Forests may be one of the most valuable assets we have on Earth. Forests are a source of biodiversity and essential for a stable climate. Large-scale and unregulated deforestation is causing the disappearance of natural forests. Products with an FSC® label stand for responsible forest management, but what does this certification exactly entail?

What is the FSC® label?

The FSC® label stands for Forest Stewardship Council. This is the first international certification with strict requirements for sustainable and socially responsible forest management. The label is supported by governments, companies, and especially environmental organizations. The Forest Stewardship Council is a non-profit organization established to promote responsible forest management, primarily in tropical areas. The FSC® label is awarded by TakeAware to disposables made of wood, paper, and cardboard.

The standards for an FSC® certification

The so-called FSC® standard for responsible forest management balances environmental, economic, and social interests. To obtain this certification, 10 principles for responsible forest management have been established by FSC.

• The forest management must comply with applicable international and national laws, FSC® criteria, and international agreements and treaties.
• The rights to use and own land and forest products must be clearly defined, established, and legally valid.
• The rights of the local population and their resources, both formally and traditionally, must be respected and recognized.
• The long-term social and economic well-being of local communities and forest workers must be maintained or improved through good forest management.
• The economic, social, and ecological functions of the forest must be secured in the long term by efficiently utilizing the products and services that the forest offers.
• The unique ecosystems, biodiversity, and other landscape and ecological values of the forest area will be preserved and protected.
• The management plan contains long-term goals and means, and is continuously updated. The management plan is drafted and applied.
• The social and ecological effects of the condition of the forest, harvest, supply chain, and management activities are regularly reviewed.
• Characteristic features of forests with high natural or cultural value are preserved and enhanced. In addition, forest management in these forests is carried out with extra care.
• Forest plantations provide a supplement to the timber harvest from natural forests, reducing pressure on natural forests. The forest plantations must also be managed according to principles 1 to 9.

FSC® Forest Week

'Choose forests. Choose FSC.' This is the theme of the FSC® Forest Week. During the week of September 24 to 30, FSC® launches the FSC® Forest Week campaign. The campaign is designed to raise consumer awareness of responsible forest management and consumption. During this campaign, all FSC® licensees can join forces with the FSC® mission. As a result, consumers will choose sustainable products more consciously while shopping.

The FSC® label at TakeAware

Responsible forest management takes into account biodiversity, the animals that live in the forest, and the people who depend on the forest. It also offers a range of benefits compared to unregulated deforestation of natural forests. For example, there is room for regrowth, and young trees absorb more CO2 than old trees. The forest is divided into compartments, and every year trees are harvested in a different compartment, allowing the forest to recover.

Many of our paper, cardboard, and wooden disposables feature the FSC® label. Interested in these products? Check out our range of paper, cardboard, and wooden disposables. Do you have any questions about our products or would you like to know more? Please contact us.