If you have ever seen a logo with a green tree and the letters FSC on a notebook wrapper, a cardboard box or a piece of furniture, you may have wondered what exactly it means.
Well, talking about what is the FSC certificate is not just a matter of labels: it is a guarantee of environmental and social responsibility. In this article you will discover why it is so important and why many companies like SC Herrajes are committed to this seal and what it means.
What does the acronym FSC stand for?
If you are wondering what FSC is and what it stands for, you should know that it stands for Forest Stewardship Council, an international non-profit organization founded in 1993 with a very clear objective: to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.
Its task is to certify that forest-based products (such as paper, wood or cardboard) come from well-managed forests, respecting both nature and the rights of the people who live and work in them.
What is the objective of the Forest Stewardship Council?
The underlying idea of what FSC is all about is simple but powerful: if we consume forest resources, we must do so in a way that allows the forests to regenerate, maintain their biodiversity and remain sustainable in the long term.
The FSC seal acts as a kind of “green passport” that accompanies the product from the forest to the consumer.
Why is the FSC label important today?
With climate change, loss of biodiversity and overexploitation of natural resources, it is increasingly important to know where the products we buy come from.
Knowing that a product has the FSC seal means knowing that it offers transparency and trust, both for consumers and for companies that want to commit to sustainability without falling into greenwashing.
How does the FSC certification system work?
Behind every FSC label is a rigorous and well-structured certification system. It is not just a decorative logo, but a technical and ethical process.
Types of FSC certification: forest, chain-of-custody and controlled wood.
Knowing what FSC is also means knowing that there is more than one type of label, intended for different activities:
- Forest management certification: guarantees that the forest is harvested responsibly, respecting the environment, human rights and local communities.
- Chain of custody (CoC): ensures the traceability of the material from the forest to the final product, controlling each stage of the process.
- Controlled wood: applied when it is not possible to certify the entire process, but it is possible to ensure that the wood does not come from illegal or conflicting sources.
Principles and criteria to be met under the FSC certificate
Companies that want to certify their products with FSC must comply with 10 basic principles, including ecosystem conservation, respect for indigenous and labor rights, and long-term economic viability.
It is not enough to plant trees: we must take care of the whole environment.
Bodies responsible for auditing and issuing the certificate
FSC does not issue certificates directly. This task is carried out by independent accredited entities that regularly audit companies to verify that they comply with the standards. This brings neutrality, transparency and credibility to the process.
How to obtain FSC certification
Once you know what the FSC certificate is and you want to get it, you should know that it is not something you get overnight. It is a voluntary process, but highly valued by the market.
Requirements for companies and producers
To qualify for certification, a company must adapt its practices to the relevant FSC standard (forest management or chain of custody), train its staff, implement internal controls and document all processes related to the use of forest materials.
Audit and follow-up process
Once prepared, they must pass an initial audit by an authorized certifying entity. If they pass, they obtain the certificate. Thereafter, annual audits are carried out to check that everything is still in order and that the system’s requirements are being met.
Duration and renewal of the certificate
The FSC certificate is valid for five years, with periodic reviews during that period. If a company fails any of the follow-up audits, it may lose the right to use the mark.
Which products carry the FSC seal and how to recognize it
The FSC logo has become a mark of trust for thousands of consumers around the world. It is present on more and more types of products.
Wood products: furniture, flooring, doors and windows
If you are renovating your home, furnishing an office, or looking for the latest details and finishes, some of our wooden handles with the FSC seal, such as the Quercus model in oak, the Pacwood model also in oak, or the Legno handle made in oak and walnut, a model with a new finish, will surely surprise you.
Glass hardware is also a sustainable option for your new furniture, and chances are, if you’re looking for the best quality, you’ll find it carries the FSC seal.
Other applications: textile, cardboard, books and labels
There are also textiles derived from cellulose (such as Tencel), books published on FSC paper, clothing labels or cosmetic boxes. The versatility of the seal goes far beyond what appears at first glance.
FSC benefits for consumers, businesses and the planet
Choosing FSC-certified products has advantages at all levels. It is a small gesture that demonstrates the company’s values, contributing to something much bigger.
- Forest conservation and biodiversity: certified forests are managed according to criteria that favor their long-term conservation. Soil, water, animals and plant species are protected. It is a real tool against deforestation.
- Promoting fair labor conditions: FSC promotes respect for labor rights throughout the chain. Forced or child labor is prohibited and the participation of local communities in forest management decisions is required.
- Competitive advantage and sustainable brand value: for companies, having this seal is a way to differentiate themselves and respond to the growing demand for responsible products. It enhances reputation and opens doors in national and international markets.
So why is choosing FSC-certified products a responsible decision?
Now that you know what FSC certification is, you will understand why it is so relevant in a world where every consumer decision counts.
At SC Herrajes we are concerned that sustainability is always present in our decisions, that is why we have the FSC seal on our products. We are committed to reduce our carbon footprint and innovate every day to find techniques that minimize the impact on the environment.
Supporting products with the FSC seal means betting on the conservation of forests, promoting fair trade and betting on a more sustainable economic model.
