What is the FSC? 

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the responsible management of the world’s forests. The FSC is not affiliated with any government.  

Founded in 1994, the FSC is now the most globally recognized and respected forest certification system. The certification allows businesses and consumers to choose paper, wood， and other forest-based materials that have been produced from responsibly managed forests.  

What is an FSC® certification?

The FSC offers several certifications:  

• A forest management certification  
• A chain of custody certification  
• A promotional license certification  

The forest management certification is aimed at forest managers and owners and enables them to ensure their care and forest stewardship are recognized and tested against international standards.  

A chain of custody certification from the FSC supports businesses dealing with forest-based products to meet legislative requirements, improve market access, and evidence sustainability policies and practices. Companies with this FSC chain of custody certification can apply FSC labels to their products and make FSC claims on sales documents, maintaining the chain of custody!  

Promotional licenses are used by retailers that buy finished FSC products and sell them unchanged and businesses that wish to promote their use of FSC products. They’re also used by consultants, training companies, investment organizations in the environmental sector, and parent or holding companies that may own several FSC-certified businesses.  

Understanding FSC Certified Packaging

So, what is FSC-certified packaging? In essence, it is packaging that has been produced from paper manufactured from wood pulp that has come from trees in an FSC-managed forest. This could include anything from a standard cardboard box to paper sheets, packing paper, paper packing tape, and paper cushioning. 

To guarantee FSC standards, all wood and packaging materials produced from it must be traceable, no matter how complex the supply chain is. For context, here are key things to note:  

• Trees in FSC-certified forests are only cut down at the rate they can be reproduced to maintain a CO2-neutral forest.  
• Work undertaken in FSC® forests should benefit local populations, including using local labor.  
• Individuals who work in FSC-certified forests are provided with training, safety equipment, and fair salaries.  

• Indigenous populations are involved in forest management, to protect sacred grounds and hunting grounds.  
• FSC implements initiatives to develop local infrastructures, depending on the socioeconomic conditions where materials originate from. 

How FSC-certified packaging benefits the environment

Using FSC-certified packaging is good for the environment because it helps you maintain a sustainable supply chain and ensures your packaging materials are made from responsible sources.  

• Forests are responsibly managed and raw materials are protected for future generations  
• CO2 emissions are controlled through effective forestry management  
• Wildlife is protected and parts of FSC forests are preserved completely to preserve endangered plants and animals  

How do you tell if the packaging you’re using is FSC-certified

When packaging is FSC certified, it will be marked with an FSC. There are several different FSC labels.  

They are available in a portrait or landscape format and will feature:  

• The FSC logo and website address  
• A label title  

• A product type and label text  
• An FSC license code  
• A Mobius loop if the packaging is made fully or partially from recycled content  

FSC labels may appear on packaging materials in three different color ways – green, black, and white.