iStock.com / Dean Mitchell
The Value of FSC for Businesses
Corporate social responsibility and sustainability are more than just buzzwords. Consumers and societies expect businesses to be part of the solution when it comes to environmental and social issues. For any business associated with productive forests and forest products, working with FSC makes sense. We can help your business with improved efficiency, market access, meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and more. We have tailored solutions for different sectors, from furniture to pulp and paper. And we provide additional tools for businesses that choose to work with us, such as marketing materials to promote your collaboration with FSC.
The Value of FSC
The Value of FSC' entails the core values of FSC, showcasing the need and benefits for businesses to become certified. With the objective to effectively promote FSC to a business target, we have developed a set of assets containing the key differentiators of FSC in the market. This set of assets are conceived to be promoting 5 key sectors:
Products & Services
FSC GD / Arturo Escobar
Wood is a wonderful material: beautiful to look at, easy to work with, renewable, recyclable, carbon-efficient, low-energy and high-performance. FSC-certified timber is a strong pillar for more sustainable timber industries, such as construction and furniture. Not only does FSC certification ensure the use of environmentally-appropriate forest management practices in the production of wood, but it is also increasingly useful for companies participating in the green building industry, as well as helping ensure compliance with changing timber regulations and meeting increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly options.
iStock.com / fotogaby
The fibre value chain encompasses the packaging, paper and hygiene sectors, all of which source pulp for the production of a variety of products – from tissues to paperboard and printing paper. According to recent FSC/GlobeScan global consumer research, people expect companies to do more to protect the environment, and increasingly check information about a product before they buy it. Sustainable forest management practices allow the packaging and paper sectors to highlight their commitment to responsible sourcing and to enhance their brand reputation.
iStock.com / Yuricazac
Forests have always produced more than the quintessential forest products such as furniture, construction materials, pulp and paper. However, technological advancements are expanding the potential for surprising and innovative forest products to replace less sustainable alternatives. FSC certification adds an additional guarantee that the forests where these products are sourced are managed responsibly.
iStock.com / Tassii
Due to their direct line of communication with consumers, retailers can influence the decisions made by consumers, and in this way, drive sustainability trends forward. A Globescan survey found that 50% of the surveyed consumers worldwide recognise the FSC label and they trust that FSC is effective in protecting forests. As consumers are increasingly looking for information on the sustainability of the products they buy, the role of retailers in conveying such messages is becoming even more relevant. The FSC label is therefore a powerful tool that can help retailers to communicate their commitment to sustainable forest management.
FSC G.D
Seen on thousands of product labels around the world, the FSC trademarks – most recognisably the famous FSC logo – are trusted by ethical consumers worldwide.
With more than 75,000 organizations holding FSC chain of custody certification, FSC is the leading sustainable forest management solution, providing the highest global assurance of supply chain integrity from forest to end user. FSC is not restricted to products on a store shelf, however. Your business has the opportunity to use the FSC trademarks to promote your projects! By complying with the FSC Standard for Project Certification, the projects you manage can be FSC-certified, allowing you to manage several projects in a continual basis or a one-time project certification, whichever is more convenient for you.
FSC GD / Jean Baptiste Lopez
FSC has an array of resources to help you navigate the certification process. The links below provide an overview, and more comprehensive materials can be downloaded from the document centre. Please consider subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates from across the FSC system.
FSC Denmark
Small forest owners and communities are at the heart of FSC. We have launched a number of different initiatives over the last 25 years, and we have achieved a lot. The wealth of knowledge and resources we have built up was harnessed to inform our latest project, launched to look into new and innovative solutions. It is called the New Approaches for Smallholders and Communities Certification project.
Matteo Mocellin / Storyteller-Labs
FSC provides businesses with new tools to demonstrate and communicate the positive impact that their purchases, investments and financial support have on the conservation and restoration of forest ecosystem services.
FSC GD / Jean Baptiste Lopez
FSC regards compliance with relevant legislation regulating timber trade and related matters as an essential component of responsible forest management.
Collaborate
Is your business interested in the benefits FSC can provide?
When it comes to forest-based products, FSC certification is the sustainable choice you can trust to deliver better outcomes for forests, people and markets – today and for future generations.
FSC certification can help companies meet legislative requirements while improving market access, increasing revenue and showcasing your sustainability policies.
FSC is the certification of choice for thousands of businesses worldwide. Why should you join us?
- FSC is endorsed by big brands in businesses and by NGOs;
- FSC is the global gold standard in forest certification; and
- We provide an inclusive platform to engage stakeholders.
Vancouver Declaration
Businesses that use the world’s resources have a duty to ensure they’re responsibly sourced and cared for. Because of this, and as part of our dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, FSC is proud to introduce the Vancouver Declaration.
Natural Rubber
Sourcing sustainable natural rubber
Rubber is used in many items of our daily lives, including shoes, tyres, footballs, condoms and even medical products, such as catheters and gloves. When it is not managed responsibly, it can have grave negative impacts on the environment, communities and workers' livelihoods.
Bonn Initiaive
The Bonn Initiative was launched by FSC during the COP23 climate change event. This initiative builds on the Vancouver Declaration, with signatory companies, such as IKEA and SIG, supporting the development of scientifically-rigorous methodologies to quantify the climate benefits of FSC certification.