Since the beginning of civilization, humans have relied on forests without considering the need for preservation. What began as modest use has escalated sharply, with commodities like beef, soybeans, palm oil, timber, and cocoa now produced at the cost of massive forest loss. Global forest area has shrunk from 5.3 billion hectares in the 19th century to around 4 billion by 2020. An estimated 35% of forests have been lost since the Industrial Revolution – and the trend continues. But what does this have to do with global logistics? More than many realize.

Logistics plays a critical yet often overlooked role in deforestation. Once these forest-risk commodities are harvested, they enter complex global supply chains. Without strong sourcing or traceability, logistics providers may unknowingly support trade tied to deforestation.

For example, soybeans from Brazil or timber from Southeast Asia may come from cleared land. Emissions from such land-use changes – classified as Scope 3 – often exceed a company’s direct emissions.

To address this, regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) require businesses to trace product origins and verify their deforestation-free. This also holds logistics providers accountable for sourcing transparency.

At the same time, logistics can drive change. Tools like blockchain and satellite monitoring improve traceability, while practices like route optimization and electric fleets reduce emissions. Many companies now favor certified materials like FSC timber or RSPO palm oil, and are aligning with ESG standards like GRI, CDP, and IFRS.

Deforestation isn’t a distant issue – it’s embedded in global trade. The logistics sector must