The Environmental Paper Assessment Tool (EPAT) has released its latest version, EPAT 4.2, for assessing the environmental and social performance of paper and packaging supply chains.
The Environmental Paper Assessment Tool (EPAT) is a web-based platform that enables buyers of paper and packaging products to evaluate the environmental and social impacts of their supply chains. Suppliers share performance data through a consistent framework covering more than 30 key performance indicators, supporting transparency and collaboration toward sustainable business practices.
This update introduces new features and refined indicators, enabling buyers and suppliers to align more closely with evolving global sustainability requirements.
A new Key Performance Indicator 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.
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.
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.
In addition, the label industry’s finest were celebrated at the inaugural Labels & Labeling Global Awards on the evening of the first day of the show at Festa Barcelona.
Labelexpo Europe 2025 expanded its sustainability efforts with the Better Stands program, which incentivizes exhibitors to utilize recyclable materials to build stands, and an exclusive partnership with DMP – recycling matrix waste, which is transformed into usable materials.
This year, Labelexpo Global Series announced a major rebrand across the event portfolio, transitioning into the new brand, LOUPE, in 2026, starting with the Americas show in September.
The LOUPE portfolio remains labels-focused while acknowledging the industry’s expansion and diversification in the past decade into flexible packaging and in-line folding cartons. The next Europe show will return from October 5-8, 2027, as LOUPE Europe 2027.
