The FSC mark, often found on paper products as a green tree, indicates that the product was manufactured consistent with international forest conservation standards. The raw material harvested from forests is managed in accordance with strict standards, and the entire creative process is strictly controlled at every stage.
What is the FSC mark?
The FSC mark has been known since the 1990s. By purchasing FSC-marked products, buyers can be sure that the raw material from which the product is made comes from a responsible source. FSC has become a symbol of responsible sourcing, which consumers increasingly pay attention to.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification enjoys great popularity, and the Council has a wide range of activities. It is the most trusted forest certification system in the world. It covers over 209 million hectares of forests and over 53,000 certified wood suppliers. In 28 years, the organization has issued nearly 1,600 licenses for using its logo to other companies.
What are the types of FSC marks?
There are two main certificates and three types of logos.
The two main FSC certifications are:
- The FSC FM (Forest Management) certificate is for forest managers. It confirms that they manage the forest in accordance with the requirements of the FSC organization.
- The FSC CoC (Chain of Custody) certificate was created for a wide range of entrepreneurs in the timber industry and all related to it. These include paper mills, publishers, printers, and even the furniture industry or commercial companies operating in this sector.
The FSC logo can have three versions. Each is correct, but they specify different “good” wood levels in the product.
- FSC 100% means that 100% of the raw material contained in the product is of certified origin.
- FSC Mix (the “mix” can vary depending on the country or language) indicates that at least 70% of the raw material originates from certified forest resources, while 30% is controlled.
- FSC Recycled indicates that the raw material used in production comes from recycling and contains at least 85% certified raw material.
What are the benefits of having an FSC certificate?
Having an FSC certification gives many opportunities in the international market. More and more consumers are paying attention to where a product comes from and what it is made of. Interest in the origin of trees and how they are harvested is growing.
The FSC mark appears on products such as furniture, printing paper, paper towels, and notebook covers. Many international companies have realized that with the development of e-commerce services, it is worth investing in the FSC certificate not only for office-use articles but also for their product packaging and shipping cartons. For many paper industry companies around the world, having this certificate has enabled them to enter the global market.
According to 2021 data, over 12,000 people worldwide prioritize a product’s ecological and environmentally friendly origin over its price. Therefore, FSC certification is definitely good for the development of a company, especially if it wants to break into the international market. No other company of this type enjoys such popularity and trust as the Forest Stewardship Council.
How can you get an FSC certificate?
All companies whose products are made from wood can obtain an FSC certificate. The raw material must be sourced correctly. The trees must come from forests managed according to international standards, and the entire stage of product creation must be strictly controlled. Each organization applying for an FSC certificate must also cooperate with a supplier with a valid CoC supply chain control certificate. When a company meets these requirements, it must send a request for certification implementation to the Forest Stewardship Council.
How much does an FSC certificate cost?
The cost of the certificate can vary depending on the size of the organization, the origin of the raw material, the assessment of other components in the product, or the complexity of production. The cost of certification for a small company may differ from that for a large enterprise. The price range of an FSC certificate is roughly 1000 euros to 1500 euros net.
