The Challenge

Our client, a major international food company, faced persistent supply chain risks linked to sourcing sensitive tropical commodities, including deforestation and child labour. These challenges carried significant ethical, legal and reputational implications. 

At the same time, Europe was seeing a proliferation of national initiatives on due diligence and sustainable sourcing. The absence of a harmonised EU framework created regulatory fragmentation and risked distorting competition. 

The company wanted to advocate for EU-wide legislation that would address environmental and human rights risks while establishing a level playing field for responsible businesses already investing in stronger supply chain standards.

The Strategy

We supported the development of a long-term advocacy campaign calling for EU legislation on deforestation and on human rights and environmental due diligence. 

The strategy combined policy positioning, messaging development, institutional outreach and coalition-building. The objective was to position the company as a constructive voice advocating for workable, harmonised EU rules that would strengthen responsible sourcing across global supply chains while ensuring fair competition within the Single Market.

The Execution

Over five years, we supported a proactive advocacy effort aimed at shaping the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). 

Engagement began early in the 2019–2024 Commission cycle, positioning the company as a constructive partner offering practical experience and industry best practices. 

A key element was the creation of an unconventional alliance between businesses and NGOs to demonstrate cross-sector support for ambitious but workable EU rules. 

We supported high-level engagement with EU institutions, alignment with trade association positions, and direct outreach to policymakers. Strategic op-eds and thought leadership in EU media helped maintain visibility and reinforce key messages throughout the legislative process.

The Outcome

• EU adoption of the EUDR in 2023 and CSDDD in 2024, establishing EU-wide rules on environmental and human rights due diligence. 
• Creation of a harmonised regulatory framework aligned with emerging industry best practices. 
• A more level playing field across the Single Market for companies investing in responsible sourcing. 
• Continued engagement to defend core provisions and provide input on implementation and simplification discussions.