FSC® certification, which ensures that wood is sourced legally, has gained significant importance as businesses and consumers become more aware of the need to protect forests and the environment. As a result, many companies prioritize wood products that are legally sourced and come from responsibly managed forests
What Is the FSC® Standard?
FSC® stands for Forest Stewardship Council, an international non-governmental organization dedicated to forest management. Established in 1993, its mission is to promote responsible forestry, ensuring sustainable economic, social, and environmental benefits.
The FSC® standard allows businesses, retailers, wholesalers, and even end consumers to promote FSC®-labeled products without requiring FSC® certification themselves. This standard enables both businesses and consumers to recognize and verify that raw materials are sourced from well-managed, responsibly harvested forests.
What Does FSC Certification Involve?
FSC® Certification is a process where an accredited organization assesses a company’s compliance with FSC® standards. Once a business meets all required criteria, it receives an FSC® certificate, confirming that its products originate from responsibly managed forests.
Three labels, one mission. Behind each FSC® label is a product that supports responsible forestry.
- FSC 100%: Products made entirely from materials sourced from responsibly managed FSC-certified forests. These products contribute directly to sustainable forest growth for future generations.
- FSC Recycled: Products made from 100% recycled materials, maximizing the use of valuable forest resources and reducing pressure on further tree harvesting.
- FSC Mix: Products made from a mix of FSC-certified forest materials, recycled materials, and/or controlled wood. While controlled wood does not come from FSC-certified forests, it reduces the risk of materials being sourced from unacceptable origins.
How to Obtain FSC® Certification
Businesses must go through several steps to obtain FSC® certification. This process ensures compliance with FSC® standards and is required for all companies seeking certification.
Step 1: Register for FSC Certification
Organizations interested in obtaining FSC® certification must submit a registration application to an accredited certification body.
Alternatively, businesses can directly contact FSC-authorized certification bodies that assess, inspect, and verify compliance with FSC® standards. Some well-known international certification bodies include:
- SGS
- Bureau Veritas
- DNV GL
- TÜV Rheinland
Step 2: Pre-Evaluation Assessment
Before the official certification audit, most certification bodies conduct a pre-evaluation to help businesses better understand FSC standards and prepare for the final inspection.
During this stage, auditors will visit the factory and review the company’s FSC® documentation. The company must provide evidence of its wood product supply chain compliance.
Step 3: Inspection and Evaluation
The certification body will assess your production process and supply chain to ensure compliance with FSC® standards. This evaluation will verify your adherence to material sourcing control, traceability, and environmental, social, and economic requirements.
The assessment may include:
- Reviewing documents and records related to wood origin.
- Inspecting the production process.
- Interviewing employees and relevant stakeholders.
- Verifying documents related to environmental and community protection.
Step 4: Certification Approval and Issuance
If a company passes the audit, it receives FSC® certification, which remains valid for 1 to 5 years depending on compliance levels and certification body regulations.
Step 5: Ongoing Compliance and Monitoring
Certified companies must comply with FSC® requirements and undergo annual audits to maintain certification. Over a five-year period, companies must complete four annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance with FSC® standards.
Mai Thu Packaging – A Journey Towards Forest Protection and a Greener Environment with FSC® Certification
With nearly 25 years in the packaging industry, Mai Thu Packaging has been a pioneer in forest conservation and environmental sustainability by obtaining FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. This internationally recognized certification ensures that products use materials sourced from sustainably managed forests. Mai Thu’s journey toward FSC® certification stems from a deep awareness of the importance of forest resource conservation and reducing environmental impact.
The company has established a transparent supply chain, ensuring that all wood and paper materials come from responsibly managed forests and strictly adhere to FSC® standards. By implementing FSC® certification, Mai Thu Packaging not only minimizes environmental impact but also supports forest preservation, biodiversity, and local communities.
Mai Thu’s packaging products are made from FSC®-certified wood and paper, reducing waste and enhancing recyclability. This not only aligns with global environmental protection efforts but also helps the company strengthen its brand reputation and expand into international markets, where sustainably sourced products are increasingly preferred.
Mai Thu Packaging remains committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, continuously raising awareness within the community and the packaging industry. With FSC® certification, the company reaffirms its long-term dedication to forest conservation and contributes to building a greener future for generations to come.
