[NL] FSC logo: a sustainable choice for your image?
5min read
14/06/2023
From wood and paper to natural rubber and cork, there are a huge number of products with an FSC logo. They guarantee that the materials used come from sustainably managed forests and are therefore a powerful tool for identifying and communicating eco-friendly products to your customers. In this article, you will learn about FSC labels from A to Z and how to use them for your business.
1. What is an FSC logo?
International ecological labels such as the FSC label can be found on all kinds of packaging and products, especially those with wood as their origin. After all, FSC-certified products come from sustainably managed forests and have taken an environmentally friendly path through the supply chain. They inform and guarantee consumers about the origin and environmental impact of the raw materials used.
The abbreviation FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council®, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to responsible forest management on a global level. The organisation has 3 basic FSC log os to indicate the origin of raw materials. On top of that, there is a standard FSC logo for promotional use. So what does such an FSC logo look like? Check out the full overview below:
|
FSC Promotional
|
. FSC-certified companies use this standard variant of the FSC logo for their websites, catalogues and brochures. This logo serves only as an indicator or reference, not as an official stamp on a product or packaging. |
|
FSC 100%
|
. The raw materials of these packaging or products come 100% from FSC-certified forests. These sustainably managed forests take into account biodiversity, the ecosystem and the local population. The numerical code at the bottom of the logo refers to the certification number assigned to a specific company. Such a number can also be found on the logos below. |
|
FSC Mixed
|
. The raw materials of an FSC Mix product have a combined origin. The mixed composition consists of material from FSC-certified forests, recycled sources and/or controlled wood. This ‘controlled wood’ does not carry FSC certification, but has been harvested in an acceptable manner. |
|
FSC Recycled
|
. Certification labelled “FSC Recycled” guarantees that products are made from reclaimed or recycled materials, such as paper, wood or other forest materials. It sets criteria for the use of recycled materials. |
2. Why do I choose FSC products ?
Although the FSC label is not mandatory, it does make a positive impact on your marketing. This is because FSC labels show the sustainable origin of a certified product or packaging. Moreover, you can combine this with the Chain of Custody certificate (more on that later). This shows that you also have a sustainable supply chain.
Both components ensure transparent communication between consumer and company, which creates a good impression and boosts customer confidence. By choosing FSC-certified products, you also support responsible forest management worldwide.
3. Which products can carry an FSC logo?
The FSC label covers more than 1 million products including:
- Wood and building products,
- Paper and printing,
- Packaging materials,
- Textiles,
- Cork,
- Bamboo,
- Forest fruits,
- Charcoal.
With a modern consumer who is ecologically conscious and prefers paper packaging to plastic, you actually kill two birds with one stone. Ready to add FSC products to your range? Then take a look at RAJA’s offering:
Box with variable height |
Paper envelope .  |
Filling paper .  |
Printing paper .  |
| – Always pack compactly. – Up to 12 filling heights. |
– Shockproof interior. – With adhesive strip for quick closure. |
– Always ready for use. – Quickly fill empty spaces. |
– High quality. – Razor-sharp prints. |
4. How do I use an FSC logo?
FSC labels may appear on packaging, products or promotional media… but when are you allowed to use this label as a logo? Since the Forest Stewardship Council strictly controls and regulates its label, companies are not allowed to use its labels just like that. Therefore, as a company, you need the right certificate. Check out which FSC certificates are available below.
► 4.1 FSC forest certificate
In this article, you have come across the terms ‘sustainably managed forests’ and ‘FSC-certified forests’ a few times by now. Both terms are associated with an FSC forest certificate. This certificate stands for sustainable forest management that takes into account biodiversity, the ecosystem and the local population. Wood and other products from an FSC-certified forest may therefore be sold with an FSC label. Specifically, this certificate is only suitable for forest owners.
Did you know that...
The Netherlands had some 38,000 hectares of FSC-certified forests by 2023?
► 4.2 Chain of Custody certificate
As a distributor or retailer, the second FSC certificate is a lot more interesting. Without a Chain of Custody certificate, you may not put the FSC logo on certified products or mention it in your marketing.
This Chain of Custody (CoC) stipulates the control of the entire supply chain on an annual basis. Such an annual procedure records the origin and transfer of wood or woody products. This allows the end product to be traced or linked back to FSC-certified sources.
Source : https://nl.fsc.org/nl-nl
Source Images: https://nl.fsc.org/nl-nl/fsc-promoten/de-fsc-logos
