FSC Forest Management certification
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization founded to promote sustainable forest management globally. It sets standards and certifies wood and paper products to ensure they come from responsibly managed forests, addressing environmental, social, and economic criteria. The FSC contributes to conservation, biodiversity, and community well-being by advocating for ethical forest practices.
Certification Process
FSC certification, granted by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), assures consumers that products meet stringent environmental, social, and economic standards. It involves evaluating forest management practices for sustainable harvesting, biodiversity protection, worker and indigenous rights, and legal compliance. The FSC label on products like wood, paper, or furniture signifies a commitment to responsible sourcing.
Initiated by forest managers, the FSC Forest Management certification involves an on-site assessment by an accredited certification body. Corrective actions are taken based on findings, and certification is granted if compliance is confirmed. Ongoing monitoring maintains the standards, promoting sustainable and responsible forest management.
FSC 10 Principles
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) relies on its 10 principles as the cornerstone of its forestry standard. These principles are designed to be adaptable to various forest ecosystems and diverse cultural, political, and legal contexts.
- Follow all applicable laws.
- Enhance or maintain the social and economic well-being of workers.
- Respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Improve or sustain the social and economic well-being of local communities.
- Manage products and services to ensure their long-term economic, social, and environmental viability.
- Preserve, restore, or enhance ecosystem services and environmental values in managed forests, and avoid, restore, or manage environmental impacts.
- Develop a comprehensive management plan outlining economic, environmental, and social policies and objectives.
- Showcase ongoing progress in achieving objectives.
- Conserve or enhance high conservation values.
- Ensure alignment of all management activities with FSC principles and criteria.
The Check Tree Label
The check tree label stands for a product’s commitment to sustainable forestry.
By buying a product with the label, you ensure that:
Workers get fair wages and working conditions, plant and animal species are protected, and community rights are prioritized, with local consultations and respect for legal and cultural rights to land and forest resources, and trees are sustainably harvested to prevent a net loss of forests over time. Special-value forests, like old-growth ones, are identified and preserved, crucial for combating climate change.
There are three check-tree labels:
FSC 100%: All materials used are sourced from responsibly managed, FSC-certified forests. Products labeled FSC 100% directly support our mission for sustainable and thriving forests.
FSC Recycled: Made entirely from 100% recycled materials, this product maximizes the use of recycled resources, lessening the need for additional tree harvesting.
FSC Mix: This product incorporates a blend of materials from FSC-certified forests, recycled sources, and/or FSC-controlled wood. While controlled wood is not from FSC-certified forests, it helps mitigate the risk of materials originating from unacceptable sources.
