The European Union is currently facing one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time—halting deforestation and forest degradation worldwide. This phenomenon not only leads to a dramatic loss of biodiversity but also intensifies the climate crisis by reducing natural carbon sinks. In response, the European Union has introduced the EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation), a regulation designed to limit the import and trade of products that may be linked to forest destruction.
In this article, we will explain why natural cork plays a particularly important role in the context of the EUDR.
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. What is the EUDR?
3. The uniqueness of natural cork
4. Compliance of cork with EUDR requirements
5. Summary
6. FAQ
What is the EUDR?
The EUDR, or EU Deforestation Regulation, is a legal act adopted by the European Union in 2023 with the primary goal of reducing the negative impact of European consumption on global forests. This regulation came into force in June 2023, and compliance will become mandatory at the end of 2024.
Purpose and scope of the regulation
The core principle of the EUDR is to ensure that products placed on or exported from the EU market do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. This means that businesses will need to prove that the raw materials and goods they trade come from areas free from illegal logging or ecosystem destruction.
Requirements for businesses
Under the EUDR, every entity placing goods on the EU market must provide a due diligence statement. This document must include:
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geolocation data of the raw material’s place of production,
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proof of compliance with local laws,
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confirmation that production did not cause deforestation after December 31, 2020.
Companies that fail to meet the requirements may face severe penalties, including financial fines, confiscation of goods, or even a ban on operating within the EU in cases of repeated violations.
Global significance
The EUDR represents a milestone in the EU’s climate and environmental policy. On the one hand, it strengthens commitments made under the European Green Deal, and on the other, it sends a clear signal to global markets that access to the European market will only be available to producers who operate according to the principles of sustainability.
The uniqueness of natural cork
Harvesting cork oak bark
Natural cork is harvested from the cork oak (Quercus suber), a tree native to Mediterranean regions, particularly Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Morocco. The most important feature of this process is its non-invasive nature: cork is obtained by stripping the tree’s bark, not by cutting the tree down.
The first harvest usually occurs when the tree is around 25 years old and the bark has reached sufficient thickness. Afterwards, the cycle is repeated every 9–12 years throughout the tree’s lifetime, which can extend up to 200 years. Thanks to this method, a single tree provides raw material multiple times without losing its ability to regenerate.
The process works as follows:
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Careful cutting of the bark – using specialized tools to avoid damaging the living tissue of the tree.
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Removing the bark sheets – which are then dried and further processed.
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Bark regeneration – within the following decade, the tree grows a new layer, ensuring a continuous supply of raw material.
This harvesting method makes cork production one of the most sustainable forestry practices.
How cork differs from other forest resources
Unlike wood, which usually requires cutting down entire trees, cork is a renewable resource harvested cyclically. This means its production does not contribute to deforestation but instead supports the longevity and health of cork forests.
Other forest resources, such as exotic hardwood, palm oil, or rubber, are linked to serious environmental issues:
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loss of biodiversity – through habitat destruction,
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CO₂ emissions – caused by logging and soil degradation,
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destruction of entire ecosystems – often irreversible.
Compliance of cork with EUDR requirements
No need for tree felling
One of the key requirements of the EUDR is to prove that the production of a given raw material is not linked to deforestation or forest degradation after December 31, 2020. In the case of natural cork, this condition is met almost automatically. Harvesting the material consists solely of stripping the bark of the cork oak, not cutting down entire trees. As a result, cork production does not lead to a loss of forest area—in fact, it helps to preserve it.
In practice, this means that each tree remains intact and continues to grow, while the economic activity itself becomes a tool for forest conservation. Cork-based industries encourage the maintenance and care of cork oak forests, which might otherwise be threatened by conversion into farmland or urban areas.
Natural forest renewal and cork oak longevity
Another unique feature that makes cork fully compliant with EUDR regulations is the cork oak’s ability to regenerate its bark. After the outer layer is stripped, the tree begins a natural rebuilding process that lasts several years until the cork structure is fully restored. The ability to harvest the raw material multiple times—even a dozen or more times during a tree’s lifespan—means that production follows a completely renewable cycle.
What’s more, cork oaks can live up to 200 years, which means a single tree can provide material for many generations. Such a long-term perspective guarantees supply chain stability and predictability while ensuring compliance with the “zero deforestation” principle that lies at the heart of the EUDR.
Why cork is a model example of compliance
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No tree felling required – the harvesting process is non-invasive.
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Supports forest resilience – encourages the preservation of unique Mediterranean ecosystems.
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Renewable resource – natural bark regeneration ensures cyclical production.
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Tree longevity – allows for long-term, stable harvesting without environmental degradation.
As a result, cork can be considered an almost model material when it comes to meeting EUDR criteria—an example of a forest resource that not only poses no threat to forests but actively contributes to their preservation.
Summary
The EUDR is one of the most important tools of the European Union in the fight against global deforestation and ecosystem degradation. Its goals are ambitious: to limit the negative impact of European consumption on forests and the climate, and to ensure that products entering the EU market comply with the principles of sustainable development.
Against this backdrop, natural cork stands out as a model raw material—fully compatible with regulatory requirements. Its harvesting does not involve cutting down trees but instead becomes part of preserving cork oak forests, which regenerate after every harvest cycle.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Could rising demand for cork lead to overexploitation of cork oak forests?
No, because the harvesting cycle is strictly regulated (every 9–12 years), and the trees are protected by law. Overexploitation is not possible—on the contrary, the growing economic importance of cork reinforces the need to protect these forests.
2. Which industries benefit most from the growing role of cork?
Beyond the traditional wine industry, cork is used in construction (acoustic and thermal insulation), automotive (light and durable components), fashion (biodegradable fabrics and accessories), and green design projects.
3. By buying cork products, am I supporting environmental protection?
Yes, because every natural cork product supports the preservation of cork oak forests, which absorb CO₂, protect biodiversity, and provide jobs in Mediterranean regions. By choosing cork, you are making an environmentally friendly and socially responsible choice.
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