The Navigator Company, On The Right Side Of The Future

Last week, The Navigator Company invited industry professionals from all over Europe to take part in their sustainability focussed event; “Navigator, on the Right Side of the Future”, of which Two Sides was able to attend as guests.

A dynamic and insightful few days, kicking off with the latest updates on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) presented by Cepi, followed by a deep dive into how Navigator is rising to meet these new challenges. A thought-provoking round table explored the topics of sustainability and EUDR’s market impact, creating forward-looking conversations. The momentum continued into the afternoon with an overview of Navigator’s 2030 sustainability agenda, complemented by immersive tours of their nurseries and surrounding forest areas where wood fibre is harvested. Before heading home, we had the unique opportunity to step inside one of their state-of-the-art paper mills for a guided tour.

Navigating The New EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

The EUDR which came into effect in 2023, is a significant step in ensuring that products tied to deforestation or forest degradation do not enter the EU market. For all paper manufacturers, like Navigator, this regulation poses both challenges and opportunities.

Rather than reactively adjusting to these demands, Navigator has overhauled its systems. From implementing advanced geolocation tools and risk-based assessments to revising due diligence protocols and establishing seamless communication with stakeholders, the company will be compliant with the new regulations.

What’s Changing Under EUDR?

• Products like wood, cocoa, soy, and their derivatives must now be deforestation-free and legally harvested.
• Companies must provide Due Diligence Statements (DDS) backed by geolocation data.
• Compliance is being phased in, with major deadlines in 2025 and 2026.

Navigator’s traceability systems now map every plot of sourced wood – 80% Iberian, 20% South American – and link that data to production batches in Portugal and Spain. It’s a powerful blend of accountability and innovation.

The 2030 Agenda: More Than a Sustainability Plan

Navigator’s 2030 Agenda is not just a roadmap – it’s a blueprint for aligning business growth with environmental and social impact.

For Climate and Nature

• 63% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
• 80% renewable energy in total primary energy use by 2030.
• Nearly 100% certified wood sourcing, supported by FSC® and PEFC standards.
• Ambitious water and waste reduction goals to minimize the ecological footprint.
• Over €350 million invested in decarbonization projects including biomass boilers and lime kilns.

For Society

• Deep engagement in community development, particularly in Mozambique, where initiatives support food security, clean water, and economic empowerment.
• Promotion of forest literacy among children and local communities.
• Strong focus on education and youth employment, with over 290 internships and ongoing partnerships with universities.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Navigator is making strides in gender balance and inclusive hiring practices.

Navigator is also emerging as a key player in the circular bioeconomy. Through by-product repurposing and innovations like molded cellulose packaging (an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics), the company is proving that sustainable manufacturing can go hand in hand with creativity and economic viability.

Accountability with Every Step

With a carbon footprint benchmarked against Cepi’s “Ten Toes” framework, Navigator maintains transparency from cradle to grave.

What makes Navigator’s approach compelling is that it doesn’t settle for ticking boxes. Whether it’s integrating EUDR compliance into the entire value chain or cultivating biodiversity across its 100,000+ hectares of forest, the company is pushing beyond compliance to create lasting, meaningful change.

Their purpose? Clear and powerful: “People, their quality of life, and the Planet’s future are what inspire and move us.”

Conclusion

In a rapidly changing regulatory and environmental landscape, The Navigator Company is showing leadership. It’s not just about preparing for the future – it’s about shaping it.