Why is FSC® Certification Important?

Why is FSC® Certification Important?

How can we have paper-based packaging without environmental destruction and what has FSC® certification got to do with it? We know that trees are essential to the global ecosystem, yet trees have to be felled to provide many of the items we use every day.

Sustainable Packaging Supplies

We’re aware that plastic packaging is damaging the planet, but are cardboard boxes and paper bags also a problem? Paper and box manufacturers require wood pulp and that means felling trees. How can this be a good thing, when we’re encouraged to plant more trees?

Firstly, although most packaging includes some raw material, around 80% is sourced from recycled sources. Pre-used boxes and bags are widely recycled and processed, with the fibres reused in new packaging. This makes paper-based packaging more sustainable than most other packaging options.

As an FSC® certified packaging company, you can trust that we have been thoroughly audited to ensure we continuously conform to sourcing and manufacturing sustainable packaging supplies.

What Does the FSC® do?

In some forests, trees are just chopped down. There is no sustainability plan and no thought for the destruction of the land or the people, animals and plants that depend on those trees. Equally, there are forests where multiple saplings are planted for every tree that is harvested. The process is considered, to protect wildlife and livelihoods now and in the future.

It hasn’t always been clear where timber and paper products were sourced from, so it was difficult to make sustainable choices. This started to change in 1994 when the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC®) was founded. Since then, manufacturers and consumers have been able to seek out FSC® certification or the FSC® logo as a trusted symbol of sustainability.

The FSC® provides reassurance that when we see the ‘tree tick’ logo on products, we can be sure they originate from responsibly managed forests and have been processed sustainably. Find out more about what this logo means on the FSC® website.

What is Needed to Achieve FSC® Certification?

To achieve this, they created environmental, social and economic standards for responsible forestry management. These include planting, promoting biodiversity and wildlife protection. They also support the welfare of forest workers and local communities. To become a certified forest, all standards must be consistently met. Across the globe, there are now over 200-million hectares of FSC® certified forests and 24% of these are in Europe.

For companies to receive FSC® certification, they also have to evidence compliance with environmental, social and economic standards. These cover the sourcing of all materials, actions to minimise the environmental impact of manufacturing and waste management. The fair treatment of employees and contributions to the community are also important. Regular audits ensure that standards do not slip.

When you see the ‘tree tick’ FSC® logo on a product, it originates from an FSC® forest and there is traceability through the entire product lifecycle. The manufacturer also has to be FSC® certified. That is the assurance that your purchase is sustainable.

Support Forest Week; Choose Forests, Choose FSC®

The theme of this year’s FSC Forest Week (24-30 September) is ‘Choose Forests, Choose FSC®’. It simply means, that if you care about protecting the world’s trees, use the ‘tick tree’ logo to inform your purchasing decisions.

Look out for it on timber products including flooring, furniture and toys. The charcoal you put on the BBQ and sawdust for the hamster cage are also timber products. Search for it on cardboard boxes, tissues & toilet roll, books, magazines, wallpaper and other paper products.

Bamboo, Latex and cork are all forest products, so look out for the logo on tableware, toothbrushes, medical gloves and noticeboards. You might even come across it when you are buying this season’s wellies and socks!

FSC® Certified Packaging Supplier

In the UK, there are 2,263 FSC® certified companies and we are one of them! When ordering e-commerce packaging, industrial cartons, gift boxes or retail packaging from us, you can be certain of supply chain sustainability.

For further information and to discuss your packaging specification, please get in touch with our helpful team on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.