Understanding Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification for Sustainable Label Printing

Label Printing: Sustainability and eco-friendliness in product packaging and manufacturing have moved on from being just buzzwords.

Now, being sustainable in manufacturing and production practices are responsibilities manufacturers and distributors must take upon to meet consumer demands and expectations.

How Does Sustainability And Product Labelling Come Together?

So, how do labels come into the picture?

How do you know if a product is recyclable or reusable?

What tells you that the materials used for packaging the product are eco-friendly?

Product labels and packaging are the medium of communication brands use to tell their consumers that their products and packaging are eco-friendly.

Secondly, the concept of circular economy has become a cornerstone for the packaging industry in Australia.

Circular economy in packaging represents proper sustainability that starts from the raw materials used for making the products and packaging to the method of disposal.

In a circular economy, nothing should go to waste. In this concept, all resources used for manufacturing and packaging the product are accounted for, including labels.

So, even the paper labels you use on the products need to be sustainable, and the best way to ensure that is to use FSC-certified paper labels.

What Is Forest Stewardship Council?

The Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC, is a non-governmental, international association that encourages the responsible and sustainable management of forests worldwide.

Since its inception in 1994, it has become an authority in the forest certification system.

Currently, more than 200 million hectares of forest land come under FSC’s certification system. This enables consumers and businesses to choose products made from materials gained through responsible forestry practices.

Why Is The FSC World’s Most Trusted Forest Management Certification?

The FSC certification is considered a global authority on sustainable forest management because it works towards preserving the biological diversity of the woodlands.

This helps maintain ecological balance and benefits local communities’ livelihoods, boosting the region’s economy at the same time.

Forests under FSC certification are managed under strict economic, environmental, and social standards. All forest operations looking to get the FSC certification must abide by ten principles.

These principles cover a broad range of topics, from conservation values to worker rights and forest management’s social and environmental impact. So, any product made from the raw materials of FSC-certified forests automatically carries the certification, including paper labels.

FSC Certified Environmentally Friendly Labels – A Mark Of Sustainable Packaging

FSC-certified label printing denotes that the paper label is made from materials sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Whenever you purchase any FSC-labelled products, whether it is a bag or environmentally friendly labels for your packaging, you are directly helping conserve the forests and also helping the people and communities who depend on them.

Here are some of how using FSC-certified environmentally friendly labels helps forests all over the world and different communities:

Saying No To Deforestation

Trees in FSC-managed forests are harvested responsibly, leading to zero net loss of forest cover over time. Moreover, old-growth trees with irreplaceable value are identified, marked, and maintained. This helps significantly in fighting climate change and reversing deforestation.

Healthy Work Environment That Supports Fair Wage

All workers in and around FSC-certified forests get proper training on forest operations, safety protocols, and fair wages.

Flora and Fauna Is Preserved and Conserved

Due to zero deforestation and strict conservation standards, all kinds of animal and plant species in FSC-certified forests are protected and maintained.

Respecting Community Rights

One small purchase of the FSC label also means that you are indirectly respecting the rights of communities living in and around these protected forests.

What Are The Different Types Of FSC Label Available?

There are three types of FSC labels, and they can be traced back to the certification holder. Let’s explore the variations in FSC labelling.

FSC 100% Labelling:

Products carrying this label are made complete from materials resourced from FSC-certified forests. FSC’s 100% labelled products ensure that the forests thrive and grow forever and directly contribute to FSC’s goals and principles.

FSC Recycled:

This label denotes that the products are made from recycled materials. This reduces the pressure to harvest more trees for raw materials and keeps the forest resources intact.

FSC Mix:

As the name suggested, products carrying this label are manufactured using a mixture of recycled materials, supplies obtained from FSC-certified forests, and/or FSC-controlled wood.

The controlled wood is not sourced from FSC-managed forests but originates from acceptable sources that do not use unsustainable practices for harvesting.

Final Words

The demand for paper labels for packaging is increasing day by day.

Choosing FSC-certified label printing and paper labels communicates to your customers that you are making a conscious choice to promote sustainability through your products. It also shows your initiative to protect forests worldwide.

So, invest in FSC-certified paper labels today and do your bit for the environment.

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