Combining Data from Supply Chains and Satellites to Guarantee Deforestation-Free Production

We’re proud to announce that Satelligence and ImpactBuying will join forces to help retailers, producers, and traders meet the upcoming European Deforestation Regulation. 

From 30 December 2024 onwards, all products imported or exported from the EU must be 100 percent deforestation-free, guaranteed. This regulation (EUDR) can only be met by using data that is obtained and verified at the exact location where commodities are produced. 

Satelligence and ImpactBuying are frontrunners in making worldwide supply chains ESG-proof, through exact data-collection and verification, up to a local level. By joining forces both companies’ clients obtain verified and detailed risk assessment data based on industry consensus methods.  

“Our cooperation enables producers and retailers to align on checking sustainability claims, significantly improving efficiencies to end deforestation,” says Niels Wielaard, CEO of Satelligence.

The European Deforestation Regulation applies to all products containing palm oil, soy, coffee, cacao, rubber, wood and meat (including leather). Not a single tree may be cut down for the production of these commodities. Though exact monitoring and enforcement hasn’t been confirmed yet, the new collaboration gives clients the competitive advantage to be the first informed about legislation updates and requirements.  

Leontien Hasselman-Plugge, CEO of ImpactBuying: “Retailers need trustworthy data to act on, from the farmers downstream, all the way up to the end consumer. By combining in depth satellite and supply chain data, we bring farmers and retailers together. This is necessary, not only to meet legislation but also for the greater good: beating deforestation.”

Both companies warn retailers not to rely solely on public sources like Google Maps and the EU Observatory. “Without the expertise to verify and analyze the data, companies will definitely face containers that have to stay put in European entrance ports,” says Hasselman-Plugge. 

Satelligence and ImpactBuying share the vision that supply chains can be transformed for the better while creating a positive impact on the planet and people’s livelihoods. Wielaard: “Protecting rainforests is a crucial part of this.” Therefore, sustainable production must become mainstream. 

The partnership was signed on 11 September 2024 by Satelligence CEO Niels Wielaard and Impact Buying co-CEO Leontien Hasselman-Plugge.