Forests and the Packaging Industry
Forests are essential for all paper-based packaging. Whether the paper is used in sheets, moulded pulp, board or layered into corrugated boxes, it originates from trees. As a result, packaging manufacturers, like us, are fully invested in sourcing virgin material from sustainably managed forests. The best way to get this reassurance is by looking for FSC© Certification.
Do you Recognise the FSC© Logo?
The FSC© tree tick logo is found on multiple products and packaging. These include cardboard boxes, toilet rolls, DIY timbers and furniture. You might also spot it on clothing products that contain materials including rubber and bamboo. As these materials originate from natural sources, they can be recycled and reused many times over.
The latest FSC© research suggests that 76% of UK adults recognise the FSC© logo and 35% actively use it to inform their purchasing decisions.
In addition, the survey revealed that 75% of the population believes that healthy forests are crucial for addressing climate change and 63% want assurance that the products they purchase are sustainable. In addition, 65% of respondents reported that seeing the FSC© logo on a product or packaging would give them a positive opinion of the brand.
Those findings provide a clear motivation for brands to embrace sustainability and use a widely recognised way of evidencing it; FSC© Certification!
What Does FSC© Certification Indicate?
FSC© Certification is awarded where forests are successfully and consistently managed to exacting environmental, social and economical standards. The 10 guiding principles ensure that woodlands are replenished and that natural ecosystems are protected, but it goes beyond that. Forestry management has to take into account the animals, plants and people that depend on this environment.
Did you know… as of November 2022, there is 1,653,709ha of FSC© Certified forests in the UK?
Fortunately, this volume is growing each year, as we gain ever greater insight into the importance of trees and their surrounding habitat. In addition, multiple saplings are planted for every tree felled.
Achieving FSC Certification
In addition to sourcing FSC© certified products, we decided to focus our attention on becoming an FSC© Certified Packaging Manufacturer. This involved addressing the environmental, social and economic impact of every aspect of our business. This wasn’t a quick fix; it took several years to feel confident that we had implemented sufficient plans for inspection.
In 2021, we achieved our goal and became an FSC© Certified Packaging Manufacturer! We know that an increasing number of our customers are concerned about supply chain sustainability. Our FSC© Certification offers reassurance to them and their customers. However, there is always more to be done, so we continue to explore and implement ways to minimise our impact.
If you are looking for supply chain sustainability and need packaging, get in touch with our team on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.
We are also keen to promote the work of the FSC© to raise awareness of what they do.
Changes to the FSC© Principles & Criteria
The FSC© General Assembly is an annual gathering of members and employees. This year, the event was held in Bali. One of the most significant outcomes was Motion 37; a change to the FSC© Principles and Criteria relating to the conversion of forests.
Previously, any forest plantation that had been established by converting a natural forest could not achieve FSC© certification. This was recognised as hindering the restoration of deforested and degraded land, as there wasn’t an incentive to do so.
Motion 37 removes this barrier. If restored and responsibly managed to the expected standards, converted forests can now achieve FSC© certification. This decision could lead to millions of hectares being given a new lease of life, as well as bringing economic benefits to local communities.
This is also great news for the paper-based packaging industry, as these forests could supply materials for the future.
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