In the print production industry, the use of paper and materials from responsible and sustainable sources is essential to promote forest conservation and environmental protection. The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certification has become an important reference for businesses seeking sustainable printing services.
Discover how this certification ensures responsible forest management and the key differences between FSC® and PEFC certification.
What is the FSC® certification?
FSC® is a non-governmental organisation founded in Canada in the 1990s. Its objective is to ensure that paper and wood products comply with strict sustainability standards. These standards cover everything from forest ecosystem conservation to the protection of the rights of workers and local communities that depend on forests.
In addition, FSC® takes strong measures against unacceptable and destructive forestry practices that threaten forest conservation and human rights.
Meaning and purpose of the FSC® certification
FSC® certification is a key tool that enables print providers to demonstrate their commitment to responsible forest management and to offer printed products produced on certified paper.
It also allows companies to label their products with the FSC® logo. This label guarantees to consumers that the materials used in production come from responsible and sustainable sources and comply with all FSC® standards.
By using FSC® certified paper and applying the corresponding label, printing companies strengthen their corporate social responsibility policies, increase credibility with stakeholders and contribute to global forest conservation.
Types of FSC® certification
FSC® certification includes several categories covering both forest management and chain of custody.
- FSC® 100%
This certification applies to products made entirely from FSC® certified forest materials. - FSC® Recycled
This certification is granted to products made exclusively from recovered fibre or recycled materials certified by FSC®. - FSC® Mix
This certification applies to products that contain a combination of FSC® certified materials, recycled materials and/or controlled wood.
How to obtain the FSC® label
To obtain FSC® certification, companies must follow a defined process. They must comply with FSC® requirements related to responsible forest management and chain of custody. This ensures that certified materials remain separated from non-certified materials throughout the supply chain.
An audit is then conducted by an accredited certification body to verify compliance with FSC® standards. This process confirms that the products purchased, such as wood or paper, come from sustainably managed forests and comply with FSC® requirements.
What are the differences between FSC® and PEFC?
FSC® certification is a forest certification system supported by the Forest Stewardship Council® and endorsed by environmental organisations worldwide. It promotes responsible and sustainable forest management practices.
PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) is another forest certification system supported by wood producers and organisations involved in forest certification. Like FSC®, PEFC promotes sustainable forest management.
FSC® certification generally establishes stricter requirements and more frequent updates compared to PEFC. These standards focus on forest ecosystem protection, biodiversity conservation and respect for the rights of local communities.
PEFC certification also promotes sustainable forest management, but its regulations are often less frequently updated. In Spain, the UNE 162002 standard is used to adapt forest management practices to local forests while maintaining a multifunctional approach to forest use.
In summary, both FSC® and PEFC are internationally recognised forest certification systems. However, FSC® typically applies stricter requirements and more frequent updates, while PEFC follows a more stable regulatory framework. Both systems share the objective of promoting responsible and sustainable forest management.
