With the rising of wood and paper-based products on the market, FSC become a guarantee of product quality and a responsible source. So, what exactly is FSC? And should your company care about FSC? Let’s find out in this article.
What is FSC
Background and History of the FSC
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-governmental organization that promotes responsible forest management around the world through timber certification. It was established in 1994 in response to global deforestation. The FSC creates forest product standards, evaluates forest management practices, and provides a labeling system for products originating from ethically managed forests.
Nowadays, FSC is the world’s most trusted widespread forest certification and the leader in sustainable forestry.
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Mission and goals of the organization
The main mission of the FSC is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable forest management. This can lead to long-term protection of forests, preservation of biological diversity, and benefits for locals and workers.
FSC aims to ensure that the harvest of the forest is managed sustainably, bringing long-term benefits for local communities and helping consumers choose products that contribute to responsible forest practices.
FSC’s primary goal is to set standards for forest management that meet strict criteria and respect the rights and well-being of coworkers and local communities. By providing a respected certification system, they can strive to enable consumers, businesses, and governments to make informed choices that support forest-sustainable practices.
FSC logo
The FSC logo is internationally recognized. Its label appears on a wide range of products, from furniture to jewelry. As using the label, the product defined comes from responsible sources.
The logo consists of a stylized tree with a checkmark underneath it. The tree symbolizes the importance of forests, while the checkmark signifies that the product meets the FSC’s requirements for responsible sourcing.
FSC has 3 different labels. Each of them represents a different source of materials:
- FSC 100%: A product has this label meaning that it is made of 100% virgin material from an FSC-certified forest.
- FSC Recycled: This label indicates that the product is made from 100% recycled materials.
- FSC Mix: this label is for products that are made with a combination of FSC-certified forest, recycled materials, and/or FSC-controlled wood.
FSC certification
What is FSC certification?
FSC certification is a process that verifies and ensures that forest management practices and the supply chain of forest products meet the standards of FSC. It can be obtained by forest owners, forest managers, and companies of any size and type, involved in the production and trade of forest-based products. No important your business is a family-run or household name; you can earn certification or licensing solutions for your own. There are more than 50.000 FSC certificate householders, more than 1500 FSC promotional license holders, plus 150 million certified hectares of forest.
Key Principles and Criteria for FSC Certification
The FSC certification system is based on a set of 10 principles and criteria that must be met for responsible forest management. These principles and criteria encompass a wide range of environmental, social, and economic aspects. Here are the 10 key principles and criteria:
- Compliance with laws and FSC principles
- Worker’s rights and employment conditions
- Indigenous people’s rights
- Community relations and worker’s rights
- Fair distribution of benefits from the forest
- Environmental impact and biodiversity conservation
- Forest monitoring and assessment
- Protection of high conservation values
- Responsible management of plantations
- Restoration and management of forest landscapes.
Forest and forest products that meet these requirements can be granted FSC certification, allowing them to carry FSC labels and be recognized all over the world as responsibly sourced.
FSC certificated products
Range of products that can receive FSC certification
FSC offers certifications for a wide range of businesses, from construction to fashion, furniture, paper packaging, etc. As long as the business can meet FSC standards, they can receive a certificate. These are the common products with the FSC logo that you can easily see on the market:
- Tires
- Sports equipment such as skis and wetsuits
- Clothing and shoes
- Furniture and home décor
- Paper products, packaging, tissue, and coffee cups
- Books and art supplies
- Timber
Examples of FSC certification in restaurants
Nowadays, while sustainable practices are more and more popular in restaurants, FSC-certified products become commonly used in their operations. For example food packaging materials like paper bags, boxes, cartons,…or wood cutlery, furniture and interiors. There are also paper products like napkins, menus, …
At KimEcopak, we are committed to sustainable practices, providing eco-friendly packaging for restaurants, and food and beverage businesses in Canada-wide. We offer FSC-certified wooden spoons which suitable for outdoor and indoor events with the purpose of reducing packaging plastic waste.
Benefits of FSC logo for restaurants
In today’s environmentally conscious world, choosing FSC-certified products is a confirmation of a restaurant's sustainable commitment to customers and partners. This will bring several benefits for them in a long-term period.
Firstly, the FSC logo enhances credibility and earns the trust of eco-minded customers who value responsible forest management. By using FSC-certified products, restaurants demonstrate their commitment to protecting biodiversity and making an impact on the environment.
Secondly, choosing FSC-certified products provides a competitive advantage apart from their competitors. The FSC logo can generate positive media coverage and public opportunities. Plus, they can also attract new customers who are seeking eco-friendly dining options.
In conclusion, FSC is the most respected certification system in the sustainable management forest. Businesses must meet different strict standards to receive this certification. Choosing FSC-certificated products, businesses including restaurants can have several advantages. At KimEcopak, we offer FS-certified wooden spoons and wide-range eco-friendly packaging.
