FSC® Certified is an important certification for sustainable forestry and conservation and ties into material used in various products, including custom packaging and POP displays. It stands for Forest Stewardship Council, which is a non-profit organization that promotes responsible forest management worldwide. The FSC® Label guarantees that the product or material used in packaging has come from responsibly managed forests, where biodiversity is maintained and protected.
This certification also requires companies to track their processes all the way back to the source of origin, so they can ensure they meet strict environmental standards set by the FSC®. With this certification, consumers can be sure they are buying products with sustainability in focus – whether it’s paper products or furniture made from wood or other materials derived from forests – while supporting those who protect them.
Let's dig into the entire supply chain to understand better how packaging and POP displays that are FSC® Certified get from A to Z.
Table Of Contents
What Is An FSC Certified Forest?
A small label making a big impact. The FSC® label is the world’s most trusted mark for sustainable forestry. Its focus is to protect the environment better and help consumers know they're buying from responsible brands.
Zero Deforestation
Trees are harvested responsibly, so there is no net forest loss over time. Forests with irreplaceable values, such as old-growth forests, are identified and maintained. Reversing deforestation and maintaining irreplaceable forests are crucial to fighting climate change.
Conservational Focus
Support the change from preservation to conservation. Plant and animal species are protected in FSC® Certified Forests.
Worker Protection
All workers are provided with proper training, adequate safety protocols, and fair wages in their work environments.
Community Rights
Local communities living in and around forest areas are consulted, and their legal and cultural rights to land and forest resources are respected.
FSC Certified Chain Of Custody
Each step in the process is tracked and audited to ensure material is sourced from responsibly managed forests or wood material. When new material is added to the mix, it is tracked. The FSC® Chain of Custody ensures that from its source in the forest, all the way through processing and manufacturing, and finally reaching your home or office, it’s certified as coming from a sustainable source.
This helps companies identify and address any issues with their supply chains so they can continue to use only FSC® Certified materials in their products and packaging.
- Responsibly Managed Forests and Wood Materials are gathered and shipped.
- This is turned into paper (containerboard) to be used in various products.
- That material is converted into corrugated board to be used in packaging and POP displays.
- Then, finally, it is sent to retail stores, customers, and anywhere else it needs to go.
Every FSC® Certified company involved in this process must have a clear documented process that can be audited to ensure its accuracy.
FSC 10 Principles For Forestry Standards
The 10 principles set by the FSC® are the foundation of our forestry standard.
They require any managers of certified forests to:
- Comply with all applicable laws.
- Maintain or improve the social and economic well-being of workers.
- Uphold the rights of Indigenous People.
- Maintain or improve the social and economic well-being of local communities.
- Manage their products and services in a way that maintains or improves their long-term economic viability, social benefits, and environmental benefits.
- Maintain, conserve, and/or restore the ecosystem services and environmental values of managed forests; and also avoid, repair, or mitigate negative environmental impacts.
- environmental impacts.
- Establish a management plan that outlines their economic, environmental, and social policies and objectives.
- Demonstrate progress toward meeting these objectives.
- Maintain or improve high conservation values.
- Ensure that all management activities comply with FSC® principles and criteria.
What Does The FSC Label Stand For?
FSC 100%
All materials used come from responsibly managed, FSC®-certified forests. Products with the FSC® 100% label contribute most directly to our mission to ensure thriving forests for all, forever.
Learn More About The Label At FSC.org.
FSC Recycled
The product is made from 100% recycled materials. Using recycled material makes the most of precious forest resources and reduces the pressure to harvest more trees.
FSC MIX
The product is made with a mixture of materials from FSC®-certified forests, recycled materials, and/or FSC® controlled wood. While controlled wood doesn’t come from FSC®-certified forests, it mitigates the risk of the material originating from unacceptable sources.
What Does It Mean to Be FSC Certified?
When a company is FSC® certified, you can trust that its products and packaging are sourced from responsibly managed forests or wood material. This provides assurance that the material used in your products and displays was harvested in an ethical way, with respect for natural environments, local communities, and worker rights.
You can also be sure that any new material added to this process has been tracked, and that each step of the journey is documented and audited by the FSC®. By using FSC® Certified materials, companies can ensure they are doing their part to protect our planet’s resources.
How Does A Company Become FSC Certified?
Any company that wishes to become FSC® certified must go through a rigorous audit process. This includes an on-site inspection of their facilities, supply chain and management processes, as well as interviews with staff and other stakeholders.
The Audit Process
Once this audit is completed, the company receives a certification that indicates they have been audited and are compliant with the FSC® standard. Companies will then receive regular audits to make sure they are continuing to meet the standards set by the FSC®.
Tracking Material
All material that enters, moves through, and exits a facility that is FSC® Certified, is tracked. The entire chain of custody must be tracked to ensure the material is sourced from a Responsible Forest.
Electronic And Physical Documents
Any documents internally about material movement, and even customer and vendor documents that move the stock or finished material, also must be FSC® Material.
Is It Important To Be FSC Certified?
Becoming FSC® Certified is an important way for companies to show their commitment to responsible Forestry Management. By using FSC® Certified materials in products and packaging, companies can demonstrate that they are sourcing materials from responsibly managed forests or wood material, and helping to protect our planet’s resources.
Related: 6 Reasons Corrugated Is The Most Sustainable Packaging
It is also an important way for companies to show transparency with their supply chains, processes, and management decisions. Customers can feel confident knowing that when they purchase a product or packaging material with the FSC® mark on it, they are supporting responsible forestry and sustainable development.
Order FSC Certified Packaging And Displays
Now you have all the information you need to better understand how packaging and POP displays that are FSC® Certified go from forest to retail store. You’re now equipped with a better understanding of the FSC® and the importance of responsible forestry practices. It’s up to you to use this knowledge and make sure you are making informed decisions when it comes to choosing materials for your packaging and displays!
