Forests are beautiful and great for recreation, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of global ecosystems. They provide a habitat for wildlife, help support clean water, prevent soil erosion, and mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Forests also supply materials used in various everyday products, including wood, paper, natural rubber, and man-made cellulosic fibers like lyocell, modal, and viscose, used in apparel and textile-based products.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-governmental organization. It has been a leader in promoting responsible forest management since its establishment in 1994. According to the independent Global Consumer Research Insights 2021, FSC is the world's most trusted and recognized forest certification scheme to protect the world's forests. 56% of global consumers recall seeing the FSC label. No other forest-certification scheme tested came close.
FSC's certification system allows businesses and consumers to choose wood, pulp and paper, textiles, rubber, bamboo, cork, and other forest products made with materials that support responsible forestry.
There are two types of FSC certification: Forest Management and Chain of Custody. In both types, independent FSC-accredited Certification Bodies verify that all FSC-certified forests comply with the requirements of an FSC forest management standard. These organizations assess forest management and chain of custody operations using the FSC standards independently of FSC and the companies they are auditing. This third-party verification is crucial to the integrity of the FSC system.
FSC forest management certification confirms that the forest is being managed to:
- preserve biological diversity
- benefit the lives of local people and workers, and
- ensure its economic viability.
FSC-certified forests are managed to meet strict environmental, social, and economic standards. Ten principles must be adhered to before a forest operation can receive FSC forest management certification. These principles cover a broad range of issues, from maintaining high conservation values to community relations and workers' rights and monitoring forest management's environmental and social impacts.
FSC Chain-of-Custody certification tracks products from forests through the supply chain, ensuring that FSC-certified material is identified or kept separate from non-certified material throughout the chain. Any company in this supply chain, including harvesters, processors, manufacturers, distributors, printers, retailers, or anyone who takes ownership of the forest product before the end user, must be FSC-certified to label or promote their products as FSC-certified. The Chain-of-Custody process ensures that FSC-certified products come from responsibly managed sources. For a consumer to purchase an FSC-certified product, every company that previously had ownership of the forest product material components of the end product must be FSC-certified.
When products are not FSC certified, it could mean the product material components could have been harvested from indigenous lands, endangered forests, like the Amazon, overharvested or otherwise mismanaged.
All ettitude CleanBamboo® textile products are 100% tree-free and carry FSC Chain-of-Custody certification. The raw bamboo we use is responsibly grown in FSC-certified organic bamboo forests.
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.
Making Informed, Sustainable Choices
Make a conscious choice for our planet's forests and understand the vital role of responsible forestry and why FSC certification matters. At ettitude, we are deeply committed to sustainability and transparency. Explore the certifications that guide our eco-conscious practices and learn more about our commitment to a better future on our ettitude Certifications Explained page. Choose products that align with your values and contribute to a healthier world.
FAQs
What is the FSC certification?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an internatioal, non-profit entity dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. An FSC certification lets people know that the product they are buying was responsibly sourced. It is the world's most trusted and widespread forest certification system.
What does FSC certification ensure?
FSC forest management certification verifies that a forest is managed to protect biodiversity and enhance the well-being of local communities and workers, and ensures economic viability. FSC-certified forests are managed to strict environmental, social, and financial standards. Chain of Custody certification verifies that FSC-certified material is identified and separated from non-certified material as it moves through the supply chain.
What are the different types of FSC labels consumers might see?
There are three leading FSC labels:
- FSC 100%: All materials used in the product come from FSC-certified forests.
- FSC Mix: The product is made from a mix of FSC-certified, recycled, and controlled wood.
- FSC Recycled: This product is crafted entirely from recycled materials.
Why should consumers look for FSC-certified products?
Buying FSC-certified products supports responsible forest management, protects forests from deforestation and excessive clearcutting, helps to protect wildlife and drinking water sources, ensures fair compensation and workplace standards for forestry employees, as well as respects the rights of indigenous communities.
How can consumers identify FSC-certified products?
Look for the FSC logo on products. This logo indicates that the product meets the FSC's high standards. You can confirm the certification by examining the product label or consulting the FSC database.