The Environmental Paper Assessment Tool (EPAT) has released its latest version, EPAT 4.2, strengthening its role as the leading platform for assessing the environmental and social performance of paper and packaging supply chains. 

This update introduces significant new features and refined indicators, enabling buyers and suppliers to align more closely with evolving global sustainability requirements. 

Key Enhancements in EPAT 4.2 

EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Compliance   

A new KPI has been added to measure supplier compliance with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which requires companies placing paper, wood, and related commodities on the EU market to prove products are deforestation-free, legally produced, and supported by a Due Diligence System (DDS). Scoring reflects progress from no traceability systems to full third-party verified compliance with continuous improvement. 

Business Ethics  

EPAT now includes a Business Ethics indicator, allowing suppliers to demonstrate their policies, risk management systems, and third-party verification related to anti-corruption, transparency, and ethical business conduct. This KPI supports accountability in corporate governance and strengthens trust between buyers and suppliers. 

Updated Labor and Human Rights KPI  

The Labor and Human Rights category has been expanded with clearer scoring definitions aligned with ILO Core Conventions and ISO 26000. Suppliers are now assessed on policies, worker engagement, grievance mechanisms, monitoring systems, and verified compliance audits. This refinement provides a stronger framework for evaluating social responsibility performance.  

Driving Transparency in Global Supply Chains  

For nearly two decades, EPAT (www.epat.org) has been a trusted platform for pulp, paper, and packaging buyers to evaluate suppliers against more than 30 environmental and social performance indicators. With Version 4.2, EPAT continues its mission to advance responsible sourcing by integrating emerging regulations and best practices.  

“As global sustainability frameworks evolve, EPAT ensures buyers of paper-based products have access to the most relevant data,” said Sustainable Paper Group president Phil Riebel. “By incorporating EUDR compliance, business ethics, and updated labor and human rights indicators, Version 4.2 empowers stakeholders to make more informed, responsible purchasing decisions.” 

For more information about EPAT and its features, visit EPAT.org or contact us at [email protected].