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Consumers are seeking out brands that offer sustainable options. By using the FSC label on your product, you are demonstrating your commitment to responsible forest management and tapping into a growing market for responsibly sourced products.

64%

of consumers think sustainability claims should be independently verified. 

That’s according to an independent survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of FSC. The FSC label is widely recognized as a trusted and credible symbol of sustainability, with 46% of worldwide consumers recognizing the FSC label. The label is also supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including environmental organizations, Indigenous communities, and responsible businesses. 

One label goes a long way…

  • Show it on products

  • Use it on packaging

  • Attract new clients

Labelling the product

Products with FSC trademarks not only highlight responsible sourcing of forest-based materials, but also inform consumers on how to use their purchasing power to safeguard the world’s forests.  

Independently verified

Using the FSC label provides the added value of third-party verification. The FSC certification process involves an independent audit to ensure that your products are, in fact, sourced from responsibly managed forests rather than just claimed to be. This level of transparency and accountability can help to build trust and confidence in your brand. 

What are the FSC trademarks and how am I allowed to use them?

FSC owns five registered trademarks:

  • The name ‘Forest Stewardship Council’ 

  • the abbreviation ‘FSC’ 

  • the FSC ‘tick-tree’ logo  

  • the FSC ‘tick-tree’ logo and the fulltext  

    text-only ‘Forests For All Forever’ 

    Only FSC CoC Certificate Holders are permitted to place the FSC trademarks on products, and they must follow the requirements of FSC Trademark Standards.  

    This rule applies to all sales, communication and marketing materials and product labelling. Examples – not exhaustive – are: press releases, CSR reports, websites, web shops, social media, price lists, product brochures, catalogues, advertisements/announcements, trade fair materials, news emails, advertising articles, email signature and labelling of products/their packaging. 

     FSC-certified businesses must have their use of FSC’s trademarks approved by either their certification body (businesses with their own certificate) or group administrator (businesses certified via a group scheme). 

    For more information about using the FSC Trademarks, please visit the FSC.org logo page.

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Labelling the packaging

Packaging, tags, shoppers, catalogues, and brochures are usually the first objects that the consumer sees, reflecting a business’s sustainability message. Ensuring that these objects are FSC certified and labelled with the FSC trademark can be an excellent way to communicate your business’s commitment to protecting forests.  

Do I need to get certified to use FSC packaging?

If you purchase FSC-certified packaging from an FSC CoC-certified supplier and place non-forest-based products inside the packaging, this can be done without further need for certification or licence for your business. 

You must, however, ensure that the business manufacturing your packaging holds valid FSC CoC Certification.  

How to ensure your supplier is FSC certified?

If you or your supplier buy finished labelled packaging materials (e.g. hangtags, paper bags, boxes etc.), we strongly encourage you to periodically check that the supplier of the packaging holds a valid FSC certificate. 

Step 1:

Check the validity of your supplier’s FSC certificate. Visit the FSC Certificate Database
Type in the name of your supplier and hit enter.

Step 2:

Right-click and select Drill Through to view the details of your supplier’s certificate. Check the scope of your supplier’s FSC certificate. The certificate must be valid, carry your supplier’s name, and its scope must cover the finished product that you have bought from your supplier, not components or materials alone.

Step 3:

Check claims made on the supplier’s invoice and delivery note. The documents must include the supplier’s licence number and each product line must contain information on the specific product’s FSC claim. (e.g. FSC MIX 70% CB-COC-123456). This claim (FSC MIX) shall match with the one showed into the label and in the database) 

Telling your supply chain your are certified.

Fashion is changing, and to keep up with sustainable developments, manufacturers across the world have set out to become FSC certified. It’s a is a way for manufacturers to differentiate themselves, not only by the quality of their products, but also responsible business practices and sourcing. 

Gaining FSC certification will enable you as a manufacturer to:

• Sell your FSC-certified products with FSC claims on sales documents

• Label your products as FSC certified

• Promote your FSC-certified products

• Use FSC on your website, in brochures etc.

Make sure you advertise your FSC certificate!

All too often we see businesses becoming FSC certified and expecting their customers to find out on their own. We strongly encourage you to use your FSC certificate proactively with existing clients and to gain new ones. 

This includes actions like:  

• Training all sales staff on the importance of FSC certification 

• Including information about your certification in all sales pitches 

• Regularly communicating about FSC on your media channels (websites, social media, newsletters, product catalogues etc.) 

• Sending all existing customers the news about your certification by email 

• Displaying the FSC logo visibly in your factory and offices so that clients see it when visiting  

• Joining networks and trade fairs and advertising your certification there 

What will allow my customers to use the FSC label?

If you need support in getting certified, your local FSC office is always ready to help. If your customers want to use the FSC label, you must ensure that you follow these steps: 

1. Purchase FSC-certified materials for their products. All of the forest-based materials in the products must be FSC certified. 

2. Claim the products as FSC certified on your invoice to the customer. 

3. Label the products with FSC labels 

4. Advise your customers to clarify whether they need an FSC licence too [link to guide]