FSC Certification: What is certification? + Is it sustainable?

Last updated: October 17, 2024

You’ve probably seen some products carry Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. But what exactly does that mean? And how does it relate to sustainability?

Paper products are one of the most common FSC-certified products. However, many other items can also be FSC certified, such as wooden furniture, decking, and packaging materials.

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FSC certification essentially means that certified products come from responsibly managed forests. This is important given the alarming scale of deforestation occurring on our planet.

Deforestation and forest degradation are the second largest source of carbon pollution, causing 20% ​​of total greenhouse gas emissions.

A staggering 13.4 million acres of the Brazilian Amazon burned in August 2024 alone, an area larger than Costa Rica.

And Amazon isn’t the only company affected. Forests here in the United States are also feeling the effects of climate change.

Maine’s forests are an important part of the state’s identity and economy. But as the climate changes and pressures on natural resources increase, how these forests are managed will become even more important.

Climate change is already impacting Maine’s forests through changes in temperature, altered recognition patterns, new pest pressures, and invasive species. Sustainable forestry practices are essential to adapt to these changes while preserving the ecological and economic values ​​of forests.

That’s why it’s important to protect forests. You can do this by choosing to eat less beef (cow grazing is the biggest cause of deforestation in the Amazon), recycling paper properly, and supporting native tree planting efforts. There are several ways to do this, including purchasing FSC-certified materials.

Here’s everything you need to know about FSC certification and why it’s important.

What is fsc certification?

FSC certification stands for Forest Stewardship Council and is one of the most recognized certifications in the world. FSC certifies forests that ensure the environment is managed in a way that protects biodiversity, water resources and indigenous rights.

FSC certified forests must meet the highest environmental and social standards. But what exactly is the FSC standard?

As stated on its website, the FSC requires managers of certified forests to:

Comply with all applicable laws Maintain or improve the social and economic well-being of workers Defend the rights of indigenous peoples Maintain or improve the social and economic well-being of local communities – long-term economic Feasibility, Social Benefits, and Environmental Benefits Maintaining, protecting, and/or restoring the ecosystem services and environmental values ​​of managed forests. and avoid, remediate, and reduce adverse environmental impacts. Establish a management plan that outlines economic, environmental, and social policies and goals. Demonstrate progress towards achieving these goals. Maintain or improve high conservation values. Ensure all management activities comply with FSC principles and standards.

For a detailed explanation of these principles and the criteria for determining whether they have been complied with, please see here.

However, it is important to note that for FSC, it is not just about meeting standards, it is about doing what is right for forests and communities.

What are the different fsc certificates?

There are three FSC certifications available: forest management, chain of custody, and wood management. For all types of certification, independent FSC-accredited certification bodies verify that all FSC-certified forests comply with the requirements contained in the FSC Forest Management Standard. This third-party verification is critical to the integrity of the FSC system.

Here’s a little more information about each certification.

forest management certification

Think of this as a stamp of “good forestry practices.” This means that forests are managed in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner.

Processing management certification

This is all about the journey. We trace wood from certified forests through every step of the supply chain to the final product, ensuring that the product truly comes from responsibly managed forests.

controlled wood

This is for people who want to mix certified and non-certified wood, but want to be sure that the non-certified wood comes from low-risk sources. This is like a quality control measure to weed out bad stuff like illegally logged wood.

What does the fsc label mean?

If you’re a consumer, you may have noticed a small FSC label on your products. However, there are three types. The meaning of each is as follows.

FSC 100%: This means all materials used come from responsibly managed FSC certified forests.

FSC recycled: means the product is made from 100% recycled materials, reducing the pressure to cut down more trees and protecting valuable forest resources.

FSC-mixed: This means the product is made from a mix of materials from FSC-certified forests, recycled materials, and/or FSC-controlled wood. Controlled wood is not sourced from FSC-certified forests, but reduces the risk of materials coming from unacceptable sources.

What are the FSC requirements?

Obtaining FSC certification has different requirements depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Here’s a snapshot of what each certification requires.

Forest Management Certification: Forest management must adhere to 10 principles that cover a wide range of issues, including maintaining high conservation values, relationships with local communities, worker rights, and monitoring environmental and social impacts.

Chain of Custody Certification: This certification traces wood through every step of the supply chain, from certified forests to the final product. This ensures that the product truly comes from responsibly managed forests.

Controlled Wood: This certification ensures that non-certified wood comes from low-risk sources and is free from illegal logging, genetically modified organisms, and violations of traditional and human rights.

Each certification type has its own detailed standards and standards that must be met, and certification is performed by an independent third-party certification body.

Which products are FSC certified?

Thankfully, there are several products that are FSC certified.

The following types of products can be FSC certified:

Paper products, packaging, tissues, coffee cups Sports equipment such as skis and wetsuits Furniture and upholstery

Here is a complete list of FSC certified products from companies big and small in all kinds of categories, including fashion, furniture, beauty, stationery, and more.

gzw approved fsc certified product

There are thousands of FSC certified products to choose from, but here are some of my favorite brands. Not only are these brands FSC certified, they also use sustainable materials, thoughtful packaging, and give back.

We made sure to highlight which products in our supply chain are FSC certified, or if only their packaging is FSC certified. While we have highlighted some of the key characteristics of each brand, this is not an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their website for more information.

So what do you think about FSC certification? Which FSC certified brand is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.