike has rolled back a 2024 commitment to protecting priority forests and sourcing FSC-certified packaging, the report said.
Rollscane noted that there have been allegations of fraud surrounding FSC, the world's largest green timber label, but there is no way of knowing what prompted Nike's rollback. 'Best practice would be for Nike to publicly say why that is,' she said. Nike did not respond to a request for comment.
The Forest 500 report flagged some progress on tracing supply chains by companies exposed to leather, arguing that they 'could readily comply,' even as the leather industry is in the spotlight over reports that it is successfully lobbying the European Commission to exclude the commodity from the EUDR's scope.
Recent analysis by the NGO Earthsight found that seven out of the 10 Brazilian states with the most tree cover loss between 2020 and 2024 accounted for nearly a fifth of Brazil's leather exports to the EU in 2024 and 2025. 'Despite this and a mountain of other evidence by other NGOs and investigations, the industry still argues that there is no link to deforestation,' said Miki Ng, a researcher at Earthsight.
Yet there is demand for sustainable leather from consumer brands, she said. 'You have big brands from the fashion industry, the automotive industry, who've said they want to source deforestation-free leather by 2030,' Ng told Mongabay in a video interview. 'The EUDR is kind of moving that along,' she added.
Forest 500 data echo this, citing Spanish clothing company Inditex (which owns Zara), German sports shoe brand Puma, French luxury goods company Kering (owner of Gucci and Saint Laurent) and car firms BMW Group and Volkswagen Group, among others, as improving traceability on leather.
Experts warn that the multiple delays and talks of changes to the EUDR are a disincentive to companies, even as some are taking steps on deforestation ahead of the legislation coming into force.
Schneider said the 'constantly shifting legal landscape' makes it harder for companies to make decisions on setting up and implementing their due diligence systems.
'Efforts have been made by companies and countries to prepare for the law, and every time the law gets reopened or postponed, it doesn't create more legal certainty, it actually increases costs,' Ng said.
'The EUDR should be put into practice so that people can test out those systems, see if they work and then improve them,' she added.
Although the majority is still lacking, a few companies in the Forest 500 report show that it is possible to trace commodities across complex supply chains and guarantee DCF volumes without this affecting a company's bottom line, Rollscane said.
'Nestlé is a really good example of a company that has a complicated supply chain; they are exposed to many commodities, but they are managing to implement a lot of what … aligns with best practice,' she said.
On its website, Nestlé says 96.7% of its primary supply chains for meat, palm oil, pulp and paper, soy, sugar, cocoa and coffee were deforestation-free at the end of 2025, a result based on a combination of satellite monitoring, on-the-ground assessments through partners and certifications and sourcing of volumes traced to low-risk regions.
'It can be done and it's proven it can be done,' Rollscane said.
Banner image: Cattle graze on land recently burned and deforested by cattle farmers near Novo Progresso, Para state, Brazil. The cattle industry in Brazil is a major driver of destruction of the Amazon rainforest, a fact documented by the World Bank and numerous academic studies. (AP Photo/Andre Penner, File)

… companies from adopting systems for due diligence on deforestation, experts say.
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This is according to Global Canopy's latest Forest 500 report, which tracks the deforestation and ecosystem conversion work of hundreds of the world's largest companies operating in forest-risk supply chains.
Companies in beef, cocoa, coffee, leather, palm oil, pulp and paper, rubber, soy and timber value chains are included in the analysis.
Across eight of these commodities, companies collectively improved their supply chain traceability mechanisms. The only commodity bucking the trend was beef.
In all commodities, more than one-quarter of companies reported forms of implementation action in 2025 which they had not reported in 2024.
Just under one-fifth of the companies publicly stated their need to prepare for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as a reason for taking these actions.
EUDR will mean that products derived from beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, natural rubber, soy, or wood must be 'deforestation-free' and legally produced to be placed on the EU market. The burden of complying or explaining sits with importing businesses. Deforestation after 31 December 2020 is taken into account.
Non-compliance carries a fine of at least 4% of a company's turnover within EU markets.
The Regulation is due to enter force from the end of 2026 for large businesses, having been delayed by two years.
Global Canopy's executive director, Niki Mardas, said: 'Influential companies in the deforestation economy have prepared for the legislation and several are vocal in their support. The EU's goals and targets are best served by decisive implementation without further delays, simplifications or scope reductions.'
Laggards remain
While many companies have bolstered their deforestation approaches, Global Canopy did find that many are still failing to make even basic interventions.
One-third of the companies assessed have no deforestation or ecosystem conversion commitments for any commodity. Among them are the UK commodity trader Engelhart, Italian coffee company FinLav, US-based food manufacturer Land O'Lakes and German multinational shoe retailer Deichmann.
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And, for most companies with commitments, at least one commodity is excluded from the scope. Commitments are most likely to exclude leather, beef, pulp and paper.
Global Canopy only classes 4% of the companies it assessed as 'leaders' with strong deforestation commitments and regular reporting on implementation and progress.
Among them are US consumer goods company Procter & Gamble (P&G), Finnish producer of timber and paper UPM Timber and Japanese paper manufacturer Nippon Paper Group.
Related news: Chocolate industry pushes UK Government for ban on deforestation-linked imports

While the EU's plans to ban imports of deforestation-linked products are driving most businesses to increase supply chain traceability work, one in three still have no public commitment to address deforestation in any of their key commodities.

Report: With EUDR looming, one in three businesses still lack deforestation commitments

Cattle are seen amid smoke from a burning tract of the Amazon jungle as it is cleared by loggers and farmers in Apui, Amazonas state, Brazil. REUTERS/Bruno Kelly Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab
April 13 - Most European consumers care about forests – they don't want to eat, wear and wash with products that contribute to forest loss. This is the root of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which takes aim at the links between EU imports and global deforestation, estimated to affect an area almost the size of Rome each year. Yet the EUDR has faced pushback, resulting in dilution ​and delays, with implementation postponed to the end of 2026.
This is a critical moment for the law. The Commission has been tasked with a simplification review , which ‌it must report on by the end of April. As they deliberate next steps, EU lawmakers would do well to consider new evidence from Forest 500 , showing that companies have already responded tangibly to the prospect of legislation. Even ahead of implementation, the EUDR has succeeded in steering business expectations, galvanising investments and driving supply chain action by some of the most influential companies in the deforestation economy.
Each year, Forest 500 shines a spotlight on the actions ​of the 500 companies with the greatest influence on commodity-driven deforestation through their producing and sourcing of nine forest-risk commodities: beef, cocoa, coffee, leather, palm oil, pulp and paper, rubber, ​soy and timber. All of them are in the EUDR's scope. The data shows that in 2025, 68 (14%) of the 500 companies explicitly cited the ⁠EUDR in public documents related to action on tackling deforestation. In particular, the data reveals an increase in traceability mechanisms over eight of the nine commodities. This includes progress in tracking supply ​chains by companies exposed to leather, a commodity that some have called to be excluded from the EUDR.
Traceability is at the heart of the EUDR. Companies placing in-scope commodities and derived products onto the ​EU market, or exporting from it, need to trace them to the point of production and demonstrate that they are deforestation-free and produced legally. Among 45 companies that reference the EUDR when reporting action taken on traceability in 2025 are U.S.-based restaurant chain Domino's Pizza, Italian confectionary company Ferrero and Brazilian meat-packer Frigol. As the data assessment relies solely on public disclosures by companies, it is likely that this is just the tip of a bigger iceberg ​of private corporate decisions on tracking value chains.
Progress made in 2025 by 19 leading companies across sectors and geographies demonstrates that commodity-driven deforestation is a solvable crisis. Among the leaders are Nestle ​and Flora Food Group. Both are downstream companies reliant on many third-party suppliers, proving that complexity is no excuse for inaction.
Michelin is one of several leading companies who have been vocal in their support for the EUDR. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab
Yet the vast majority of companies fail to act with necessary speed. Just 29% of companies have ‌commitments for ⁠all their commodities. More than two-thirds (313) of the cohort have signalled some intent to tackle deforestation, but have made limited progress. A further 168 (33%) are laggards and have no deforestation or ecosystem conversion commitments for any commodity. Among them are 24 companies that have failed to publish a deforestation commitment in the 12 years since 2014, when the global community signalled the critical role of business and finance in tackling this problem, and Forest 500 began to keep score.
In this group are Swiss shoemaker Bata Corporation, Germany's largest shoemaker Deichmann Group and U.S. agricultural cooperative Land O'Lakes, Inc, companies we highlight because of their size and exposure to a range of forest-risk commodities.
Despite talk of ​an ESG reversal, only 14 companies reduced ambition ​on deforestation since the 2024 assessment. Among ⁠them is is one of the world's biggest sportswear companies, Nike, which removed pulp and paper from its 2025 sustainability reporting, metric and ambitions, rolling back a commitment made in 2024 to protect priority forests by only sourcing FSC-certified packaging.
The EUDR is a landmark recognition that voluntary action is not enough, and robust regulation is ​needed to keep forests standing for current and future generations. Watering down or further postponing the law will only weaken the EU's credibility. Leading ​companies have stood up for ⁠the EUDR, with giants like Olam International, Carrefour and Michelin showing vocal support. Civil society in Brazil and Indonesia also backs the law.
Lawmakers face a choice: they can stand with public opinion and the scientific evidence, affirming and rewarding the investments made by far-sighted companies – or they can give in to narrow lobbying interests, to our collective detriment.
Nature is critical for human life, economic activity and even national security, as ⁠a recent ​UK government report recognised. The impact of deforestation is increasingly evident, as extreme weather leaves an alarming trail of destruction, ​crop failures threaten food security and the growing insurance gap from climate repricing leaves people and businesses exposed to insecurity and financial ruin.
These crises will multiply if deforestation continues unchecked; and the earlier action is taken to protect forests, the greater ​the benefits. Leading companies have shown that the tools, data and know-how to tackle their part of this needless crisis now exist.
Europe even has a law ready to go – what is it waiting for?
Opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias. Ethical Corporation Magazine, a part of Reuters Professional, is owned by Thomson Reuters and operates independently of Reuters News.
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Most European consumers care about forests – they don't want to eat, wear and wash with products that contribute to forest loss. This is the root of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which takes aim at the links between EU imports and global deforestation, estimated to affect an area almost the size of Rome each year. Yet the EUDR has faced pushback, resulting in dilution ​and delays, with implementation postponed to the end of 2026.

Europe's deforestation law is already saving forests. This is no time to let up the pressure

A United Nations-backed approach for protecting tropical forests may be vulnerable to a familiar carbon market problem: getting paid without doing much extra.
A new study from
That starting point is the 'baseline,' the estimate of how much
The researchers found that the way some jurisdictional
The experts emphasize that they found no evidence that participating governments have deliberately exploited these incentives.
Still, the design features leave the door open and the stakes are large as major companies and coalitions commit billions of dollars to these credits.
Why land-use emissions matter so much
Deforestation and other land-use changes remain a major slice of global climate pollution. The study notes that emissions from
Because protecting forests can avoid emissions quickly, forest-based carbon credits have become attractive to governments and corporations trying to meet climate pledges.
But credibility has been a persistent issue, especially when credits don't represent real, additional emissions reductions.
Weaknesses in carbon credit projects
The paper focuses on jurisdictional REDD+ (JREDD+), a government-level model that grew out of criticisms of project-based REDD+.
Traditional REDD+ credits are often created at the project scale: a landowner enrolls a plot, reduces deforestation there, and earns credits.
Project-based approaches have long been criticized for two big vulnerabilities. One is 'non-additionality,' where a project is credited for
The other is 'leakage,' where reducing deforestation in one area shifts pressure elsewhere so the net forest loss doesn't change much.
Jurisdictional REDD+ was built as a response. Instead of crediting a single land parcel, it credits an entire state, province, or country for reducing deforestation across its borders.
Brazil pioneered an early version of this approach in 2008, and the voluntary market has increasingly treated jurisdictional crediting as a more credible alternative.
But the Yale team argues that jurisdictional programs can still have structural weaknesses, especially in how baselines are determined.
Loopholes in the system
The study highlights several ways the baseline system can tilt incentives.
One issue is that a jurisdiction already experiencing declining deforestation can potentially generate credits without implementing new forest policies.
Another is that jurisdictions where deforestation is rising – often the very places that need financing to change course – may be discouraged from joining because they would need to slash forest loss dramatically before they qualify for any credits.
The researchers also spotted a more alarming pattern in participation timing: in about half the jurisdictions that enrolled, deforestation rose temporarily just before the program's crediting period began, and then dropped afterward.
Study co-author Luke Sanford is an assistant professor of environmental policy and governance at the Yale School of the Environment.
'People have talked a lot about what the benefits are of getting carbon credits from jurisdictional REDD. This study points out that there are definitely some things we should worry about, even if we think that those actors haven't taken advantage of them – yet' said Sanford.
Billions of dollars are already in motion
This isn't a niche accounting debate. One of the major JREDD registries,
Some of the largest buyers include U.S. companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and Salesforce, purchasing credits through the
'There's billions of dollars of commitments, but there hasn't been that much evaluation of what those credits are going to look like, their potential, and the strengths and weaknesses of the program,' Sanford said.
That's why the incentive structure matters. If crediting rules consistently reward places that would have improved anyway, the program risks sending funding to the wrong places and delivering less
The potential for adverse selection
The study's most concerning finding is what the researchers describe as the potential for adverse selection.
In simple terms, the program could attract jurisdictions that know they're already positioned to earn credits because their deforestation rate is likely to fall regardless of the program.
The mechanism comes down to how baselines are calculated. Many JREDD protocols set baselines using a simple historical average over a previous reference period.
If deforestation was unusually high during that reference window and then naturally declines afterward, the jurisdiction can appear to be 'beating' its baseline without necessarily doing more conservation work.
Meanwhile, the reverse problem is also built in: jurisdictions where deforestation is rising can end up with baselines that make it harder to earn early credits.
These governments may need to spend heavily to cut forest loss just to reach the threshold where crediting starts.
This is precisely the kind of financial barrier that can keep high-need places out of the program.
A pre-enrollment deforestation spike
Even though the researchers found no evidence of deliberate gaming, they did identify a troubling pattern.
In many places, deforestation spiked right before the crediting period began and then fell afterward.
If a jurisdiction expects enrollment, a short-term increase in deforestation can inflate the historical baseline, making later reductions look larger than they truly are.
Sanford and co-author Alberto Garcia describe this as an 'anticipatory moral hazard,' a situation where actors might have incentives to behave worse right before measurement begins, because it could increase future rewards.
The researchers note that governments aren't always in a position to strategically time enrollment or manipulate deforestation rates, given political realities and administrative constraints.
But the baseline rules still create the opportunity – and if the market grows, incentives tend to attract actors who are best positioned to benefit from them.
Dynamic baselines are needed
To reduce the chance of baseline manipulation, the authors suggest moving away from fixed baselines set in advance.
Instead, they propose dynamic baselines calculated after the crediting period ends, based on deforestation trends in comparable jurisdictions.
The idea is to keep participants from knowing their own baseline in advance, which would reduce the ability to 'optimize' behavior around it.
The tradeoff is that governments would have less certainty about future revenue when they sign up, which could make participation harder.
The integrity of forest carbon credits
'We took seriously how the different incentives faced by both jurisdictional governments and landowners themselves can shape the integrity of forest carbon credits in jurisdictional programs,' Garcia said.
'I'm optimistic that better understanding those incentives can help inform the design of more credible carbon markets, especially as jurisdictional REDD+ continues to grow and evolve.'
Jurisdictional REDD+ was built to fix real problems in earlier forest crediting schemes. But this study argues that even the 'improved' model can still reward reductions that aren't truly additional.
The model can inadvertently lock out the jurisdictions where deforestation is worsening and intervention is most needed.
The warning isn't that these programs are inherently useless. It's that the details of baseline setting can decide whether billions of dollars buy real forest protection or a cleaner-looking spreadsheet.
The study is published in the journal
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A new study finds flaws in forest carbon credit baselines that could allow countries to earn billions without cutting deforestation.

Forest carbon credits may reward countries without cutting deforestation

Brazil amazon deforestation fell 50 percent under Lula by 2025. INPE data, Amazon Fund, carbon credits, COP30 Belem outcomes and what ESG investors must know. The post Brazil Amazon 2026: Deforestation Data, Carbon Credits and the Lula Green Agenda appeared first on The Rio Times.

Brazil amazon deforestation fell 50 percent under Lula by 2025. INPE data, Amazon Fund, carbon credits, COP30 Belem outcomes and what ESG investors must know. The post Brazil Amazon 2026:…

Brazil Amazon 2026: Deforestation Data, Carbon Credits and the Lula Green Agenda

Some companies have made headway toward removing deforestation from their supply chains in the last year, in preparation for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), according to a new report by the NGO Global Canopy. This shows that the upcoming regulation is driving some progress despite an unfavorable global
"
The EUDR is the main focus of this report. The key takeaway is that it's working, it's appearing in lots of company reporting, with 68 companies in our assessment citing it in regard to deforestation commitments, especially with traceability,
"

Some companies have made headway toward removing deforestation from their supply chains in the last year, in preparation for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), according to a new…

While the looming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has been nudging corporate behavioral changes in Europe, the coffee industry remains among the weakest performers on several key indicators of deforestation risk, according to the 2026 edition of the Forest 500 report from UK-based environmental NGO Global Canopy.
Now in its 12th year, the Forest 500 annually assesses 500 companies with the greatest influence over nine forest-risk commodities — beef, cocoa, coffee, leather, palm oil, pulp and paper, rubber, soy and timber — based solely on public disclosures on company websites.
It should be noted that Global Canopy has publicly argued against further EUDR delays and simplification. For the Forest 500 list, the group names Climate Arc and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) as financial supporters.
'While some battles have been won, this year's Forest 500 data shows that the fight against deforestation is still being needlessly lost,' the report's executive summary states. 'The year 2025 was at the heart of high-profile corporate targets to end deforestation — but these have now been missed. As in previous years, too few companies are acting with enough urgency.' Action (and Inaction) Across Sectors
The report says 68 of the 500 companies, or 14%, cited the EUDR in public documents tied to deforestation action. Separately, public evidence of traceability mechanisms improved across eight of the nine commodities.
However, the report describes the EUDR itself as arriving 'in a delayed and diluted form' after the EU postponed application to Dec. 30, 2026, for large and medium operators and traders, and to June 30, 2027, for micro and small operators.
Designed to prevent new deforestation in European supply chains, the law was adopted in 2023 with enforcement originally scheduled for the end of 2024. Coffee Sector Performance
For coffee specifically, the picture is mixed. The share of Forest 500 companies with a public deforestation-free commitment for coffee rose to 47% in 2025, up from 44% in 2024. Coffee traceability mechanisms also improved to 18%, up from 14%.
However, on one of the most concrete measures — the share of companies publicly reporting that more than half their coffee volumes are deforestation- and conversion-free — coffee ranked near the bottom of the nine commodities at just 5%, down from 7% a year earlier. Only leather scored lower, at 1%. Leaders, Laggards and Backtrackers
The Forest 500 report gives each company a percentage score based on what it publicly discloses on its own website, with 25% of the score tied to the strength of its commitments and the other 75% tied to implementation, reporting and verification.
The report also sorts companies into three broad categories: 'Leaders' have strong deforestation commitments for all the commodities they are assessed for and report significantly stronger implementation than most; 'Late Majority' companies have signaled some intent to tackle deforestation but have made only partial commitments and/or achieved weak progress on implementation; and 'Laggards' have no zero-deforestation or conversion commitments. Separately, the report says 14 companies backtracked on deforestation action, while 24 'persistent laggards' have failed to publish any deforestation commitment since 2014.
Among the coffee-relevant companies highlighted, Nestlé is the only one in the 'leader' group. It scored 71%, and the report says it disclosed that at least 80% of its volumes in beef, coffee, palm oil, pulp and paper and soy were deforestation- and conversion-free in 2025.
One coffee-specific company appears in the report's 'laggard' category, Italian company FinLav (23%). Vietnamese coffee company Thang Loi Coffee Joint Stock Company is among the 14 companies the report identifies as 'backtrackers.'
Among 'late majority' companies were roasters/buyers such as Starbucks (36%), JDE Peet's (41%), Keurig Dr Pepper (26%) and JM Smucker (14%). On the trading side, the report also gave scores to Louis Dreyfus (65%), Neumann Kaffee Gruppe (45%), Ecom Agroindustrial (38%) and Sucafina (36%).
The report captures only a slice of the global coffee industry, and it evaluates what companies publicly disclose on their own websites rather than directly verifying all on-the-ground performance.
The full report is available from Forest 500.
Comments? Questions? News to share? Contact DCN's editors here. For all the latest coffee industry news, subscribe to the DCN newsletter.
Nick Brown
Nick Brown is the editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine.
Tags: Climate Arc, corporate sustainability, deforestation, Ecom Agroindustrial, EUDR, FinLav, Forest 500, Global Canopy, JDE Peet's, Nestle, Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, Norad, Starbucks, Sucafina, Thang Loi Coffee Joint Stock Company

Global Canopy's 2026 Forest 500 report shows modest coffee-sector gains, but weak disclosure and lagging deforestation progress persist.

'Forest 500' Report Tracks Coffee Industry Deforestation Commitments

To the CEOs of Citi, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, BNP Paribas and Barclays:
On January 5, 2026, ABIOVE, the industry group representing major soy traders — Cargill, ADM, Bunge, Louis Dreyfus, and Amaggi — formally withdrew from the Amazon Soy Moratorium. For nearly two decades, it provided safeguards to prevent soy-driven deforestation in the Amazon biome and it worked. This voluntary agreement reduced deforestation by 69% between 2009 and 2022 while allowing the soy sector to grow 344%. Food companies, retailers, and their financiers relied on those safeguards to meet their own No Deforestation commitments.
Your Banks' Exposure
Citi, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, BNP Paribas and Barclays are among the top creditors to Cargill, ADM, Bunge, Louis Dreyfus, and Amaggi's Brazilian soy operations. According to Forests & Finance, between January 2020 and July 2025 your banks provided almost a billion dollars in loans and underwriting to these five traders. At the time, that financing was extended to members of the most effective voluntary large-scale conservation mechanism whose buyers were under the assumption the Amazon Soy Moratorium would ensure deforestation-free soy from the region.
Without immediate action from your bank, your financing risks fueling large-scale soy-driven deforestation of the Amazon, pushing it ever closer to a devastating tipping point. Preliminary IPAM analysis indicates deforestation could surge 30% by 2045 if the Moratorium collapses.
The Risks Are Mounting
Regulatory Risk: The EU Deforestation Regulation will penalize non-compliant companies up to 4% of EU turnover. Your clients just abandoned verification infrastructure that made EUDR compliance manageable at scale, exposing USD 7-8 billion in annual Brazil-EU soy imports to penalties and market restrictions.
Market Access Risk: Support for Amazon protection and deforestation-free soy is high in key markets and among major buyers. Major European retailers including Lidl, Aldi and Tesco have publicly demanded traders maintain the Moratorium. Over 50 UK food companies representing 60% of UK soy demand reaffirmed commitment to Amazon protection in July 2025.
Reputational Risk: Financing Amazon destruction undermines your banks' commitments to address biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate change in highly sensitive ecosystems.
Use Your Leverage To Protect the Amazon
You have a brief window to show real leadership and push to maintain the integrity of deforestation-free soy from Brazil. To prevent your financing from enabling Amazon destruction, update your policies to require all clients operating in the Brazilian soy sector comply with Amazon Soy Moratorium standards, specifically: no purchases of soy from land deforested after July 2008, farm-level traceability and a rejection of any deforestation in the biome as conditions of continued lending and underwriting.
Use your leverage to engage directly with your clients — Cargill, ADM, Bunge, Louis Dreyfus and Amaggi — urging them to publicly reaffirm their compliance with the ASM standards.ly, on August 25 the California Senate approved a resolution to investigate how the state government can support ending the importation of oil from the Amazon. California remains a top destination for Amazonian crude, but the people of California are demanding that this change.
I urge you, President Noboa and President Boluarte, to cancel this agreement and respect the demands of the Indigenous peoples. I also call on you, Governor Newsom, to take meaningful action to end California's reliance on crude oil from the Amazon, as a necessary step in protecting human rights and combating the climate crisis.
The world is watching. Please act in solidarity with Indigenous defenders and future generations.
Sincerely, [Your Name]

Call on major bank CEOs to defend the Amazon Soy Moratorium.

Tell Big Banks: Protect the Amazon!

#image_title
A growing number of major corporations are taking concrete steps to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains as Europe's groundbreaking anti-deforestation law approaches its December 30 implementation date. According to a new analysis by environmental organization Global Canopy, more than a quarter of the world's 500 most influential companies dealing in forest-risk commodities reported new implementation actions in 2025, with 14% specifically citing the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in their corporate policies.
The regulation targets nine key commodities linked to global forest destruction: beef, cocoa, coffee, leather, palm oil, pulp and paper, rubber, soy, and timber. Companies trading these products in EU markets will soon be required to prove their supply chains are deforestation-free or face significant penalties. The Forest 500 Report found that 68 companies explicitly mentioned the EUDR in their deforestation commitments, particularly regarding supply chain traceability requirements.
'The EUDR is working even before it's officially in place,' noted research associate Chloe Rollscane. 'Companies are clearly getting ready for it.' The corporate response spans the entire supply chain, from producers and processors in commodity-producing countries to traders and retailers within the EU. This progress comes despite what researchers describe as an 'unfavorable global climate for environmental commitments,' suggesting the regulation's legal requirements are driving action where voluntary initiatives have fallen short. While the assessment relies on public documents, researchers believe even more companies may be privately preparing for the new rules.
This article was written by the EnviroLink News Team. # Deforestation # Sustainability

A growing number of major corporations are taking concrete steps to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains as Europe's groundbreaking anti-deforestation law approaches its December 30…

Companies Begin Cleaning Up Supply Chains as EU Deforestation Rules Loom

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In an era where global agricultural supply chains face mounting scrutiny over their environmental footprint, a groundbreaking study offers a transformative approach to ensuring sustainable commodity trade. Recent innovations in high-resolution tracing technologies have now been applied to soybeans, a crop notoriously linked to deforestation, enabling unprecedented transparency in supply chains. This development could redefine how companies and consumers verify the origins of agricultural products, holding them accountable for environmental stewardship in real time.
Soybeans rank among the world's most extensively traded commodities, with production concentrated in regions that are hotspots for deforestation, including the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. The expansion of soybean cultivation has historically been a major driver of forest loss, contributing to biodiversity decline and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Tracking the progression of these supply chains to verify that soybeans are sourced from deforestation-free areas has long been a challenge due to the complexity and opacity of agricultural markets spanning multiple countries and intermediaries.
The latest research introduces an advanced methodology capable of tracing soybean shipments with unparalleled spatial resolution. By integrating satellite imagery, geospatial analytics, and detailed supply chain records, the system creates high-definition maps that pinpoint exact fields of origin. Unlike traditional verification protocols that rely heavily on company reporting and coarse geographic indicators, this approach offers objective, data-driven evidence of production locations and land use history, shining a light on the entire journey from farm to exporter.
At the core of this innovative tracing framework is the fusion of remote sensing technologies and machine learning algorithms. These technologies collectively analyze spectral signatures to distinguish soybean fields from surrounding natural vegetation and other crops. The system leverages multispectral satellite data with frequent revisits and fine spatial granularity, allowing identification of plant phenology and field boundaries. This dynamic temporal information improves accuracy, enabling differentiation between newly deforested sites and long-term agricultural areas, which is crucial for distinguishing legal cultivation from illicit land clearing.
This research goes beyond surface-level mapping by incorporating historical deforestation data and land tenure records. With these integrated layers, the tracing tool can verify whether soybeans originate in areas legally cleared prior to conservation regulations or in recently deforested zones—information vital for enforcement of legality standards. Furthermore, cross-validation with transport and export documentation strengthens the integrity of the tracing results, effectively preventing fraudulent reporting and concealment of origins within complex supply chains.
The implications of applying such precise tracing extend far beyond monitoring. For buyers committed to sustainability, the ability to validate deforestation-free sourcing offers a powerful instrument to ensure compliance with corporate environmental commitments and regulatory frameworks. It provides tangible evidence to support 'zero deforestation' pledges and enables supply chain partners to identify and engage with producers adhering to best practices. This heightened transparency can foster responsible investment and consumer confidence, while disincentivizing land conversion and degradation.
Equally impactful is the potential for governments and regulatory bodies to adopt these technologies for enforcement and certification. By offering a verifiable standard for deforestation monitoring linked directly to shipment batches, authorities can streamline audits and reduce reliance on informal or retrospective assessments. This could enhance governance effectiveness in regions where illegal clearance is a pervasive challenge, stimulating compliance through improved traceability and accountability.
This technology also aligns with emerging international frameworks aimed at mitigating climate change impacts associated with agriculture-driven deforestation. By linking supply chain data with carbon accounting and ecosystem service valuation, policymakers and companies can better quantify and manage the climate benefits of sustainable sourcing. This integration paves the way for verified carbon credits and incentive programs tied to conservation, promoting economic models that couple profitability with planetary health.
Despite its transformative promise, scaling this high-resolution tracing approach across global supply chains comes with challenges. The approach requires substantial computational resources to process and analyze large volumes of satellite and logistical data continuously. Additionally, achieving full transparency depends on cooperation among diverse stakeholders—farmers, traders, governments, and certification bodies—to share information and uphold data integrity. Privacy concerns and commercial sensitivities must also be navigated carefully to ensure ethical use and broad acceptance.
Nevertheless, pilot applications in major soybean-producing regions have demonstrated impressive efficacy, detecting deforestation signals linked to supply chain movements with accuracy exceeding existing methodologies. These case studies highlight the tool's adaptability across different landscapes and cropping systems, reinforcing its potential as a universal solution for sustainable agricultural commodity tracing.
Looking ahead, further enhancements under development aim to incorporate real-time monitoring capabilities, enabling near-instant detection of deforestation events and production anomalies. Coupled with blockchain-based transaction records, this could facilitate automatic alerts and responsive interventions, enabling supply chain actors to act swiftly on environmental risks. Such advancements would mark a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive environmental governance.
The study underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex sustainability challenges. By bringing together expertise in remote sensing, agronomy, data science, and supply chain management, the researchers have crafted a holistic system that bridges technological innovation and policy relevance. This fusion manifests as a powerful tool for enforcing environmental responsibility in the agricultural sector.
Ultimately, the high-resolution soybean tracing framework represents a beacon of hope in global efforts to decouple agricultural commodity production from deforestation. As markets and consumers increasingly demand deforestation-free products, technologies offering verifiable traceability will be central to transforming supply chains and safeguarding natural ecosystems. This study exemplifies how cutting-edge science can empower decisive action against one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time.
By enabling continuous, granular, and transparent tracking of soybean origins, this work lays the foundation for scalable models applicable to diverse commodities and geographies beyond soy. As these tools gain traction, they promise to catalyze a new era of accountability and sustainability across global food systems, inspiring collective responsibility toward a more resilient and eco-conscious future.
In conclusion, harnessing the power of satellite imagery combined with sophisticated data analytics to trace soybean supply chains exemplifies a major leap forward in environmental oversight. This innovation offers not only a pathway to eliminate deforestation from one of the world's most critical agricultural commodities but also sets a precedent for similar breakthroughs in supply chain transparency. Stakeholders at every level stand to benefit from adopting these technologies, as they represent a vital asset in the quest to reconcile food security with planetary conservation imperatives.
Subject of Research: High-resolution tracing of soybean supply chains to prevent deforestation-linked sourcing.
Article Title: High-resolution soybean tracing for deforestation-free supply chains.
Article References:
Maor, R., Truszkowski, J., Ablett, F. et al. High-resolution soybean tracing for deforestation-free supply chains. Commun Earth Environ 7, 310 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-026-03380-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-026-03380-8

In an era where global agricultural supply chains face mounting scrutiny over their environmental footprint, a groundbreaking study offers a transformative approach to ensuring sustainable commodity

High-Resolution Soybean Tracing Enables Deforestation-Free Supply

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, World Forest ID, University of Sheffield and international collaborators have developed a new technique that can identify where soybeans—the third largest driver of tropical deforestation—are grown to within roughly 200 kilometers, a breakthrough that could transform efforts to stop deforestation linked to global food supply chains.
The study, published in Communications Earth and Environment, combines chemical fingerprinting of soybeans with advanced geospatial machine learning to estimate where crops were harvested across South America. Researchers say the method could help regulators, scientists and companies verify the origins of commodities that are often traded through complex international supply chains.
Agricultural expansion remains the biggest driver of tropical forest loss, with 3.7 million hectares of tropical forest lost in 2023 alone, while 71.6 million hectares were lost between 2001 and 2015. Soy, primarily produced for pig and poultry feed, accounts for about 11.5% of commodity-driven deforestation, particularly in South America where production is rapidly expanding to meet global demand. The crop is the third-largest driver of tropical deforestation, behind cattle and oil palm, yet tracing where soy was grown is difficult because shipments are often mixed and traded across multiple countries.
The new study shows it is possible to estimate soybean harvest origin far more precisely than previous methods, which could only classify by country or broad region. By analyzing stable isotope ratios and trace elements across 267 soybean samples collected throughout South America, and combining them with environmental data, scientists have developed a machine-learning model that predicts crop origin to within 192.52 (±23.51) km from the harvest location. This is significant as deforestation risk varies dramatically over short distances, sometimes even between neighboring farms.
Working across complex supply chains, scientists describe this as "a leap forward in commodity traceability" capable of verifying whether a shipment's declared origin matches where the crop was grown. The model is already being applied to other deforestation-associated commodities, including timber, and can also be applied to cacao, coffee, palm oil, and rubber.
Caspar Chater, Senior Research Leader at RBG Kew says, "Supply chains for commodities like soy are incredibly complex, but this approach provides transparency regardless of supply-chain complexity. This represents a significant advance in our ability to trace agricultural commodities back to where they were grown."
There is an urgent need for importing economies to regulate this trade, and this study could help support the implementation of new environmental legislation such as the EU Deforestation Regulation which is due to come into force in December 2026. This legislation requires companies importing certain commodities to prove they were not produced on recently deforested land, and this model provides regulators with a scientifically defensible way to confirm whether origin claims are plausible.
Similar UK legislation is expected to follow under the Environment Act's Forest Risk Commodity regulation, with funding for this project reflecting an ambition for legislation that requires the use of traceability tools for all listed Forest Risk Commodities. UK businesses have also committed to eliminating deforestation from soy supply chains through the UK Soy Manifesto (2021), a cross-industry initiative involving retailers, manufacturers and food companies.
Jade Saunders, executive director at World Forest ID says, "By making it possible to verify where soybeans are grown with unprecedented precision, this innovative tool gives companies and regulators a powerful new way to turn deforestation-free commitments into real-world accountability, enabling robust verification, detecting misreported origins in high-risk regions and strengthening compliance."
While the technology described is not meant as a "silver bullet," it can now be added to the tools available in regulating deforestation, presenting a scenario in which we can conceivably foresee the elimination of deforestation and land conversion from many globally significant supply chains.

Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, World Forest ID, University of Sheffield and international collaborators have developed a new technique that can identify where soybeans—the third largest driver of tropical deforestation—are grown to within roughly 200 kilometers, a breakthrough that could transform efforts to stop deforestation linked to global food supply chains.

Scientists unveil breakthrough tool that could help stop the world's third‑biggest driver of deforestation

The Defra-funded study, published today in Communications Earth and Environment, combines chemical fingerprinting of soybeans with advanced geospatial machine learning to estimate where crops were harvested across South America.
Soybean farming for animal feed is the third largest driver of tropical deforestation
Scientists can now trace where soybeans were grown to within ~200 km
The innovative method could help trace other high-risk commodities including cocoa, timber, palm oil and rubber
This traceability tool will support enforcement of laws such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (comes into force December 2026)
Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, World Forest ID, University of Sheffield and international collaborators have developed a new technique that can identify where soybeans – the third largest driver of tropical deforestation – are grown to within roughly 200 kilometres, a breakthrough that could transform efforts to stop deforestation linked to global food supply chains.
The Defra-funded study, published today in Communications Earth and Environment , combines chemical fingerprinting of soybeans with advanced geospatial machine learning to estimate where crops were harvested across South America. Researchers say the method could help regulators, scientists and companies verify the origins of commodities that are often traded through complex international supply chains.
Agricultural expansion remains the biggest driver of tropical forest loss, with 3.7 million hectares of tropical forest lost in 2023 alone, while 71.6 million hectares were lost between 2001 and 2015. Soy, primarily produced for pig and poultry feed, accounts foraround 11.5% of commodity-driven deforestation, particularly in South America where production is rapidly expanding to meet global demand. The crop is the third-largest driver of tropical deforestation, behind cattle and oil palm, yet tracing where soy was grown is difficult because shipments are often mixed and traded across multiple countries.
The new study shows it is possible to estimate soybean harvest origin far more precisely than previous methods, which could only classify by country or broad region. By analysing stable isotope ratios and trace elements across 267 soybean samples collected throughout South America, and combining them with environmental data, scientists have developed a machine-learning model that predicts crop origin to within 192.52 (±23.51) km from the harvest location. This is significant as deforestation risk varies dramatically over short distances, sometimes even between neighbouring farms.
Working across complex supply chains, scientists describe this as 'a leap forward in commodity traceability' capable of verifying whether a shipment's declared origin matches where the crop was grown. The model is already being applied to other deforestation associated commodities, including timber, and can also be applied to cacao, coffee, palm oil, and rubber.
Caspar Chater, Senior Research Leader at RBG Kew says, 'Supply chains for commodities like soy are incredibly complex, but this approach provides transparency regardless of supply-chain complexity. This represents a significant advance in our ability to trace agricultural commodities back to where they were grown.'
There is an urgent need for importing economies to regulate this trade, and this study could help support the implementation of new environmental legislation such as the EU Deforestation Regulation which is due to come into force in December 2026. This legislation requires companies importing certain commodities to prove they were not produced on recently deforested land, and this model provides regulators with a scientifically defensible way to confirm whether origin claims are plausible. Similar UK legislation is expected to follow under the Environment Act's Forest Risk Commodity regulation, with Defra's funding for this project reflecting an ambition for legislation that requires the use of traceability tools for all listed Forest Risk Commodities. UK businesses have also committed to eliminating deforestation from soy supply chains through the UK Soy Manifesto (2021), a cross-industry initiative involving retailers, manufacturers and food companies.
Jade Saunders, Executive Director at World Forest ID says, 'By making it possible to verify where soybeans are grown with unprecedented precision, this innovative tool gives companies and regulators a powerful new way to turn deforestation-free commitments into real-world accountability, enabling robust verification, detecting misreported origins in high-risk regions and strengthening compliance.'
While the technology described is not meant as a 'silver bullet', it can now be added to the tools available in regulating deforestation, presenting a scenario in which we can conceivably foresee the elimination of deforestation and land conversion from many globally significant supply chains.

The Defra-funded study, published today in Communications Earth and Environment, combines chemical fingerprinting of soybeans with advanced geospatial machine learning to estimate where crops were…

Updated 2026 | Categories: Brazil, Environment, ESG
Key Points Brazil amazon deforestation fell 50% between 2022 and 2025 under President Lula, reaching 5,796 km² — the lowest PRODES annual reading in 11 years — while DETER early-warning alerts for Aug 2025–Jan 2026 dropped a further 35% year-on-year.
Brazil's regulated carbon market (SBCE), signed into law in December 2024, opens a potential $10–20 billion JREDD+ revenue window this decade, though no Amazon state had yet issued compliant credits as of mid-2025.
The Amazon Fund crossed R$4.98 billion in internalized donations from nine sovereign donors, disbursing a record-pace R$1+ billion in approved projects during H1 2025; COP30 in Belém (November 2025) added a $5.5 billion Tropical Forest Forever Facility and 27 Indigenous land-demarcation advances.
RioTimes Deep Analysis | Series: Brazil Guide
The Brazilian Amazon entered 2026 in a state of cautious momentum. Three consecutive years of falling deforestation under Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had reversed the damage of the Bolsonaro era, a new regulated carbon market was on the statute books, and the world had gathered in Belém for COP30. But the countervailing pressures — an agribusiness-dominated Congress, illegal gold mining, historic drought cycles, and persistent questions over carbon-credit integrity — mean investors and policy watchers cannot yet declare victory.
Deforestation by the Numbers
Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE) released its authoritative PRODES satellite data in October 2025, confirming that Brazil amazon deforestation in the Legal Amazon totalled 5,796 km² for the year ending 31 July 2025 — an 11.08% drop on the prior period and the lowest figure since 2014. According to the Brazilian federal government, this represents a 50% cumulative reduction since Lula took office in January 2023 compared with the 2022 peak under Bolsonaro. Avoided emissions since 2022 are estimated at 733.9 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent — roughly the combined annual output of Spain and France.
The fast-alert DETER system reinforced the trend into the new deforestation year. Between August 2025 and January 2026, deforestation alerts in the Legal Amazon totalled just 1,325 km², down from 2,050 km² in the same period a year earlier — the lowest six-month reading since 2014, according to Mongabay. Forest degradation — a harder-to-monitor category encompassing selective logging and fire scarring — showed the most dramatic improvement: DETER registered a 93% reduction in degradation indicators between the two periods, plummeting from 44,555 km² to just 2,923 km², as reported by Brazilian NR. Environment Minister Marina Silva has stated that if the current trajectory holds, 2026 could set a new historical low for Amazon deforestation since records began in 1988.
Progress is uneven at the state level. Tocantins led reductions with a 62.5% fall; Roraima, Rondônia, and Acre each cut losses by between 27% and 37%. Mato Grosso — Brazil's soy heartland — bucked the trend with a 25% increase, underscoring that agribusiness pressure remains acute in frontier zones. The Cerrado savanna, which borders the Amazon and is a critical water tower for South America, also posted a second consecutive annual decline, down 11.49% to 7,235 km² — still its lowest reading in five years, per WWF Brazil.
Lula's Environmental Policy: Ambition vs. Resistance
The contrast with the Bolsonaro administration (2019–2022) is stark. Under Bolsonaro, deforestation rose more than 50%, environmental enforcement agencies were systematically defunded, and no new Indigenous territories were ratified. When Lula was inaugurated in January 2023, he immediately reinstated the Permanent Interministerial Commission for the Prevention and Control of Deforestation, relaunched the Amazon Action Plan (PPCDAm) in its fifth phase, and restored IBAMA and ICMBio to operational strength. By mid-term, IBAMA had increased environmental violation notices related to forest cover by 81%, fines by 63%, and embargoes by 51% compared with the Bolsonaro years, according to the Ministry of Environment.
The centrepiece of Lula's zero-deforestation-by-2030 commitment is a suite of action plans covering all six major Brazilian biomes for the first time, combined with the Union with Municipalities programme (UcM), which channelled R$785 million to 81 Amazon municipalities. The results in priority municipalities — historically the highest-deforestation zones — showed a 31% greater fall in deforestation than the Amazon average, demonstrating that targeted local investment and governance works, as noted by the Ministry's Extraordinary Secretariat for Deforestation Control.
However, Lula's agenda faces formidable institutional constraints. Brazil's Congress is controlled by the 'ruralist caucus' — legislators closely aligned with agribusiness — who have pushed a Destruction Package of 28 proposals weakening environmental protections. Two have already been signed into law: the Poison Bill relaxing pesticide regulations, and the marco temporal bill restricting Indigenous land rights. Mato Grosso state in late 2024 threatened to dismantle the Amazon Soy Moratorium, a voluntary agreement that had contributed to a 69% deforestation reduction since 2008. Lula's capacity to deliver on green pledges while managing this congressional arithmetic remains the central political tension of his third term.
The Carbon Credit Opportunity
On 12 December 2024, Lula signed Brazil's regulated carbon market — the Sistema Brasileiro de Comércio de Emissões (SBCE) — into law. The legislation establishes a cap-and-trade framework with mandatory emissions reporting across multiple sectors, interoperability provisions designed for compatibility with the EU Emissions Trading System, and pathways linking to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Full implementation through regulatory decrees is expected from 2027 onwards, according to InPlanet. Until then, the voluntary carbon market remains the only operational mechanism.
The prize is substantial. Analysis by the Earth Innovation Institute, cited by CarbonCredits.com, estimates that Amazon states could issue approximately 1.05 billion TREES-standard jurisdictional REDD+ (JREDD+) credits for reductions achieved from 2023 to 2030. At $10–$20 per credit, this implies $10–$20 billion in potential revenue over the decade — with Pará state alone contributing 348.5 MtCO₂e and roughly $3.5 billion. In March 2026, Brazil awarded its first-ever long-term public land concession specifically for Amazon reforestation backed by carbon finance, granting local startup Re.green rights to restore 59,000 hectares of degraded land in the Bom Futuro National Forest over 40 years, per Carbon Herald.
Yet significant obstacles remain. As of June 2025, no Amazon state had issued JREDD+ credits, only Pará and Tocantins had signed forward Emissions Reduction Purchase Agreements, and the voluntary market faces persistent integrity questions after investigations revealed that some Verra-certified REDD+ projects in Amazônia were linked to timber laundering schemes. A study by the Climate Policy Initiative found that 77% of traded REDD+ carbon credits in the Brazilian Amazon are genuinely additional — meaning 23% may represent forests that would have been protected anyway, per CPI. For investors, due diligence on methodology, additionality verification, and community consent protocols is non-negotiable.
Amazon Fund and International Support
The Amazon Fund — managed by BNDES and coordinated by the Ministry of Environment — had been effectively frozen from 2019 to 2022 after Bolsonaro disbanded its steering committee. Lula reinstated it on his first day in office, and Norway and Germany immediately pledged new contributions. By October 2025, total internalized donations across nine sovereign donors (Norway, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, and the European Union, plus Petrobras) had reached R$4.98 billion (approximately $965 million), according to the Amazon Fund's official transparency portal.
Disbursement performance has been transformative. During the Bolsonaro years, annual disbursements averaged around R$20–27 million and then fell to near-zero. Under Lula, the fund approved R$1.189 billion in new projects in H1 2025 alone, representing its best ever six-month performance, according to Agência Brasil. The cumulative total of approved projects in the Fund's 16-year history reached R$5.6 billion, with R$2.7 billion disbursed. Key allocations include R$850 million for environmental enforcement actions and R$785 million for the Union with Municipalities programme. Norway alone, the Fund's largest donor, pledged a further $60 million at the Global Citizen Festival: Amazônia event ahead of COP30. At COP30 itself, the Brazil-led Tropical Forest Forever Facility attracted $5.5 billion from Norway, Denmark, Brazil, Indonesia, Germany, France, and Portugal, per UNEP Finance Initiative.
COP30 in Belém: Legacy and Limitations
The 30th UN Climate Conference ran from 10 to 22 November 2025 in Belém, the Amazonian gateway city, chosen deliberately to spotlight forest issues. The headline outcome was the Global Mutirão ('collective effort') decision — a political text adopted by all 195 parties that launched a Global Implementation Accelerator, a 'Belém Mission to 1.5°C,' and a tripling of adaptation finance to be reached by 2035. It also acknowledged, for the first time in COP history, that a temporary overshoot of 1.5°C now appears unavoidable, according to Carbon Brief.
Critics, including the European Parliament and many civil society groups, labelled the outcome insufficient. No formal roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels was adopted — blocked by the BRICS–Arab coalition — though Brazilian COP Presidency committed to advancing a deforestation roadmap and a fossil-fuel phase-out roadmap under its own authority before COP31. On the Amazon specifically, COP30's most tangible legacy was on Indigenous land rights: during Indigenous Peoples' Day on 17 November, Brazil formalised demarcation advances for 27 Indigenous territories, including 10 new declaratory ordinances and 4 presidential approvals, as documented by the official COP30 website. Brazil also pledged to secure 59 million additional hectares of Indigenous lands over the next five years.
Persistent Threats: Mining, Agribusiness, and Tipping Points
Despite headline deforestation figures falling, the structural pressures on the Amazon have not been resolved. Cattle ranching remains the dominant direct driver, associated with 78% of commodity-linked deforestation between 2018 and 2022, per WWF analysis. Illegal gold mining — garimpagem — devastated Yanomami territory during the Bolsonaro years, with a humanitarian crisis peaking in 2022. Lula's expulsion operations since 2023 reduced illegal gold production from Yanomami lands by an estimated 84% in 2024, though enforcement agencies warn that miners are adapting tactics and migrating to adjacent areas, including territories in Guiana, Suriname, and Venezuela, according to Mongabay.
The agribusiness caucus in Congress approved a December 2025 constitutional amendment on Indigenous land rights that directly contradicts the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling striking down the marco temporal thesis. Brazil's National Mining Agency reports nearly 11,000 mining applications overlapping Indigenous lands, per Amazon Watch. Meanwhile, scientists continue to warn that the Amazon is approaching a biophysical tipping point: dieback in the eastern and southern arc could become self-sustaining if overall forest cover drops below approximately 20–25%, a threshold that combined legal and illegal deforestation is already approaching in some states.
Indigenous Land Demarcation: Progress and Obstacles
Indigenous territories are empirically the best-protected parts of the Amazon; a study by APIB, IPAM, and the Indigenous Climate Change Committee estimates that expanding demarcations could prevent up to 20% of additional deforestation and reduce carbon emissions by 26% by 2030. Lula entered office promising to ratify 13 priority territories within his first 100 days; it took nearly two years to formalise that goal, partly obstructed by the marco temporal legislation. By end-2025, including the COP30 package, Lula's administration had advanced demarcation processes for more than 27 territories, with 16 fully ratified presidential approvals by mid-term, per data from APIB. Indigenous lands now encompass 117.4 million hectares — approximately 13.8% of Brazil's total territory.
The legal landscape remains contested. Congress's December 2025 constitutional amendment asserting that only lands physically occupied on 5 October 1988 can be demarcated — ignoring decades of forced removals — is set to face Supreme Court challenge. For investors in nature-based carbon projects, the legal status of territory overlapping or adjacent to Indigenous lands is a material risk factor requiring independent legal assessment before capital commitment.
What Investors Need to Know
For ESG-focused investors, the Brazilian Amazon in 2026 presents both structural opportunity and significant execution risk. On the opportunity side, the combination of a functioning Amazon Fund (now with nine sovereign donors), a newly enacted regulated carbon market, falling deforestation, and Brazil's positioning as COP host has raised the country's standing as a destination for green capital. The SBCE law creates a structured pathway to compliance-grade carbon assets; Brazilian JREDD+ credits from leading states like Pará could generate $1 billion in the near term if governance and demand align. The bioeconomy — sustainable extraction of non-timber forest products, eco-tourism, and payments for ecosystem services — is increasingly cited as an alternative to commodity agriculture, with researchers estimating it could add at least $8.2 billion to the Amazon region's GDP annually by 2050.
The risk profile, however, demands careful navigation. Political risk is substantial: Lula's environmental agenda requires continued congressional management, and the agribusiness caucus has demonstrated its ability to legislate directly against it. Carbon credit integrity risk is real — due diligence should focus on additionality methodology, Verra or Gold Standard certification status, community consent documentation, and supply-chain audits. Climate-physical risk is rising: the 2024 record drought and subsequent fire season showed how quickly years of reduced deforestation can be partially offset by extreme weather events, with DETER recording burned areas covering 39,310 km² in the 12 months to September 2024 before a partial recovery the following year. Supply chain due diligence under frameworks such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will increasingly require companies sourcing beef, soy, leather, and timber from Brazil to demonstrate deforestation-free provenance at the plot level — creating both compliance costs and potential market advantage for clean-chain operators.
The clearest investment signal from Brazil's Amazon in 2026 is that forest protection has become genuinely competitive with forest destruction as a value proposition — but only where governance, monitoring technology, and community partnership are robust. Investors who apply the same rigour to Amazon assets as they would to any other infrastructure or commodities exposure will find real opportunities; those who rely on headline deforestation statistics alone will be exposed to the considerable complexity beneath them.
Sources: INPE/PRODES (gov.br); INPE/DETER via Mongabay; Amazon Fund donations (amazonfund.gov.br); Amazon Fund portfolio report (fundoamazonia.gov.br); Agência Brasil (ebc.com.br); Carbon Brief COP30 outcomes (carbonbrief.org); COP30 official site (cop30.br); WWF Brazil (wwf.org.br); InPlanet (inplanet.earth); CarbonCredits.com (carboncredits.com); Carbon Herald (carbonherald.com); APIB (apiboficial.org); Amazon Watch (amazonwatch.org); UNEP Finance Initiative (unepfi.org); Climate Policy Initiative (climatepolicyinitiative.org); Mongabay (mongabay.com).

Brazil amazon deforestation fell 50 percent under Lula by 2025. INPE data, Amazon Fund, carbon credits, COP30 Belem outcomes and what ESG investors must know.

For many years, one of the European Union 's goals has been to reduce deforestation worldwide due to the growing consumption of its citizens and businesses. They are often unaware that they are indirectly financing deforestation. And for more than three years, EU institutions have been trying to push appropriate measures into the European...

For many years, one of the European Union's goals has been to reduce deforestation worldwide due to the growing consumption of its citizens and businesses. They are often unaware that they are…

The Eu Regulation Has Caused an Administrative Earthquake. Can Bureaucracy Be Simplified without Abandoning Noble Goals?

Source link : https://theamericannews.net/america/suriname/remarkable-drop-deforestation-rates-on-afro-descendant-lands-in-brazil-colombia-ecuador-and-suriname-plunge-by-up-to-55/
New Research Highlights Lower Deforestation Rates on Afro-Descendant Lands in Latin America
In a significant breakthrough for environmental studies, a newly released report from Conservation International reveals that deforestation rates on recognized Afro-descendant lands in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Suriname are substantially lower-by as much as 55%-compared to the broader regional averages. This research emphasizes the critical role that indigenous and Afro-descendant communities play in forest conservation, shedding light on their sustainable land management practices and cultural stewardship of natural resources. As Latin America grapples with escalating deforestation challenges, the findings underscore the importance of protecting indigenous rights and lands as a strategic measure in the fight against climate change. This article delves into the implications of the research, highlighting the intersections of culture, ecology, and policy in a time of urgent environmental need. Impacts of Afro-Descendant Land Stewardship on Deforestation Rates in South America
Recent findings point to a significant correlation between Afro-descendant land stewardship practices and lower deforestation rates in key South American nations. In Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Suriname, lands recognized as belonging to Afro-descendant communities exhibit a remarkable decrease in deforestation-by as much as 55% compared to national averages. This reinforces the idea that culturally…
—- Author : Charlotte Adams Publish date : 2026-04-14 18:51:00
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Source link : https://theamericannews.net/america/suriname/remarkable-drop-deforestation-rates-on-afro-descendant-lands-in-brazil-colombia-ecuador-and-suriname-plunge-by-up-to-55/New Research…

Remarkable Drop: Deforestation Rates on Afro-Descendant Lands in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Suriname Plunge by Up to 55%!

DEFOREST — Milton's offense steadily tacked on runs in a 9-4 victory over DeForest on Monday evening in a Badger Large Conference softball game.
While Morgan Bastian surrendered four runs in the third inning, the junior pitcher put together a quality outing. In seven innings, Bastian gave up four runs on three hits while issuing five strikeouts and one walk.

DEFOREST — Milton's offense steadily tacked on runs in a 9-4 victory over DeForest on Monday evening in a Badger Large Conference softball game.

Softball: Milton makes it two in a row with win over DeForest

Indonesia's deforestation increases by 66 percent in 2025
epaselect epa12877131 An aerial picture taken by drone shows a palm oil plantation landscape in Nagan Raya, Aceh, Indonesia, 09 April 2026. According to Auriga Nusantara, an Indonesian non-governmental organization focusing on forestry and biodiversity, deforestation in Indonesia reached a total of 433,751 hectares in 2025, an increase of 66 percent compared to the 261,575 hectares recorded in 2024. EPA/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

Indonesia's deforestation increases by 66 percent in 2025 epaselect epa12877131 An aerial picture taken by drone shows a

epaselect INDONESIA DEFORESTATION

The EU-Mercosur Agreement has reignited the debate over its environmental impact and its commercial implications after being ratified by Paraguay, the last country in the bloc to do so. This treaty promises to redefine economic relations between Europe and Latin America, but it also raises concerns about its potential environmental consequences.
While it is considered a crucial economic driver, the pact raises concerns about the effects it could have on deforestation, mining activity, and the use of pesticides in the region. The negotiations of the agreement have spanned decades, dividing experts over its impact on biodiversity.
The expansion of trade between these regions could accelerate the destruction of the Amazon. The increase in the export of soy and meat is one of the factors that could incentivize deforestation to expand cultivation lands.
Additionally, there are fears that the elimination of tariffs could lead to the massive arrival of pesticides from Europe to Latin America. Some of these chemicals, banned in Europe due to their toxicity, could have a negative impact on human health and the local biodiversity.
With the provisional entry into force of the agreement expected in 2026, a progressive reduction of tariffs between both blocs is anticipated, facilitating the exchange of agricultural, industrial, and chemical products. Although this may strengthen economic ties, it has also renewed the debate over its environmental impact.
Environmental organizations warn that trade liberalization could favor the export of agricultural raw materials, which currently constitute more than 70% of Mercosur's exports to the EU. This could increase pressure on key ecosystems such as the Amazon.
An increase in deforestation is even anticipated if adequate controls are not applied. The potential increase in the use of highly toxic pesticides is another controversial point of the agreement.
The elimination of tariffs for chemical products from the EU, including those banned in that region, highlights a regulatory asymmetry that could have serious repercussions on public health and the environment.
The Environmental Impact of the EU-Mercosur Agreement
The treaty could also boost mining activity in Latin America, a sector known for its significant environmental impacts and social conflicts. The demand for strategic minerals for the energy transition could exacerbate pressure on ecosystems and indigenous territories.
The EU Regulation on Deforestation, scheduled for 2026, could mitigate these risks by requiring products like soy and meat to come from deforestation-free areas. However, its implementation has been postponed and relaxed, raising doubts about its effectiveness.
While some experts highlight the ecological risks, others see the agreement as an opportunity to improve governance and raise environmental standards. The Paris Agreement is mentioned as part of the treaty, although the emission reduction obligations are not binding.
The growing demand for strategic minerals threatens indigenous territories and protected ecosystems, triggering potential social conflicts and environmental degradation in the region.
Although new European laws aim to curb the purchase of products linked to deforestation, their effective compliance is shrouded in uncertainty.
In this context, the EU-Mercosur Agreement is the subject of debate for its economic and environmental impact at a crucial moment for the transition to more sustainable models. Achieving a balance between economic growth and environmental protection will be key to determining the true impact of this trade agreement.

The EU-Mercosur Agreement has reignited the debate over its environmental impact and its commercial implications after being ratified by Paraguay, the

The environmental impact of the EU-Mercosur Agreement: deforestation and pesticides

The DeForest Village Board approved $11 million in tax increment financing (TIF) for Cascade Development's next phase of DeForest Yards plans on Thursday, April 9.
The board unanimously approved the associated development agreement, among others that evening.
'This is something that I think we've all kind of decided that we want and would be good for the community,' Trustee Jan Steffenhagen-Hahn said.
Cascade CEO and Owner Luke Stauffacher explained that the $11 million in TIF is needed to construct the necessary infrastructure to develop an indoor sports complex and an 89-room Marriott hotel. A 354-unit multi-family development named the Enklov is also planned in the next phase.
Preliminary renderings of the Enklov housing development north of Hwy. 19 in DeForest.
The development is anticipated to occur along Hwy. 19 over the next several years. The DeForest Yards Entertainment District developing to the south of Hwy. 19 already includes the Legacy20 ice arena, Aranda's Mexican Restaurant and Youngblood Brewing.
Revised DeForest Yards concept plan now includes a hotel
The Enklov portion of the plans fall within Tax Incremental District (TID) #7, and the Marriott and sports complex in TID #2.
The development agreement that staff proposed on Thursday included terms for protection of the village that cascade must:
When the requirements are met, the village will make payment from 90% of tax increment collected from TID #7 from 2028-2037, not to exceed $11 million.
The board also approved a facility use agreement of the sports complex to offset the park impact fees required with the Enklov's residential development.
The village would be given facility use in exchange for credit against the impact fees, specifically a minimum of 200 hours per year until the estimated would-be cost for use reaches that of the impact fee.
A vision for the proposed DeForest Yards sports complex, with the associated Marriott hotel in the distance behind the building.
Staff noted that the space could be used for additional public court use and give opportunities to expand recreational programming and amenities.
'We're already struggling with the amount of space that we have for programming, and we're turning away a lot of kids just because we ultimately don't have room,' DeForest Recreation & Community Enrichment Director Reese O'Malley said.
Cascade has communicated to the village that the Enklov development and the hotel and sports complex are expected to be financially codependent, according to staff.
A large part of TIF request evaluation revolves around the "But for" test. The test requires governing bodies to consider whether or not the development would occur within the desired timeframe without TIF before awarding it.
'The approval and construction of all facilities are crucial to the project as the construction of the residential units and hotel will create new tax revenue to offset construction costs of the sports complex. Therefore, the sports complex would not be considered, but for the tax incentive being generated by the complementary development of the residential and hotel properties,' a staff memo on the subject reads.
The village board also rezoned the Enklov's 11.59 acres from its General Business/Office and Research designations to Mixed Residential on April 9 to facilitate its development.
The project aligns with the Village of DeForest's Comprehensive Plan, which envisions development along the DeForest's south gateway.
Trustee Jim Simpson noted that the board's positive experience with Cascade's projects in the DeForest Yards area, and what they bring to the community, contributed to his vote in favor.
'That's what goes into some of my decision, is that I feel like this can really pull in some more businesses there and probably adds quite a bit to selling the residential lots that are available,' Simpson said.
Stauffacher is confident that his company can get the hotel and sports complex construction underway quickly and meet the agreement's assessed value timeline.
'It's more of a Cascade risk than it is a village risk. With the pay-as-you-go program, I only get back a percentage of what I pay in,' Stauffacher said. 'So, if I don't perform, then I'm the one at risk.'
'It's very similar to the hockey rink, where we were under strict time constraints… We've spent a fair amount of time going over the schedule and I feel comfortable with it,' he added.
DeForest residents can view the materials for each portion of the village board's approvals in the Thursday, April 9 online agenda packet through the village's website.

DeForest trustees awarded $11 million in TIF for Cascade Development's Enklov, hotel and sports complex plans in DeForest Yards on Thursday, April 9.

DeForest Village Board awards $11 million DeForest Yards TIF request

While forest transparency and action is increasing ahead of the EU Deforestation Regulation's implementation at the end of this year, 33% of companies in its scope still have no deforestation commitment.
EUDR is driving corporate action on deforestation, with more traceability and reporting mechanisms put in place by forest-dependent firms, according to Global Canopy's 12th annual Forest 500 report.

Since 2024, 14 companies (3%) have backtracked on deforestation action -- including Nike.

A third of companies in EUDR scope still have no deforestation commitment

A group of companies, NGOs and certification bodies have launched the EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition, aiming to push for sustainability in EU agricultural supply chains.
The Coalition focuses on EU policy and legislation to ensure sustainability in agricultural supply chains, as well as respect for human rights and resilient sourcing for European businesses and consumers.
It includes food majors such as Nestlé, Barry Callebaut, Mars, and Ferrero, as well as certification bodies such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
It was launched following a meeting on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The review of this regulation is intended to be completed by 30 April.
'Businesses are ready to deliver on sustainable supply chains. The EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition shows that the transition is already under way. 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', says MEP Delara Burkhardt, S&D Shadow Rapporteur on the EUDR.
'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', adds Francesco Tramontin, vice president for global public affairs at Ferrero.

Companies including Nestlé, Barry Callebaut and Mars, and organisations such as Rainforest Alliance and RSPO, are taking part in the EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition, which aims to push for policy on sustainability in EU supply chains. The coalition comes in the run up to the EUDR, the review of which will be unveiled later this month.

EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition created in run up to EUDR

The incoming EU Deforestation Regulation is already influencing how major firms are addressing deforestation in their supply chains, even before the regulation comes into effect at the end of 2026, a new report by Global Canopy has found.
According to the Global Canopy's Forest 500 report, the impending EUDR has already 'steered business expectations, galvanised investment and driven supply chain action' among many major firms, with publicly reported evidence on traceability mechanisms increasing for eight out of nine high-risk commodities last year.
Some 68 of the 500 companies featured in the report, or 14%, cited the EUDR in public documents relating to action on tackling deforestation, while over a quarter of firms reported implementation actions in 2025 that they had not reported the previous year.
'The data points to companies gearing up for the prospect of the EUDR even before its implementation,' said Chloe Rollscane, research associate at Global Canopy. 'As Forest 500 data relies solely on public disclosures by companies, this is likely just the tip of a bigger iceberg of corporate decisions taken in private.
'This shows the positive influence that regulation can have and why sustained leadership by governments in key markets, like the EU and the UK, is so urgently needed.'
The Global Canopy's Forest 500 report is now in its 12th year, with the latest report analysing around 270,000 public disclosures from 500 companies on the forest risk commodities covered by the EUDR: beef, cocoa, coffee, leather, palm oil, pulp and paper, rubber, soy and timber.
According to the report, some 29% (146) of companies have made deforestation commitments associated with all relevant commodities, with 4% (19), including Nestlé and Flora Food Group, reporting 'significantly stronger implementation' than most.
Around two thirds (63%, or 313 companies) have signalled 'some intent' to tackle deforestation, but have to date made only partial commitments or achieved weak progress on implementation. Of this cohort, 42% (132 companies) reported year-on-year progress in 2025.
A final cohort, described as 'laggards' by the report, have no deforestation or ecosystem conversion commitments for any commodity. This group of 168 firms includes UK commodity trader Engelhart, Italian coffee company FinLav and Colombian food processing company Grupo Nutresa, the report notes.
'Even before implementation, the EU deforestation legislation is bearing green shoots,' added Niki Mardas, executive director at Global Canopy. 'Influential companies in the deforestation economy have prepared for the legislation and several are vocal in their support. The EU's goals and targets are best served by decisive implementation without further delays, simplifications or scope reductions. Companies that fail to take action on forest loss are signalling their lack of readiness to investors and to the market as a whole.'
Notably, despite geopolitical pushback, just 14 companies announced reduced ambition on deforestation – Nike, which removed pulp and paper from its 2025 public sustainability reporting, is one of this cohort. Read more here. Related

The incoming EU Deforestation Regulation is already influencing how major firms are addressing deforestation in their supply chains, Global Canopy has found.

Incoming EUDR already influencing how firms address commodity-driven deforestation

A group of companies, NGOs and certification bodies have launched the EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition, aiming to push for sustainability in EU agricultural supply chains.
The Coalition focuses on EU policy and legislation to ensure sustainability in agricultural supply chains, as well as respect for human rights and resilient sourcing for European businesses and consumers.
It includes food majors such as Nestlé, Barry Callebaut, Mars, and Ferrero, as well as certification bodies such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
It was launched following a meeting on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The review of this regulation is intended to be completed by 30 April.
'Businesses are ready to deliver on sustainable supply chains. The EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition shows that the transition is already under way. 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', says MEP Delara Burkhardt, S&D Shadow Rapporteur on the EUDR.
'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', adds Francesco Tramontin, vice president for global public affairs at Ferrero.
Alliance pour la Préservation des Forêts –Alliance for the Preservation of ForestsBarry CallebautBetter Cotton InitiativeETGFairtrade InternationalFair Trade Advocacy OfficeFerreroThe Hershey CompanyInternational Cocoa InitiativeIDHMars IncNestléRainforest AllianceRoundtable for Sustainable Palm OilSolidaridadSucdenTony's ChocolonelyVOCAL Coffee AllianceVOICE Cocoa Network

Companies including Nestlé, Barry Callebaut and Mars, and organisations such as Rainforest Alliance and RSPO, are taking part in the EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition, which aims to push for…

Improving student writing has been an area of focus for DeForest School District educators in the past year.
A monitoring report on 'Self-Directed, Complex Thinkers' that was recently presented to the school board touted growth in eighth grade writing, but concerns were expressed over ACT writing scores for 11th graders.

Improving student writing has been an area of focus for DeForest School District educators in the past year.

Writing a focus of recent DeForest School District report

At last, the start of the 2026 high school boys' golf team is officially here.
On Tuesday, April 7, the DeForest Norskies boys' golf team broke in the new season, participating in the 2026 Sauk Prairie Invitational at the Lake Wisconsin Country Club in Prairie du Sac.

At last, the start of the 2026 high school boys' golf team is officially here.

DeForest boys' golf open 2026 season

Globant announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries. Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting, helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers. Key outcomes of the initiative include: Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing; Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting, improving governance and oversight; Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), mitigating financial and reputational risk; Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture, enabling long-term agility and secure document governance. The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.

Globant announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45…

Globant Announces Successful Deployment of an AI-Based Supply Chain Traceability and Compliance Solution for CMPC

The DeForest Village Board approved $11 million in tax increment financing (TIF) for Cascade Development's next phase of DeForest Yards plans on Thursday, April 9.
The board unanimously approved the associated development agreement, among others that evening.

Coffee Collaboration Supports Tropical Forest Protection
Charity Size of Wales has partnered with Hard Lines Coffee to launch a special collaboration coffee that supports tropical forest protection and the communities who care for them.
The coffee, Colombia Mujeres, joined Cardiff-based Hard Lines' seasonal line-up in March 2026. Every bag sold helps fund Size of Wales' work to protect tropical forests and support Indigenous Peoples.
This marks the second collaboration between the two Welsh organisations through Hard Lines' Ground Level social action programme. Their previous campaign raised £3,365 to support the Wampís Nation in protecting the Peruvian Amazon.
'Partnering with Size of Wales allows us to go further in supporting forest protection and tackling climate change. As two Welsh organisations, this collaboration feels especially meaningful,' said Ruth, Head of Coffee, Hard Lines.
Colombia Mujeres is produced entirely by women indigenous farmers from the CENCOIC cooperative in Cauca, Colombia, supporting Indigenous Peoples through sustainable agriculture and strengthening long-term livelihoods.
Responsible sourcing sits at the heart of this partnership. Importer DRWakefield works with Enveritas to ensure traceability and assess deforestation risk.
Since 2019, Fairtrade certification has included zero-deforestation criteria, ensuring that purchasing choices benefit both people and planet. This principle sits at the heart of Size of Wales' Deforestation Free campaign and its vision of a Deforestation Free Nation.
Through the Big Give Earthrise Campaign, donations to Size of Wales between 22-29th April on the Big Give website are currently being doubled, increasing the impact of every contribution.

Charity Size of Wales has partnered with Hard Lines Coffee to launch a special collaboration coffee that supports tropical forest protection and the

Coffee Collaboration Supports Tropical Forest Protection

TEGUCIGALPA - Camera traps have photographed a jaguar high up in the Honduran Sierra del Merendón mountain range, the first time the big cat has been detected there in a decade. In images shared exclusively with CNN, the lone male, known as a 'cloud jaguar,' was spotted on February 6, about 2,200 meters up in high-altitude forest, a positive signal for the Central American nation attempting an environmental turnaround. Jaguars have lost 49% of their historic range in the Americas, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The largest population lives in Amazonia, but all other populations are classified as endangered or critically endangered. In Honduras jaguars are protected, though they face challenges. 'Deforestation and poaching are the biggest threats, and we have been working to tackle both,' said Franklin Castañeda, Honduras country director at wild cat conservation organization Panthera, which captured the images of the jaguar.
Amjad Aziz Malik makes history with AIPS 'lifetime honorary membership
Between 2001 and 2024, the Central American nation lost 1.5 million hectares (3.7 million acres) of tree cover, 19% of its total, according to Global Forest Watch. Permanent agriculture like plantations and grazing land was the overwhelming reason. The government has committed to curbing deforestation by the end of the decade , as well as restoring 1.3 million hectares (3.2 million acres) of forest. Its Zero Deforestation Plan 2029 declared a state of environmental emergency to protect forests and wildlife, utilizing a military patrol force comprising 8,000 troops to deter and prevent illegal agricultural and logging activity. Meanwhile, poaching of jaguar prey species, such as the brocket deer, peccary and iguana, is thought to impact the big cat's food supply. But in the Merendón range, there are signs of environmental success.
Peru election drags into second day after ballot delivery fiasco Tags:

TEGUCIGALPA - Camera traps have photographed a jaguar high up in the Honduran Sierra del Merendón mountain range, the first time the

First ‘cloud jaguar' spotted in 10 years sparks hope in Honduras

Marcelo Behar is the COP30 Special Envoy for Bioeconomy and co-founder of Ambition Loop Brazil.
Can we be the generation to end the rampant deforestation that is harming the planet's ecosystems and climate? Back in February, the Brazilian COP30 Presidency opened a call for submissions on its proposed Roadmap for Halting Deforestation and Forest Degradation, which closes today.
What might look like a technical step quickly drew significant attention, with more than 100 responses submitted by governments, civil society organisations, businesses and other stakeholders.
This level of engagement is telling. It reflects both the urgency of the issue and the recognition that this process could shape whether the global goal to end deforestation by 2030 finally moves from ambition to delivery.
As a Brazilian, I see this moment with both pride and realism. Brazil has played a central role in elevating forests on the climate agenda, and the COP30 Presidency has shown leadership in carrying this issue forward far beyond the Belém summit.
COP30 rainforest fund unlikely to make first payments until 2028
But last year also offered a sobering signal. Despite strong efforts from the Brazilian Presidency, the proposed roadmap did not secure consensus in the final outcome of COP30. That outcome underlined a simple truth: while there is broad recognition of the importance of forests, agreeing on how to move forward remains complex. The road ahead is still long and likely uneven.
That is precisely why this moment matters.
The world is not short of commitments. Over the past decade, countries have repeatedly pledged to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. There is a growing body of experience through the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) programme, including the emergence of jurisdictional approaches that are beginning to connect forest protection with finance at scale.
Initiatives such as the Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership have helped sustain political attention and cooperation among countries, while national strategies continue to evolve, and Indigenous Peoples and local communities remain at the forefront of protecting forests.
And yet, progress is still falling short.
The gap is not only one of alignment. It is also one of political will – and of having a credible, shared pathway that brings together these efforts in a way that drives implementation at scale.
Civil society is watching this process closely. For many organisations working across climate, nature and conservation, this is not just another initiative – it is a priority. After years of advocating to end deforestation, there is a strong sense that this moment cannot be lost. The expectation is clear: this roadmap must move beyond intention and help unlock real progress.
The opportunity now is to ensure that it does exactly that. This cannot become another report.
A detailed assessment of pathways and challenges, however valuable, will not be enough to change outcomes on the ground. What is needed is an implementation roadmap, one that connects existing commitments, aligns incentives and provides clarity on how to move from ambition to delivery between now and 2030.
The consultation process is an important step. But its value will ultimately be judged by what it produces.
If the roadmap is to succeed, several priorities should guide its development.
First: policy. It must be designed as a tool for implementation. That means going beyond diagnosis to define concrete action: who needs to act, by when, and how progress will be tracked. The solutions are not new, but coordination has been missing.
Second: accountability. It should bring coherence to the existing landscape. The value of a roadmap lies not in creating new commitments, but in connecting what already exists: global targets, REDD+ experience, national action plans, Indigenous leadership and supply chain initiatives. Reducing fragmentation is essential to accelerating delivery.
Third: finance. It must be grounded in economic reality. Halting deforestation will not happen without addressing the incentives that underpin it. Aligning public finance, private investment, and market demand with forest protection is not a technical detail; it is the core of the transition.
Fourth: transparency. Legitimacy will depend on openness. A credible roadmap cannot be developed behind closed doors. Governments, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, civil society, business and finance actors all have a role to play and must be able to see how their contributions shape the outcome.
Fifth: urgency. Progress must be visible in 2026. Without early milestones, momentum will fade. By the time climate negotiators gather in Bonn mid-year, the roadmap should have a clear structure, priority actions and growing political backing.
Finally, countries themselves will need to step forward. Last year's outcome showed that support alone is not enough. Delivering this roadmap will require active political engagement. That means governments that are willing not only to participate in the process, but to help shape and implement it.
Brazil has created an important opening. It has also taken on the responsibility that comes with leadership: to help turn a widely supported idea into something that can deliver in practice.
The commitment to end deforestation by 2030 already exists. What is still needed is a path. And the courage to walk it. TAGS:

Meeting the goal requires political will and a pathway that brings together efforts and drives implementation. Done right, the roadmap can deliver this Meeting the goal will require political will and…

How a Brazil-led roadmap can rescue global pledge to halt deforestation

By Dare Akogun
A coalition of leading environmental organisations under the banner of Nature4Climate has submitted a set of joint recommendations to Brazil's COP Presidency, urging swift action to transform global commitments on deforestation into practical results ahead of COP31.
The recommendations, submitted on Wednesday to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change consultation process, are aimed at shaping a 'Roadmap for Halting Deforestation and Forest Degradation,' with a deadline set for April 10.
The group stressed that the proposed roadmap must move beyond policy discussions and become a concrete implementation tool capable of driving real change, particularly as countries race to meet the 2030 global target of halting and reversing deforestation.
In its submission, Nature4Climate called for a shift in focus from prolonged analysis to large-scale action, noting that existing frameworks and initiatives must be better aligned to deliver measurable impact.
The coalition specifically urged global leaders to integrate forest protection efforts with financial systems, food production models, and broader economic incentives, while ensuring that Indigenous peoples and local communities are placed at the centre of implementation.
Speaking on the development, Nature4Climate Advocacy Lead, James Lloyd, said the roadmap must serve as a coordinating instrument that amplifies ongoing efforts rather than duplicates them.
'This roadmap must move beyond analysis and guidance to become a practical instrument that coordinates, directs, and amplifies existing efforts,' he said, adding that global action must decisively shift towards implementation at scale before 2030.
The push comes amid growing concerns that global commitments to forest conservation risk falling short without stronger coordination and political will.
The roadmap was a key subject at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where it attracted significant political attention but failed to secure formal adoption, placing increased pressure on ongoing consultations to deliver a consensus framework ahead of COP31.
Panama's Lead Climate Negotiator, Ana Aguilar, described the roadmap as a 'global compass' capable of addressing multiple interconnected crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.
'With 60 per cent of Panama still covered by forests, we see the roadmap as a tool to align current initiatives, connect forests with finance and food systems, and ensure equitable delivery for people on the ground,' she said.
Similarly, the Director of Stakeholder Relations at the Forest Stewardship Council, Anand Punja, highlighted the importance of early engagement in shaping the roadmap, describing forests as one of the most cost-effective natural solutions to climate change.
He said preserving forests remains critical to mitigating global warming, noting that the roadmap could serve as an additional lever to accelerate progress towards ending deforestation.
Also lending support, the Managing Director for Global Policy at the National Audubon Society, Chris Dragisic, said Brazil's leadership presents a unique opportunity to unify global action.
According to him, conserving and restoring forests is essential not only for climate resilience but also for protecting biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems critical to human survival.
Analysts say the renewed push for a practical deforestation roadmap comes at a time when developing countries, particularly in Africa, are grappling with the dual challenge of protecting forests while meeting economic and food security needs.
For Nigeria and other forest-rich nations, the outcome of the roadmap could influence access to climate finance, support for sustainable land use, and policies aimed at balancing conservation with development.
With the consultation process still ongoing, stakeholders are hopeful that the final roadmap will translate political commitments into tangible actions capable of safeguarding forests and supporting livelihoods across the Global South.

By Dare Akogun A coalition of leading environmental organisations under the banner of Nature4Climate has submitted a set of joint recommendations to Brazil's COP Presidency, urging swift action to…

Nature4Climate pushes global roadmap to halt deforestation ahead of COP31

Sponsored by
CHEP
Every day, millions of products reach supermarket shelves through highly coordinated supply chains. At the heart of this system are pooled wooden pallets, designed to be shared, repaired and reused many times over. CHEP's distinctive blue pallets are a core part of this circular model, helping to reduce waste, avoid unnecessary deforestation and cut carbon emissions across the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
However, each year in Northern Ireland, significant numbers of these reusable pallets are removed from circulation and destroyed when used in large bonfires. While CHEP is aware that its pallets are used in this way, the company does not condone the practice and continues to appeal to bonfire organisers not to use CHEP pallets, which remain the legal property of the company.
CHEP operates an equipment pooling system: pallets are hired, never sold. Customers use them to transport goods through the supply chain before they are collected, inspected, repaired if necessary, and reissued to other customers. This closed-loop approach is fundamental to CHEP's sustainability credentials. When pallets are destroyed rather than returned, the environmental benefits of reuse are lost.
The impact is significant. Many pallets are removed from the supply chain each year in Northern Ireland. This loss reduces pallet availability for essential goods and undermines the efficiency of pooled systems that are designed to minimise waste. Fewer reusable pallets in circulation also increase reliance on single-use whitewood pallets, driving up demand for virgin timber and contributing to deforestation.
By ensuring CHEP pallets are returned and reused as intended, businesses and communities can help reduce waste, limit deforestation and support a more circular, lower-carbon economy, keeping essential goods moving responsibly and efficiently
As a business built on reuse and resource efficiency, CHEP believes everyone has a role to play in protecting circular supply chains. Ensuring that pallets remain in circulation allows businesses and communities in Northern Ireland and across the world to realise the full environmental and operational benefits of pallet pooling.
CHEP is calling on anyone who sees blue CHEP pallets outside the supply chain to help return them before they are lost for good. If pallets are spotted in yards, building sites or other locations where they do not belong, people are encouraged to visit collect.chep.com to report their location. CHEP will arrange collection free of charge, helping to keep reusable pallets in active circulation.
Businesses that use CHEP pallets also play a vital role. Empty pallets should be stored securely on site and returned promptly once they are no longer needed. Organising a free collection through CHEP helps prevent misuse, protects valuable resources and supports the efficient movement of goods across the supply chain.
Protecting reusable assets is fundamental to maintaining resilient supply chains and delivering sustainability benefits at scale. By ensuring CHEP pallets are returned and reused as intended, businesses and communities can help reduce waste, limit deforestation and support a more circular, lower-carbon economy, keeping essential goods moving responsibly and efficiently.

CHEP continue to appeal to bonfire organisers not to use its pallets

CHEP on blue pallets, circular supply chains and the environmental cost of bonfires

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operations
NEW YORK, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.
Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting, helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As sustainability regulations intensify globally, supply chain transparency has become a critical operational and reputational priority. The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing
Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting, improving governance and oversight
Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), mitigating financial and reputational risk
Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture, enabling long-term agility and secure document governance
"This new solution we developed with Globant enables us to collect information from various sources and demonstrate our commitment to a principle we firmly uphold: zero deforestation," said José Antonio Valdés, Digitalization Project Manager at CMPC.
"Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic capability," said Santiago Noziglia, CEO of Consumer Goods & Manufacturing AI Studio at Globant. "By integrating SAP Clean Core with AI-powered automation, we helped CMPC transform regulatory pressure into operational advantage. This initiative sets a benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing."
The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.
To learn more about the full case study, visit: https://more.globant.com/en/cmpc-supply-chain-efficiency-with-ai
__
About Globant
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
We have more than 28,700 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like FIFA, Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.
We are global partners of Open AI, NVIDIA, AWS and Unity bringing world-class technology together to accelerate innovation across industries.
Contact: pr@globant.com
Sign up to get first dibs on press news and updates.
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Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.

Malaysian youths file climate lawsuit against government for failure to act on deforestation
The judicial review application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court demands urgent action to halt escalating deforestation and to honour the country's decades-old pledge to maintain 50 per cent forest cover.
Global Forest Watch data shows that in 2020, Malaysia had 18 million hectares of natural forest covering 55 per cent of its land area. It lost 100 kilohectares of natural forest in 2024, with the total area of humid primary forest in Malaysia decreasing 19 per cent since 2002. Image: T. R. Shankar Raman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
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The judicial review application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court demands urgent action to halt escalating deforestation and to honour the country's decades-old pledge to maintain 50 per cent forest…

Malaysian youths file climate lawsuit against government for failure to act on deforestation

epaselect epa12877131 An aerial picture taken by drone shows a palm oil plantation landscape in Nagan Raya, Aceh, Indonesia, 09 April 2026. According to Auriga Nusantara, an Indonesian non-governmental organization focusing on forestry and biodiversity, deforestation in Indonesia reached a total of 433,751 hectares in 2025, an increase of 66 percent compared to the 261,575 hectares recorded in 2024. EPA/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

한눈에 보는 오늘 : 종합 - 뉴스 : epaselect epa12877131 An aerial picture taken by drone shows a palm oil plantation landscape in Nagan Raya, Aceh, Indonesia, 09 April 2026.

An international team of researchers involving Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew , World Forest ID and University of Sheffield has introduced an innovative tool capable of identifying the origin of soybeans with an accuracy of around 200 km. The development is aimed at tackling one of the major drivers of global tropical deforestation and could significantly reshape how agricultural supply chains are monitored.
The study, published in Communications Earth and Environment , combines chemical fingerprinting of soybeans with advanced geospatial machine learning techniques. This approach enables precise estimation of harvest locations, even within complex global supply chains where commodities are often mixed and traded across multiple countries.
The urgency of this innovation is underscored by the scale of deforestation: about 3.7 million hectares of tropical forests were lost in 2023 alone, and more than 71 million hectares between 2001 and 2015. Soy production—largely expanding in South America to meet global demand for animal feed—accounts for approximately 11.5% of deforestation linked to commodity production, ranking third after cattle farming and palm oil.
In the study, researchers analyzed 267 soybean samples collected across South America. The developed model can predict the origin of crops with an average accuracy of 192.5 (±23.5) km. This level of precision is critical, as deforestation risks can vary significantly even between neighboring farms, while previous methods could only identify origins at the country or broad regional level.
The new technology is expected to support the implementation of environmental regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation , which will come into force in December 2026. The regulation requires importers to prove that their products are not linked to recently deforested land. Researchers believe this tool will enhance market transparency and corporate accountability, although it is not a standalone solution but rather part of a broader toolkit to combat deforestation.
Further development of the grain and oilseed markets of Ukraine and the Black Sea region will be in the spotlight of the BLACK SEA GRAIN. KYIV conference, taking place on April 22–23 in Kyiv. The event will focus on strategic directions for the agricultural sector through 2030, including investments, energy independence, processing, and exports of high-value products.
Join strategic discussions and networking with industry leaders to gain актуальна insights, discover new business opportunities, and build partnerships with key market players.
Tags: soybean

An international team of researchers involving Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, World Forest ID and University of Sheffield has introduced an innovative tool capable of identifying the origin of soybeans…

UK scientists develop soy traceability tool to combat deforestation

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operations
NEW YORK
,
April 9, 2026
/PRNewswire/ --
Globant
(NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an
AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution
for
CMPC
, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.
Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation
reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting
, helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As sustainability regulations intensify globally, supply chain transparency has become a critical operational and reputational priority. The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes
, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes),
enabling up to 99.9% faster processing
Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting
, improving governance and oversight
Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
, mitigating financial and reputational risk
Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture
, enabling long-term agility and secure document governance
"This new solution we developed with Globant enables us to collect information from various sources and demonstrate our commitment to a principle we firmly uphold: zero deforestation,"
said
José Antonio Valdés, Digitalization Project Manager at CMPC.
"Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic capability,"
said
Santiago Noziglia, CEO of Consumer Goods & Manufacturing AI Studio at Globant.
"By integrating SAP Clean Core with AI-powered automation, we helped CMPC transform regulatory pressure into operational advantage. This initiative sets a benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing."
The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.
To learn more about the full case study, visit:
https://more.globant.com/en/cmpc-supply-chain-efficiency-with-ai
__
About Globant
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
We have more than 28,700 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like FIFA, Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.
We are global partners of Open AI, NVIDIA, AWS and Unity bringing world-class technology together to accelerate innovation across industries.
Contact:
pr@globant.com
Sign up
to get first dibs on press news and updates.
For more information, visit
www.globant.com
.
View original content to download multimedia:
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SOURCE Globant

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operationsNEW YORK, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant , a digitally...

DEFOREST — Milton's offense steadily tacked on runs in a 9-4 victory over DeForest on Monday evening in a Badger Large Conference softball game.
While Morgan Bastian surrendered four runs in the third inning, the junior pitcher put together a quality outing. In seven innings, Bastian gave up four runs on three hits while issuing five strikeouts and one walk.
"It was fun, I thought it was a good game," Milton coach Lance Knudsen said. "We hit the ball really, really well. We played really great defense, and then Morgan had an outstanding night on the mound for us."
Three Red Hawks had multiple hits. Senior Molly Baker led the charge, going 3-for-4 at the plate. Trinity Harris finished 2-for-4 with a team-high three RBIs and Ryley Knudsen went 2-for-4 with an RBI of her own.
Milton tallied six runs in the first three innings. In the opening inning, the Red Hawks generated offense after their top two in the lineup went down. With two outs, Baker singled and Kenzie Marquardt walked. Harris then drove in both of them with a double to center field.
Milton scored three more runs in the following inning. Bastian was walked to start the inning and Ryley Knudsen followed it up with a single. After an Elise Wieters strike out and Kylee Buttchen walk, the bases were loaded.
Jenna Benash grounded herself into a fielder's choice that brought home both Bastian and Buttchen. Benash then stole home to put Milton up 5-0.
The Norskies' offense was kept at bay for all but one inning. In the third, Bastian walked a batter and hit another. With two outs and two runners on, DeForest's Raegan Smith hit an inside-the-park home run, clearing the bases. The Norskies then singled and doubled to add another run.
"She's a competitor," coach Knudsen said about Bastian. "Obviously she was frustrated, but she honed it back in. To also have Kenzie Marquardt there as your catcher, who is one of the leaders that we have. She is very good with all of our pitchers. She can calm them back down and talk about what they have to do."
Harris, Madison Fuhrman and Bastian all provided an RBI in the seventh to add some cushion to Milton's lead.
"If we can keep doing that and keep getting runs on board, anything can happen. The big one tonight was Amaya Loper had a pinch hit to start us out in the seventh," coach Knudsen said.
The Red Hawks (4-2, 2-1 Badger Large Conference) will aim to pick up their third-straight win when they host Oregon on Tuesday, April 14, at 5 p.m.
Milton;231;000;3;—;9;12;0
DeForest;004;000;—;4;3;0
Leading hitters—Baker (M) 3x4, Harris (M) 2x4, Knudsen (M) 2x4. 2B—Baker (M), Knudsen (M), Harris (M), Hardiman (D). HR—Smith (D).
Pitching (ip-h-r-er-k-bb)—M: Bastian (7-3-4-4-5-1), DF: Oughton (3-6-6-6-2-2), Bruno (4-6-3-3-3-1).

Nigeria | 6 seconds ago Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigeria has launched an ambitious $1 billion forest recovery initiative, in one of its most decisive moves to confront deforestation, climate change, and the growing threat to livelihoods tied to shrinking natural resources. The
"
Securing Nigeria's Forest Future (SNFF).
"

Nigeria | 6 seconds ago Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigeria has launched an ambitious $1 billion forest recovery initiative, in one of its most decisive moves to confront deforestation, climate change,…

Nigeria Unveils $1bn Forest Rescue Plan to Combat Climate Crisis, Halt Rapid Deforestation

Across the tropics, a growing movement is working to secure a future for primates in the face of disease, deforestation and wildlife trade. Reporting from across the planet, this video series

Across the tropics, a growing movement is working to secure a future for primates in the face of disease, deforestation and wildlife trade. Reporting from across the planet, this video series... read…

Primate Planet

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operations
NEW YORK
,
April 9, 2026
/PRNewswire/ --
AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution
for
Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation
reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting
, helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As sustainability regulations intensify globally, supply chain transparency has become a critical operational and reputational priority. The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes
, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes),
enabling up to 99.9% faster processing
Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting
, improving governance and oversight
Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
, mitigating financial and reputational risk
Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture
, enabling long-term agility and secure document governance
"This new solution we developed with Globant enables us to collect information from various sources and demonstrate our commitment to a principle we firmly uphold: zero deforestation,"
said
José Antonio Valdés, Digitalization Project Manager at CMPC.
"Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic capability,"
said
Santiago Noziglia, CEO of Consumer Goods & Manufacturing AI Studio at Globant.
"By integrating SAP Clean Core with AI-powered automation, we helped CMPC transform regulatory pressure into operational advantage. This initiative sets a benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing."
The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.
To learn more about the full case study, visit:
__
About Globant
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
We have more than 28,700 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like FIFA, Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.
We are global partners of Open AI, NVIDIA, AWS and Unity bringing world-class technology together to accelerate innovation across industries.
Contact:
For more information, visit
Logo -

NEW YORK, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.
Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting, helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As sustainability regulations intensify globally, supply chain transparency has become a critical operational and reputational priority. The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing
Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting, improving governance and oversight
Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), mitigating financial and reputational risk
Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture, enabling long-term agility and secure document governance
"This new solution we developed with Globant enables us to collect information from various sources and demonstrate our commitment to a principle we firmly uphold: zero deforestation," said José Antonio Valdés, Digitalization Project Manager at CMPC.
"Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic capability," said Santiago Noziglia, CEO of Consumer Goods & Manufacturing AI Studio at Globant."By integrating SAP Clean Core with AI-powered automation, we helped CMPC transform regulatory pressure into operational advantage. This initiative sets a benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing."
The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.
To learn more about the full case study, visit:
__
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
We have more than 28,700 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like FIFA, Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.
We are global partners of Open AI, NVIDIA, AWS and Unity bringing world-class technology together to accelerate innovation across industries.
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The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operationsNEW...

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operations
NEW YORK, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.
Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting, helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As sustainability regulations intensify globally, supply chain transparency has become a critical operational and reputational priority. The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaing around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing
Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting, improving governance and oversight
Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), mitigating financial and reputational risk
Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture, enabling long-term agility and secure document governance
"This new solution we developed with Globant enables us to collect information from various sources and demonstrate our commitment to a principle we firmly uphold: zero deforestation," said José Antonio Valdés, Digitalization Project Manager at CMPC.
"Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic capability," said Santiago Noziglia, CEO of Consumer Goods & Manufacturing AI Studio at Globant."By integrating SAP Clean Core with AI-powered automation, we helped CMPC transform regulatory pressure into operational advantage. This initiative sets a benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing."
The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.
__
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
We have more than 28,700 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like FIFA, Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.

Brazil–China agricultural trade, valued at $47 billion annually, drives 25% of global deforestation risk linked to commodity supply chains
52% of Brazil's agricultural exports go to China, while Brazil supplies 34% of China's agricultural imports
Targeted action in just 73 Brazilian municipalities could significantly reduce global deforestation exposure
A single trade relationship now sits at the center of global deforestation risk. According to new analysis from Trase, the agricultural trade corridor between Brazil and China accounts for a quarter of all deforestation risk embedded in international commodity flows.
Valued at nearly $47 billion annually, the partnership is the largest agricultural trade link in the world, surpassing US–China flows by roughly 40%. The scale alone gives it outsized influence over land use, forest protection, and climate outcomes.
Trase's findings show that more than half of Brazil's agricultural exports are destined for China, while over a third of China's agricultural imports originate from Brazil. That level of interdependence has created what analysts describe as a systemic nexus between food security, economic stability, and environmental risk.
Despite the scale, the deforestation footprint is not evenly distributed. Trase identifies a high degree of concentration in specific regions, opening the door to targeted intervention.
More than 1,500 municipalities in Brazil supply soy to China, yet just 73 are responsible for 75% of the deforestation risk tied to that trade. This concentration suggests that policy alignment, traceability improvements, and corporate sourcing commitments could deliver outsized impact without disrupting broader trade flows.
For policymakers and investors, this creates a rare leverage point. Focused governance measures, including stricter land-use enforcement and supply chain transparency requirements, could materially reduce emissions linked to agriculture while preserving trade volumes.
The risks are no longer theoretical. Climate-linked shocks are beginning to erode agricultural output and economic performance across Brazil's key producing regions.
A severe drought in 2020 cut soy and maize production in Rio Grande do Sul by 46% and 32% respectively. More recently, drought conditions in the Amazon between 2021 and 2022 triggered an estimated $13 billion loss in the soy harvest. The result was a 12% drop in Brazil's agricultural GDP in early 2022.
These disruptions highlight a feedback loop that is increasingly central to ESG risk assessments. Deforestation accelerates climate change, which in turn undermines agricultural productivity and supply reliability. For China, heavily reliant on Brazilian imports, this translates into direct exposure to climate-induced supply shocks.
RELATED ARTICLE: Global Investors Controlling $3T Demand Policy Action to Stop Deforestation by 2030
Trase argues that Brazil and China are uniquely positioned to reshape global agricultural supply chains through coordinated action. The report outlines five strategic areas where existing policies and business initiatives could be scaled to reduce environmental impact while maintaining economic growth.
' Brazil and China have outsized potential to influence the sustainability of global agricultural supply chains and contribute to safeguarding food security for billions of people, ' says André Vasconcelos, Global Engagement Lead at Trase. 'At a time when multilateral action faces growing challenges, bilateral cooperation can offer an effective pathway to deliver significant environmental and economic gains '. André Vasconcelos, Global Engagement Lead at Trase
The concept, described as the 'Beijing-Brasília effect,' positions bilateral cooperation as a catalyst for broader South–South collaboration. Rather than relying solely on fragmented global agreements, aligned trade partners could establish scalable models for sustainable sourcing, traceability, and low-carbon agriculture.
' Scaling up this cooperation can help set a powerful proof of concept, a Beijing-Brasilia effect, paving the way for broader South-South cooperation on sustainable trade, ' Vasconcelos adds. ' The foundations for unlocking this effect are already firmly in place: a proven record of environmental leadership, the significance of the bilateral trading partnership, and the central role of deforestation and low-carbon agriculture in ensuring supply chain resilience'.
For C-suite leaders and investors, the implications are immediate. Supply chain exposure to deforestation risk is becoming a material financial and reputational concern, particularly as disclosure frameworks tighten and regulatory scrutiny intensifies.
The Brazil–China corridor represents both a concentration of risk and a potential blueprint for mitigation. Companies operating within this trade network face increasing pressure to demonstrate traceability, enforce zero-deforestation commitments, and align with evolving ESG standards.
At the same time, the scale of the relationship offers a rare opportunity. Coordinated action between two dominant players could reshape global norms around agricultural trade, influencing everything from procurement standards to financing conditions.
As climate volatility intensifies and food security rises on the geopolitical agenda, the stakes extend far beyond bilateral trade. The decisions made between Beijing and Brasília will help determine whether global commodity markets accelerate deforestation or become a lever for its decline.
The ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

Brazil–China agricultural trade, valued at $47 billion annually, drives 25% of global deforestation risk linked to commodity supply chains 52% of Brazil's

Brazil–China Supply Chain Accounts for Quarter of Global Deforestation Exposure

Overview
While the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has grabbed headlines and dominated complex overseas deforestation and human rights due diligence efforts for the past few years, the United States' own extraterritorial anti-deforestation law has substantial bite - and is an increasing federal enforcement priority. The EUDR is, at its core, a trade law and a barrier, preventing the importation and sale in the EU of goods that are not "deforestation free" to help reduce deforestation. (We have discussed the EUDR here and here.) The Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3371–3378), on the books in the US for more than 125 years, has civil and criminal penalties, and broadly prohibits selling, transporting or importing plants, timber, and their derivative products that are harvested in violation of US or foreign laws.
The Lacey Act is broader than the EUDR in some respects and narrower in others, but both laws cover wood products and rubber and compel – through mandate or the prospect of civil and criminal risk – due diligence into whether they have been gathered, sold and transported consistent with host country biodiversity, deforestation and other relevant laws. Given the intense US attention on imports with undervalued components, the Lacey Act's severe penalties, and the anticipated application of the EUDR at the end of this year, integrated compliance measures addressing both regimes' requirements would maximize efficiencies and help limit legal and operational risks.
1. The Broad Scope of the Lacey Act
Background and relevant terms. Originally passed in 1900 to combat the feather trade for ladies' hats, the Lacey Act has been amended several times, and today is remarkably broad in scope. More than just a trade law, it makes it illegal for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive or purchase:
any plant in violation of any US law or treaty, or
in a way that impacts US interstate or foreign commerce, any plant created or transported in violation of foreign laws that regulate plant theft, plant harvesting from a protected area, plant taking without authorization, and plants possessed, sold or transported in a manner that violates export, tax or royalty regulations.
Unlike the EUDR, focusing on covered goods imported into or sold on the EU market, the Lacey Act includes extraterritorial violations, encompassing US citizens and companies even where covered goods themselves do not touch US markets.
Foreign law compliance. As with the EUDR, the Lacey Act mandates that covered goods are produced in compliance with relevant requirements of the country of origin, including laws and administrative regulations. The Lacey Act is less specific than the EUDR: it does not categorize the type of foreign law violation that can trigger liability, demanding only that the law address plants or timber. In practice, however, the EUDR and Lacey Act both cover host country environmental, deforestation, biodiversity, land use, tax, and customs laws, as well as other relevant legislation. Both laws also contemplate anti-corruption, the EUDR directly by its terms, the Lacey Act where the corrupt act causes a violation of a local law to be breached, such as paying a bribe for a harvest permit, to circumvent an export ban, or to enable harvesting beyond permit limits. (Unlike the EUDR, the Lacey Act itself does not include indigenous or labor rights in its scope, but is intended to siphon funds from illegal logging and farming where forced labor is endemic.)
Products in scope. There are also key points of overlap regarding the specific products being addressed. The Lacey Act covers nearly all "plants" and "plant products." Like the EUDR, that includes timber and other wood-based materials, as well as rubber, and derivative products from both, such as paper, packaging, furniture, clothing and other products with wood pulp. The Lacey Act also covers a strikingly wide variety of other commercial products derived from harvested wild plants, such as bamboo fabrics, flooring and kitchenware, herbal supplements like ginseng and echinacea, sisal in rugs, essential oils, food and beverages like mushrooms, maple syrup, nuts and berries, and musical instruments that include ebony and mahogany. However, the Lacey Act does not cover "common food crops" within the EUDR's scope, such as soy, coffee, cocoa or palm oil, while cattle is not a plant-based product.
Penalties. While more limited than those under the EUDR, penalties under the Lacey Act can be significant. They include seizure of goods, civil and criminal liability, and government-overseen compliance plans. The penalties can vary in severity based on the violator's level of knowledge about the illegal origin of the plant or plant product. Felony criminal penalties, including fines and up to five years in prison, may be imposed on those who traffic in plants or plant products that they know to be illegally harvested. Criminal or civil penalties may be imposed on an individual or company that fails to exercise "due care" to determine whether the plant or plant product was legally harvested. Due care in this instance means "the degree of care which a reasonably prudent person would exercise under the same or similar circumstance." Importantly, under the Alternative Fines Act (18 U.S.C. § 3571), which applies across federal criminal offenses, offenders may be fined up to twice the value of the gain acquired through a Lacey Act violation. On this basis, a Florida couple was fined almost $45 million in 2024 for importing and selling illegal plywood products. That same year, Tip the Scale LLC pleaded guilty to making false declarations under the Lacey Act and agreed to implement a rigorous compliance plan subject to third-party auditing, including structured compliance oversight, risk-based supplier screening, and in-person supplier audits. Further, while most cases involve attempted importations into the US, other Lacey Act prosecutions have been exclusively extraterritorial, focusing on the foreign sale of covered products harvested illegally under domestic laws.
Commonalities between the EUDR and Lacey Act. Although the two laws reflect different regulatory philosophies, they share significant substantive points of overlap. Both apply to wood, rubber and the numerous products derived from them, including furniture, paper, pulp, packaging, industrial goods, apparel, and other products. Both also create legal consequences for violations of similar foreign laws, including deforestation and biodiversity requirements, with significant ramifications for companies and individuals. While EUDR breaches can lead to market-access restrictions and substantial penalties, the Lacey Act creates civil and criminal risk.
2. Due Diligence Responses
Given the substantive overlap and significant impacts created by the two laws, companies with ties to the US and EU that operate in foreign markets, and are purchasing, transporting, importing or selling at least goods involving wood, rubber and derivate products, should consider implementing rigorous due diligence systems to verify the legality and traceability of their raw materials.
In practice, due diligence under one regime may also be relevant under the other, and non‑compliance or regulatory scrutiny in one jurisdiction may trigger scrutiny in the other. For example, if companies identify a potential risk, but establish that the product is not placed on the market in the EU or is not in the scope of EUDR, they should assess their position in light of the extra-territoriality provisions in the Lacey Act. Equally, findings of non‑compliance or regulatory scrutiny in one jurisdiction may trigger further review in the other.
A well-designed due diligence system includes:
Determine your entity's role . Understand how the company may be implicated by both laws, including whether it qualifies is an operator or trader under the EUDR.
. Understand how the company may be implicated by both laws, including whether it qualifies is an operator or trader under the EUDR. Identify in-scope products . Use the Harmonized System (HS) codes in Annex I of the EUDR and the APHIS implementation schedule for the Lacey Act to determine the company products, such as rubber, timber, cocoa, that are being regulated.
. Use the Harmonized System (HS) codes in Annex I of the EUDR and the APHIS implementation schedule for the Lacey Act to determine the company products, such as rubber, timber, cocoa, that are being regulated. Gather information . Collect data for every shipment to satisfy both regulations. While the EUDR contemplates geolocation of every plot of land where the commodity was produced, compliance under both laws would contemplate gathering verifiable evidence that production complied with the laws of the country of origin, covering land tenure, labor rights, environmental protection, anti-corruption, tax, export and other laws. That will include supplier certifications, engagement with trade associations, local stakeholders and local counsel, public information searches for potential negative reports, and other risk identification steps.
. Collect data for every shipment to satisfy both regulations. While the EUDR contemplates geolocation of every plot of land where the commodity was produced, compliance under both laws would contemplate gathering verifiable evidence that production complied with the laws of the country of origin, covering land tenure, labor rights, environmental protection, anti-corruption, tax, export and other laws. That will include supplier certifications, engagement with trade associations, local stakeholders and local counsel, public information searches for potential negative reports, and other risk identification steps. Conduct Risk Assessment. In conjunction with both laws, it would be prudent to evaluate the risks of deforestation and illegal harvesting based on the country of origin's risk level, corruption indices, and supply chain complexity. Using the European Commission's Country Classification List to identify high-risk versus low-risk sourcing regions may be helpful in that respect.
In conjunction with both laws, it would be prudent to evaluate the risks of deforestation and illegal harvesting based on the country of origin's risk level, corruption indices, and supply chain complexity. Using the European Commission's Country Classification List to identify high-risk versus low-risk sourcing regions may be helpful in that respect. Implement Risk Mitigation. Under both laws, do not proceed unless the risk of non-compliance is "negligible," and where risks are identified, take mitigation steps, such as on-site audits, satellite monitoring, or switching to certified/verified suppliers.
Under both laws, do not proceed unless the risk of non-compliance is "negligible," and where risks are identified, take mitigation steps, such as on-site audits, satellite monitoring, or switching to certified/verified suppliers. Retaining Records. Both regulations have five-year statutes of limitations, and thus retaining all compliance documentation (satellite imagery, supplier declarations, permits, audits) for at least five years is prudent.
At a Glance Comparison of the US Lacey Act and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

While the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has grabbed headlines and dominated complex overseas deforestation and human rights due diligence efforts for the past few years, the United St...

Integrated Due Diligence Approaches Under the US Lacey Act and EU Deforestation Regulation

See how tree planting climate fix, carbon sink forests, and ecosystem restoration projects are helping to achieve a global deforestation halt and support long‑term climate solutions.
Lauri Poldre/Pexels
Global
Why Reforestation Drives Climate Wins
Reforestation involves systematically replanting trees on deforested or degraded lands, often using native species for best results. At its core, it creates carbon sink forests that act as massive reservoirs for atmospheric CO2. Through photosynthesis, trees convert the gas into oxygen and long-term storage in biomass, roots, branches, and surrounding soil. The
This tree planting climate fix extends far beyond sequestration. Forests release water vapor through transpiration, generating local rainfall and cooling effects that can lower regional temperatures by several degrees. They prevent soil erosion during storms, filter pollutants from waterways, and create habitats that support pollinators and wildlife essential for food chains. When integrated into broader ecosystem restoration projects, these benefits compound, turning barren landscapes into thriving systems resilient to future shocks like droughts or pests.
Experts project that aggressive reforestation could offset up to 20% of remaining carbon budgets needed to limit warming to 1.5°C, making it a cornerstone of climate strategies worldwide.
Read Also:
How Reforestation Counters Climate Change
Reforestation delivers targeted punches against the climate crisis:
Superior carbon sequestration
: A single hectare of restored tropical forest can capture 10-15 tons of CO2 each year, outpacing many mechanical methods.
Climate regulation
: Transpiration from leaves increases atmospheric moisture, enhancing rainfall patterns by up to 20% in surrounding areas and mitigating dry spells.
Extreme weather defense
: Deep root systems stabilize soil, reducing flood risks and landslides that displace millions annually.
In fire-prone regions, denser forests create microclimates that suppress blazes, while mature stands release fewer greenhouse gases when they do burn compared to grasslands.
Benefits of Tree Planting for the Planet
The perks of tree planting climate fix ripple across environmental and human spheres:
Cost-effective capture
: Achieves results rivaling high-tech direct air capture but at $5-50 per ton versus hundreds.
Air and health improvements
: Leaves filter particulate matter and ozone, slashing respiratory diseases in nearby populations.
Water cycle enhancement
: Boosts aquifer recharge by 25-30%, ensuring reliable supplies in arid zones.
Carbon sink forests also generate economic value—timber, fruits, and ecotourism—while creating jobs in planting, monitoring, and maintenance. Studies show every dollar invested in ecosystem restoration projects yields $7-30 in returns through these services, from cleaner water to protected agriculture.
Biodiversity surges too: Restored areas can recover 80% of original species within 20 years, fortifying natural defenses against invasive pests or diseases.
Global Projects Proving Reforestation Works
Hands-on successes demonstrate tree planting climate fix in motion:
Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative
: Since 2019, communities have planted over 30 billion trees, rapidly forming carbon sink forests that have curbed soil degradation and local flooding while advancing deforestation halt.
Brazil's Amazon Fund
: This effort has rehabilitated 20 million hectares using international carbon credits, as detailed in FAO reports, reversing decades of cattle ranching damage.
Madagascar's reforestation drive
: Local workers plant 300 million trees annually, blending ecosystem restoration projects with erosion control to revive bare hillsides into productive landscapes.
These models incorporate innovations like drone seed-bombing for hard-to-reach areas and mobile apps for growth tracking, achieving 70-85% survival rates—far above traditional methods.
Paths Forward for Deforestation Halt
Securing a true deforestation halt requires layered strategies:
Robust policies
: Enforce no-logging zones and tie agricultural subsidies to forest protection.
Tech integration
: Use AI-driven satellites to monitor illegal activity in real-time across vast tropics.
Community empowerment
: Train locals in agroforestry, blending crops with trees for income without clearing land.
Indigenous groups already safeguard over 80% of global biodiversity on their territories, offering blueprints for scaling ecosystem restoration projects. International pacts like the Bonn Challenge target 350 million hectares restored by 2030, blending finance from carbon markets with on-ground action.
Reforestation's Lasting Climate Impact
Tree planting climate fix strengthens carbon sink forests that propel ecosystem restoration projects across continents. Global pushes for deforestation halt are gaining ground, pulling emissions from the air and weaving resilience into landscapes. For more, explore IPCC assessments,
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is reforestation and why is it a climate solution?
Reforestation means restoring forests on land that has been cleared or degraded, mainly by planting trees. It works as a tree planting climate fix because new and recovering forests pull carbon dioxide from the air and store it in wood, roots, and soil, helping to slow global warming.
2. How do carbon sink forests help fight climate change?
Carbon sink forests act like giant natural filters: trees absorb CO₂ via photosynthesis and lock it away for decades or even centuries. A healthy forest can store many tons of carbon per hectare and also helps regulate local temperatures, rainfall, and extreme weather events.
3. Can tree planting really make a big difference to global emissions?
Yes, but it's not a standalone fix. Large‑scale tree planting climate fix programs are among the most cost‑effective ways to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Organizations like Project Drawdown estimate that restoring forests could remove a significant share of global emissions if combined with deeper cuts in fossil‑fuel use.
Read more:
© 2026 NatureWorldNews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

See how tree planting climate fix, carbon sink forests, and ecosystem restoration projects are helping to achieve a global deforestation halt and support long‑term climate solutions.

Tree Planting Climate Fix, Carbon Sink Forests, and Ecosystem Restoration Projects Can Halt Deforestation

A strategic meeting at the European Parliament to urge the Commission to exclude cowhide from the EUDR . On April 8, Italy and UNIC – Concerie Italiane , at a meeting facilitated by Cotance (the Brussels-based association representing national tanning associations), presented to the EU the concerns of the supply chain, which sees the anti-deforestation regulation as an undue burden, since the material is not a driver of deforestation. By La Conceria.
'Hides and leather should be excluded from Annex I of the EUDR not because we are against forest protection,' commented MEP Dario Nardella , organizer of the meeting, 'but because a good law should target those truly responsible for deforestation, not those who transform waste into a circular and durable material .'
Global instances
Cotance President Manuel Ríos participated in the sectoral delegation . He was joined by UNIC President Fabrizio Nuti and Vice President Piero Rosati , along with councilors Roberto Lupi , Michele Matteoli , and Marco Blasio , as well as Francesco Matelli , president of the Leather Arbitration Chamber. Since the exclusion of bovine leather from the EUDR is an urgent matter not only for the European supply chain, but for global ones, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Brussels of the United States , Canada , Australia , India , and Vietnam were also present at the meeting .
The topics
The EU Commission and the Directorate-General for the Environment were therefore able to first listen to a presentation by Luca Marrucci of the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa , one of the authors of the study that scientifically demonstrates that cowhide is not a driver of deforestation. Then, representatives of business associations and diplomats expressed their concerns about a regulation that is extremely difficult for SMEs to comply with and that simply threatens to shift trade routes currently directed towards Europe to other continents . 'The Delegated Act will be issued in the coming weeks,' Nardella concluded. 'I wanted to build this discussion now, with the Commission at the table, because that's when decisions are made.'

14 April 2026 UNIC and Cotance to the EU Commission: 'Hides and leather out of the EUDR' A strategic meeting at the European Parliament to urge the Commission to exclude cowhide from the EUDR . On…

UNIC and Cotance to the EU Commission: "Hides and leather out of the EUDR"

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operations
NEW YORK, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.
Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting, helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As sustainability regulations intensify globally, supply chain transparency has become a critical operational and reputational priority. The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes , shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing
, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting , improving governance and oversight
, improving governance and oversight Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) , mitigating financial and reputational risk
, mitigating financial and reputational risk Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture, enabling long-term agility and secure document governance
"This new solution we developed with Globant enables us to collect information from various sources and demonstrate our commitment to a principle we firmly uphold: zero deforestation," said José Antonio Valdés, Digitalization Project Manager at CMPC.
"Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic capability," said Santiago Noziglia, CEO of Consumer Goods & Manufacturing AI Studio at Globant. "By integrating SAP Clean Core with AI-powered automation, we helped CMPC transform regulatory pressure into operational advantage. This initiative sets a benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing."
The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.
To learn more about the full case study, visit: https://more.globant.com/en/cmpc-supply-chain-efficiency-with-ai
__
About Globant
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
We have more than 28,700 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like FIFA, Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.
We are global partners of Open AI, NVIDIA, AWS and Unity bringing world-class technology together to accelerate innovation across industries.
Contact: [email protected]
Sign up to get first dibs on press news and updates.
For more information, visit www.globant.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/globant-and-cmpc-launched-an-ai-based-supply-chain-traceability-solution-compliant-with-eu-deforestation-regulation-302738471.html
SOURCE Globant

PR Newswire NEW YORK, April 9, 2026
The solution enables real-time reporting, auto

Globant and CMPC Launched an AI-Based Supply Chain Traceability

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operations
NEW YORK , April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC , a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.
Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting , helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As sustainability regulations intensify globally, supply chain transparency has become a critical operational and reputational priority. The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes , shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing
, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting , improving governance and oversight
, improving governance and oversight Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) , mitigating financial and reputational risk
, mitigating financial and reputational risk Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture , enabling long-term agility and secure document governance
"This new solution we developed with Globant enables us to collect information from various sources and demonstrate our commitment to a principle we firmly uphold: zero deforestation," said José Antonio Valdés, Digitalization Project Manager at CMPC.
"Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic capability," said Santiago Noziglia, CEO of Consumer Goods & Manufacturing AI Studio at Globant. "By integrating SAP Clean Core with AI-powered automation, we helped CMPC transform regulatory pressure into operational advantage. This initiative sets a benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing."
The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.
To learn more about the full case study, visit: https://more.globant.com/en/cmpc-supply-chain-efficiency-with-ai
__
About Globant
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
We have more than 28,700 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like FIFA, Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.
We are global partners of Open AI, NVIDIA, AWS and Unity bringing world-class technology together to accelerate innovation across industries.
Contact: pr@globant.com
Sign up to get first dibs on press news and updates.
For more information, visit www.globant.com .
View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/globant-and-cmpc-launched-an-ai-based-supply-chain-traceability-solution-compliant-with-eu-deforestation-regulation-302738471.html
SOURCE Globant
This article contains syndicated content. We have not reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content, and may receive compensation for placement of the content on this site. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

NEW YORK , April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment…

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operations
NEW YORK, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.
AI-based supply chain traceability solution
Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting, helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As sustainability regulations intensify globally, supply chain transparency has become a critical operational and reputational priority. The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes , shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing
, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting , improving governance and oversight
, improving governance and oversight Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) , mitigating financial and reputational risk
, mitigating financial and reputational risk Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture, enabling long-term agility and secure document governance
"This new solution we developed with Globant enables us to collect information from various sources and demonstrate our commitment to a principle we firmly uphold: zero deforestation," said José Antonio Valdés, Digitalization Project Manager at CMPC.
"Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic capability," said Santiago Noziglia, CEO of Consumer Goods & Manufacturing AI Studio at Globant. "By integrating SAP Clean Core with AI-powered automation, we helped CMPC transform regulatory pressure into operational advantage. This initiative sets a benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing."
The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.
To learn more about the full case study, visit: https://more.globant.com/en/cmpc-supply-chain-efficiency-with-ai
__
About Globant
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
We have more than 28,700 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like FIFA, Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.
We are global partners of Open AI, NVIDIA, AWS and Unity bringing world-class technology together to accelerate innovation across industries.
Contact: [email protected]
Sign up to get first dibs on press news and updates.
For more information, visit www.globant.com.
SOURCE Globant

Most European consumers care about forests – they don't want to eat, wear and wash with products that contribute to forest loss. This is the root of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which takes aim at the links between EU imports and global deforestation, estimated to affect an area almost the size of Rome each year. Yet the EUDR has faced pushback, resulting in dilution ​and delays, with implementation postponed to the end of 2026. This is a critical moment for the law. The Commission has been tasked with a simplification review, which ‌it must report on by the end of April. …EU lawmakers would do well to consider new evidence from Forest 500, showing that companies have already responded tangibly to the prospect of legislation. The EUDR has succeeded in steering business expectations, galvanising investments and driving supply chain action by some of the most influential companies in the deforestation economy.

Most European consumers care about forests – they don't want to eat, wear and wash with products that contribute to forest loss. This is the root of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation…

Severe Weaterh Wisconsin
Jim Harbors helps clear downed trees that were toppled during severe overnight storms, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Deforest, Wis. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

Severe Weaterh Wisconsin Jim Harbors helps clear downed trees that were toppled during severe overnight storms, Tuesday,

Severe Weaterh Wisconsin

The Amazon is approaching a dangerous threshold. Long understood as the world's largest tropical forest and a critical regulator of the global climate, its future is increasingly shaped by the convergence of organized crime and environmental crime. This nexus is accelerating deforestation and degradation, worsening fire risk,

The Amazon is approaching a dangerous threshold. Long understood as the world's largest tropical forest and a critical regulator of the global climate, its future is increasingly shaped by the…

The Amazon's silent crime crisis (commentary)

Palm oil has long been a lightning rod for sustainability activists. A new collaboration is helping to scale a credible alternative
Palm oil is a common ingredient in consumer products, including many of the packaged goods we see on supermarket shelves. And while there is ongoing debate as to exactly how widespread it is, it can be found across product categories like food, soaps, cosmetics, and detergents.
Despite this ubiquity, the use of palm oil has often been criticised. Because it is farmed in forested tropical regions – predominantly Southeast Asia – palm oil has historically been a major driver of deforestation. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), oil palm alone was responsible for 7 per cent of global deforestation from 2000 to 2018. And beyond sheer numbers, the palm oil industry has also threatened iconic endangered species, such as the orangutan, and become tangle up in concerns around farmer exploitation and labour rights.
As a result, palm oil has drawn much attention in sustainability circles, with some companies even marketing their products as palm oil free. Today, however, the focus has largely shifted to fostering sustainable palm oil cultivation using frameworks like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

Palm oil has long been a lightning rod for sustainability activists. A new collaboration is helping to scale a credible alternative

Inside ÄIO and tilk!'s efforts to replace palm oil and animal fats

4
The war in Sudan is not only a humanitarian disaster but also an unfolding ecological catastrophe. Recent reports reveal a devastating 60% loss of forest cover, a consequence of escalating conflict and the resulting scramble for resources. What was once a vibrant landscape is rapidly transforming into barren land, threatening both the environment and the livelihoods of Sudanese people. The Impact of War on Sudan's Forests
Prior to the conflict, Sudan boasted approximately 12% forest cover. Now, key areas like Khartoum state and the regions of Al Jazirah and Sennar are experiencing alarming rates of deforestation. The fighting, which began in April 2023, triggered mass displacement, leaving forests vulnerable to unchecked exploitation.
The primary driver of this destruction is the increased demand for firewood. With disruptions to gas and electricity supplies, many Sudanese have turned to wood as their only source of fuel for cooking. This has led to widespread tree felling, particularly in forests surrounding urban centers like Khartoum.
The once-thriving Al Sint forest, a vital green space on the banks of the White Nile, exemplifies this crisis. Once a popular destination for families and a haven for migratory birds, it has been reduced to a 'barren and desolate' space, according to recent observations. Beyond Khartoum: A National Crisis
The devastation extends beyond the capital. Sennar state, known for its dense forests, has seen a significant decline in vegetation cover due to logging and charcoal production. Individuals like Adam Ishaq have been forced to cut down trees to survive, highlighting the desperate circumstances driving deforestation. Sudan Khartoum Forests
'Life is very difficult, which forced us to move to the forest after the army opened it and cut down trees to make charcoal, which is a source of livelihood for us,' Ishaq explained. The Ecological Consequences
The loss of forest cover has far-reaching consequences. Deforestation contributes to increased carbon dioxide emissions – Sudan's forests release over 9.3 million tons of CO2 annually due to deforestation – exacerbating climate change. It also leads to soil erosion, desertification, and a decline in biodiversity. Deadly drone strikes in Sudan's 'nightmare' civil war | Global News Podcast
The Al Sint forest, covering 1500 hectares, is a prime example of a vital ecosystem under threat. Its trees are resilient to flooding, provide habitat for numerous bird species, and are a crucial source of oxygen. Glimmers of Hope: Community-Led Conservation
Despite the bleak outlook, some communities are actively working to protect their forests. In villages east of Khartoum, residents have successfully defended forested areas, preventing logging and encroachment. Ali Mohammed Ali, a resident of Al Alamlab village, described their efforts to guard the forest, even confronting armed groups attempting to cut down trees.
'We guard it from people who arrive with donkey carts to cut down trees. Sometimes their number reaches fifty carts a day, so we force them to return from where they came, and we prevented some elements of the Rapid Support Forces from doing so,' Ali stated. Government Initiatives and Future Outlook
Authorities have implemented measures to combat deforestation, including erecting earthen barriers around Al Sint forest and deploying security personnel. New laws have been enacted to prohibit tree felling, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
Efforts are also underway to replant trees. Workers at the Forestry Administration headquarters in Khartoum are preparing hundreds of thousands of seedlings for distribution and planting in affected areas. A recovery plan is focused on targeting the most damaged regions first, with plans to collaborate with schools, universities, and local communities.
However, with the conflict entering its fourth year and no clear end in sight, the future of Sudan's forests remains uncertain. Continued fighting will only exacerbate the problem, leading to further environmental degradation and long-term consequences for the country. FAQ
What is the primary cause of deforestation in Sudan?
The ongoing conflict is the primary driver, leading to increased demand for firewood as other fuel sources turn into unavailable.
How much forest cover has Sudan lost?
Approximately 60% of Sudan's forest cover has been lost due to the conflict.
Are there any efforts to restore the forests?
Yes, the government is implementing reforestation programs and communities are actively working to protect existing forests.
What are the long-term consequences of deforestation in Sudan?
Increased carbon emissions, soil erosion, desertification, loss of biodiversity, and a decline in livelihoods are all potential consequences.
What is being done to protect Al Sint forest?
Authorities have erected barriers and deployed security personnel, and new laws prohibit tree felling.
Did you grasp?
Sudan's forests release over 9.3 million tons of carbon dioxide annually due to deforestation.
Pro Tip: Supporting sustainable livelihood initiatives for communities near forests can help reduce the pressure on these vital ecosystems.
What are your thoughts on the situation in Sudan? Share your comments below and let's discuss how we can raise awareness about this critical issue.

The war in Sudan is not only a humanitarian disaster but also an unfolding ecological catastrophe. Recent reports reveal a devastating 60% loss of forest

Sudan's Forests Decimated by War and Fuel Crisis

Palm oil is one of Indonesia's largest export commodities. In fact, Indonesia is the world's leading producer of palm oil, contributing approximately 59% of the global supply. This makes the palm oil sector a crucial pillar of the national economy, particularly through its contributions to export trade, job creation, and the livelihoods of millions. The industry supports the livelihoods of around 8 million people, with independent smallholders playing a significant role by managing more than 40% of the country's total palm oil plantation area.
However, this dominant position is now facing increasingly complex global regulatory pressures. With the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) postponed twice and global markets tightening sustainability standards, Indonesia is racing against time to equip its negotiators and diplomats to meet these challenges.
The Center for World Trade Studies (PSPD) UGM has been mandated by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, with support from the UNDP Forest, Agriculture and Sustainable Trade (FAST) program, to organize a Capacity Building Program on Foreign Negotiation and Diplomacy in Sustainable Palm Oil Practices.
Maharani Hapsari, S.IP., M.A., Team Leader and Executive Secretary of PSPD UGM, explained that PSPD UGM was tasked with developing and delivering training modules on negotiation and diplomacy that are relevant and responsive to practitioners' needs while remaining aligned with sustainability standards in the palm oil industry.
'We designed the training modules to address the various issues faced by negotiators so they can objectively communicate the transformation of Indonesia's palm oil industry from upstream to downstream,' Maharani said during the Kick-off and Inception Workshop: 'Capacity Building on Foreign Negotiation and Diplomacy in Sustainable Practices of Palm Oil,' held Tuesday (7/4) at Hotel Harper Malioboro, Yogyakarta.
She highlighted several key points discussed during the forum. Indonesia is promoting a whole-of-government diplomatic approach that involves cross-ministerial actors, academics, farmers, and the private sector to address global regulatory pressures such as the EUDR. PSPD UGM, together with the UNDP-FAST Project, also launched a hybrid training program comprising modules on commodity mastery, negotiation strategies, and public diplomacy to strengthen Indonesia's bargaining position in international markets.
'In addition, there has been an increase in exports of processed palm oil products to China and Egypt, as well as emerging opportunities in bioavtur and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) derived from POME, which open new avenues for Indonesia to reduce dependence on traditional markets and enhance downstream competitiveness,' she added.
Iwan Kurniawan, Program Manager for the Natural Resources Management (NRM) Cluster at UNDP Indonesia, stated that the narrative of sustainable palm oil must be grounded in the reality that millions of independent smallholders are key actors in the supply chain, not merely beneficiaries, with ISPO certification strengthened down to the field level.
'We must also ensure that the social impacts are fair, inclusive, and do not disadvantage farmer groups such as smallholders, workers, and local communities. From this, we want to collectively build a narrative that smallholders are part of the solution and central to the sustainability prospects of the palm oil industry,' he explained.
Regarding deforestation issues, Ir. Belinda Arunarwati Margono, M.Sc., Ph.D., Secretary of the Geospatial Information Agency, stated that palm oil should not always be associated with deforestation. Palm oil can be cultivated on non-productive land or areas historically designated for palm plantations.
Differences in forest definitions between Indonesia (96 million hectares) and the European Union (183 million hectares) also introduce bias into deforestation assessments, requiring negotiators to rely confidently on Indonesia's officially verified scientific data.
'Palm oil is often said to originate from deforestation. In reality, Indonesia has its own system to monitor whether deforestation has occurred. Sometimes, the public refers more to external assessments, even though those parties do not have a dedicated monitoring system,' she explained.
Furthermore, Iwan noted that one of Indonesia's current challenges in the palm oil sector is the diversity of data across institutions. This highlights the need for an integrated data system to produce more objective information.
'At present, palm oil data is scattered. Each institution has its own dataset. Through this initiative, we hope to establish a unified database that can serve as a reliable reference for negotiators and diplomats in conveying objective facts about Indonesia's palm oil,' he concluded.
In addition to discussing the curriculum, the workshop marked the beginning of a hybrid training program for negotiators and diplomats. The program will be conducted in two phases: a four-day intensive training following three weeks of self-paced learning, followed by field visits to five palm oil production regions for five selected negotiators and diplomats.
The hybrid training is scheduled for July 2026, while the field visits will take place in September 2026. This initiative represents a strategic step for Indonesia to ensure that its palm oil diplomacy is not only defensive against global pressures but also proactive in shaping a sustainability narrative grounded in data and national interests.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Kompas

Indonesia boosts palm oil diplomacy capacity to face EU deforestation rules and strengthen global competitiveness.

Palm Oil Industry Supporting 8 Million Workers Faces EU Anti-Deforestation Regulation, UGM Expert Says

New research has delivered a stark warning about a major change in Africa's forests. Once a crucial part of the fight against climate change, these forests are now releasing more carbon than they absorb.
The findings come from an international study published in
Scientific Reports
, led by scientists from the National Centre for Earth Observation at the Universities of Leicester, Sheffield and Edinburgh. The research shows that forests across the continent, long known for pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, have reversed course and are now contributing to emissions.
This shift began after 2010 and highlights the growing urgency for stronger global efforts to protect forests. It also comes at a time when forest conservation was a key topic at the COP30 Climate Summit held last week in Brazil.
Satellite Data Reveals Decade of Forest Loss
To understand what changed, researchers used advanced satellite observations and machine learning to analyze more than ten years of forest data. They focused on aboveground forest biomass, which reflects how much carbon is stored in trees and other vegetation.
The results show a clear turning point. Between 2007 and 2010, Africa's forests were gaining carbon. After that, however, widespread deforestation and degradation in tropical rainforests pushed the system into decline.
From 2010 to 2017, Africa lost about 106 billion kilograms of forest biomass each year. That is roughly equal to the weight of 106 million cars. The biggest losses occurred in tropical moist broadleaf forests, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and parts of West Africa. Although some savanna areas saw increases due to shrub growth, these gains were far too small to balance the losses.
A Wake Up Call for Global Climate Policy
Professor Heiko Balzter, senior author and Director of the Institute for Environmental Futures at the University of Leicester, emphasized the global implications. He said: "This is a critical wake-up call for global climate policy. If Africa's forests are no longer absorbing carbon, it means other regions and the world as a whole will need to cut greenhouse gas emissions even more deeply to stay within the 2°C goal of the Paris Agreement and avoid catastrophic climate change. Climate finance for the Tropical Forests Forever Facility must be scaled up quickly to put an end to global deforestation for good."
Advanced Mapping of Forest Carbon Changes
The study combines data from NASA's GEDI laser instrument and Japan's ALOS radar satellites with machine learning techniques and thousands of ground-based forest measurements. This approach allowed researchers to produce the most detailed map yet of biomass changes across Africa, capturing patterns of deforestation at a local level over a full decade.
The findings arrive alongside the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility by the COP30 Presidency. This initiative aims to raise billions of Pounds to support climate finance, offering payments to countries that preserve their tropical forests.
However, the study makes clear that without immediate action to stop forest loss, the world could lose one of its most important natural systems for storing carbon.
Solutions to Reverse Forest Loss
Dr. Nezha Acil, a co-author from the National Centre for Earth Observation at the University of Leicester's Institute for Environmental Futures, pointed to steps that could help turn the trend around. She said: "Stronger forest governance, enforcement against illegal logging, and large-scale restoration programs such as AFR100, which aims to restore 100 million hectares of African landscapes by 2030, can make a huge difference in reversing the damage done."
Global Implications for Climate Goals
Dr. Pedro Rodríguez-Veiga, who led much of the analysis at NCEO and the University of Leicester and now works at Sylvera Ltd., highlighted the broader impact. He said: "This study provides critical risk data for Sylvera and the wider voluntary carbon market (VCM), and shows that deforestation isn't just a local or regional issue -- it's changing the global carbon balance. If Africa's forests turn into a lasting carbon source, global climate goals will become much harder to achieve. Governments, the private sector, and NGOs must collaborate to fund and support initiatives that protect and enhance our forests."
The project was supported by public funding from the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the European Space Agency (ESA), and a network of partner institutions across Europe and Africa.

Africa's forests have undergone a shocking reversal, switching from carbon absorbers to carbon emitters after 2010. Researchers found that heavy deforestation in tropical regions has led to massive biomass losses, far outweighing any gains from regrowth elsewhere. This change could seriously undermine global efforts to slow climate change. Scientists warn that protecting forests is now more urgent than ever.

Africa's forests have flipped from carbon sink to carbon source

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operations
NEW YORK, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.
Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting, helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As sustainability regulations intensify globally, supply chain transparency has become a critical operational and reputational priority. The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes , shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing
, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting , improving governance and oversight
, improving governance and oversight Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) , mitigating financial and reputational risk
, mitigating financial and reputational risk Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture, enabling long-term agility and secure document governance
"This new solution we developed with Globant enables us to collect information from various sources and demonstrate our commitment to a principle we firmly uphold: zero deforestation," said José Antonio Valdés, Digitalization Project Manager at CMPC.
"Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic capability," said Santiago Noziglia, CEO of Consumer Goods & Manufacturing AI Studio at Globant. "By integrating SAP Clean Core with AI-powered automation, we helped CMPC transform regulatory pressure into operational advantage. This initiative sets a benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing."
The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.
To learn more about the full case study, visit: https://more.globant.com/en/cmpc-supply-chain-efficiency-with-ai
__
About Globant
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
We have more than 28,700 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like FIFA, Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.
We are global partners of Open AI, NVIDIA, AWS and Unity bringing world-class technology together to accelerate innovation across industries.
Contact: pr@globant.com
Sign up to get first dibs on press news and updates.
For more information, visit www.globant.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/globant-and-cmpc-launched-an-ai-based-supply-chain-traceability-solution-compliant-with-eu-deforestation-regulation-302738471.html
SOURCE Globant

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operationsNEW YORK, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.

The solution enables real-time reporting, automated document intelligence, and scalable regulatory compliance across global operations
NEW YORK, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, today announced the successful deployment of an AI-based supply chain traceability and compliance solution for CMPC, a global pulp, paper, and packaging company operating in more than 45 countries.
Built on SAP Clean Core principles and SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), the solution automates document extraction and compliance workflows using Machine Learning and AI. The implementation reduced manual traceability processes from up to 12 days to just minutes (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing and real-time regulatory reporting, helping CMPC ensure full adherence to the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As sustainability regulations intensify globally, supply chain transparency has become a critical operational and reputational priority. The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies and suppliers to demonstrate that products placed on the European market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation, introducing significant compliance complexity for global manufacturers.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Up to a 12-day reduction in manual traceability processes , shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), enabling up to 99.9% faster processing
, shifting compliance validation from days to near real-time (averaging around 3 minutes), Real-time supply chain visibility and regulatory reporting , improving governance and oversight
, improving governance and oversight Full compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) , mitigating financial and reputational risk
, mitigating financial and reputational risk Scalable SAP Clean Core architecture, enabling long-term agility and secure document governance
'This new solution we developed with Globant enables us to collect information from various sources and demonstrate our commitment to a principle we firmly uphold: zero deforestation,' said José Antonio Valdés, Digitalization Project Manager at CMPC.
'Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic capability,' said Santiago Noziglia, CEO of Consumer Goods & Manufacturing AI Studio at Globant. 'By integrating SAP Clean Core with AI-powered automation, we helped CMPC transform regulatory pressure into operational advantage. This initiative sets a benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing.'
The initiative positions CMPC as a leader in AI-enabled regulatory compliance within the pulp and paper industry and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can elevate sustainability, efficiency, and transparency simultaneously.
To learn more about the full case study, visit: https://more.globant.com/en/cmpc-supply-chain-efficiency-with-ai
__
About Globant
At Globant, we help organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future. Our industry-focused solutions combine technology and creativity to accelerate enterprise transformation and design experiences customers love. Through digital reinvention, our subscription-based AI Pods, and Globant Enterprise AI platform, we turn challenges into measurable business results and promised savings into real impact.
We have more than 28,700 employees and are present in over 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like FIFA, Google, Riot Games, and Santander, among others.
We were named a Worldwide Leader in Experience Design Services (2025), and previously recognized as a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) by IDC MarketScape.
We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.
We are global partners of Open AI, NVIDIA, AWS and Unity bringing world-class technology together to accelerate innovation across industries.
Contact: [email protected]
Sign up to get first dibs on press news and updates.
For more information, visit www.globant.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/globant-and-cmpc-launched-an-ai-based-supply-chain-traceability-solution-compliant-with-eu-deforestation-regulation-302738471.html
SOURCE Globant

NEW YORK, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future,

Waste or commodity?
Aviation makes up 7% of all UK carbon emissions and more than a quarter of the country's transport emissions. It is also a particularly difficult sector to decarbonise: unlike road transport it cannot be easily electrified, and extreme safety requirements can slow the adoption of new technologies.
SAF is the most immediate solution, and the UK has brought in a mandate for its use, under which jet fuel must contain 2% SAF by the end of 2025, rising to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040.
Most renewable fuel suppliers rely on a certification of sustainability to prove their environmental credentials. In the UK, the green fuel industry's most widely used voluntary certification scheme – the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) – is obliged to follow domestic legislation. Because the UK designates tallow as a waste product, the start point of the supply chain for ISCC auditors is the rendering plant – not the farm.
This allows tallow from cattle to qualify as a sustainable feedstock for green fuels, even if the animals were raised on illegally deforested land.
But forests store vast amounts of carbon; when they are cut down or burned this carbon is released into the atmosphere. If deforestation linked to a biofuel's feedstock is not taken into account, this calculation could be flawed, experts said.
'If the cattle supplying fat were raised on land converted from a high carbon stock area, illegally deforested, the resulting tallow would likely render the biofuel ineligible under these strict sustainability criteria, regardless of its emissions calculation,' said Haniyeh Hajatnia, an academic specialising in lifecycle assessment for sustainability at the University of Bath.
The ISCC said it 'applies the definitions and accounting rules set by the relevant legislation.'
'In this context, classifying tallow as a waste/residue and designating the 'point of origin' at the rendering plant follows the logic established in the regulatory framework,' a spokesperson explained. 'This approach is based on the principle that the main purpose of livestock farming and slaughterhouses is not the production of tallow, and that associated by-products are therefore treated differently in greenhouse gas accounting.'
The Department for Transport did not provide an on-the-record response.
From Texas to Wales and beyond
In the UK, Valero, DGD's joint-owner, operates the Texaco brand, and is positioning itself as a key player in the UK's transition to lower-carbon fuels. The company has been an active participant in UK SAF policy discussions, opposing a proposed levy on fuel suppliers, and criticising the government's planned cap on waste fat sources in SAF. Valero said that waste fats were 'the world's most cost-effective production route for SAF' in submissions to parliament.
In 2025, DGD shipped 134,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Texas to the UK, with a value of $89m (£67m) according to trade data from Panjiva.
The SAF supply chain within the UK is opaque. Typically, when SAF arrives in the UK it is blended with conventional jet fuel at a refinery or fuel terminal, next it is often transported through national pipelines to airport fuel farms, where it mixes with fuels from other suppliers, making its source invisible to the end consumer. It can also be trucked to airports – particularly smaller ones, without pipeline access.
Valero did not respond to requests for comment. But its UK infrastructure suggests that DGD's Texas-produced SAF could have reached UK airports.
Of DGD's 10 SAF shipments last year, at least six arrived at Milford Haven waterway, where Valero owns and operates a refinery producing jet fuel, among other products. In 2018, it also acquired a fuel storage facility, the Valero Pembrokeshire Oil Terminal, just across Milford Haven from its refinery at Pembroke. Valero also holds interests in pipeline networks supplying the UK with fuel directly from Milford Haven.
Valero supplies, or has supplied, conventional aviation fuel to major airports across the UK, according to information in the public domain.
'Too many blindspots'
SAF and renewable diesel emit roughly the same amount of carbon dioxide as their fossil fuel counterparts when burned; their 'low-carbon' label depends on life-cycle emissions. Plant-based feedstocks absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow, while tallow is considered sustainable because it is considered a waste product.
As SAF usage in the UK, and elsewhere, rises, oversight of sourcing will be crucial to ensure that such mandates are effectively lowering emissions and not driving land-use change, said Anna Krajinska, a director at Transport & Environment UK.
'If there's tallow coming from land that's been deforested, then those emissions might be so high that you might not be getting to the greenhouse gas reduction threshold,' she said.
It is unclear whether there is a systemic problem with illegal deforestation in the tallow supply chain for biofuels, and some experts say SAF is the only viable means to reduce aviation emissions at present, even if flawed.
'It would be important to assess how large this infraction is,' Professor Wouter Dewulf, aviation economist at the University of Antwerp, said. He added that: 'It's the best alternative for the moment [but] I'm quite sure you have aberrations.'
Delaney, from T&E, said there needs to be less opacity and better oversight from regulatory authorities.
'Right now, there are just too many blindspots.'
A version of this story appeared in Climate Home and Repórter Brasil

A major supplier of 'green' airline fuel to the UK has sourced beef fat linked to illegal Amazon deforestation.

UK ‘green' jet fuel imports linked to illegal Amazon deforestation

August 7, 1932 - March 26, 2026 DeForest, WI - DeForest, Wisconsin
August (Augie) Munoz, 93

August 7, 1932 - March 26, 2026 DeForest, WI - DeForest, Wisconsin

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