Do you know what FSC-certified paper is? How the FSC ensure their paper and wood is eco-friendly and environmentally responsible? If not, read on.

 

 

Paper-Based Packaging and its Potential Problems

In the search for plastic-free packaging, the negative effects of paper can be overlooked. We need to make sure that, in the quest for plastic-free packaging, we are not damaging our forests irreparably by creating more demand for paper. Some facts about paper:

• Paper accounts for 26% of waste in landfills
• The earth loses 18.7 million acres of forest each year – equal to 27 soccer fields every minute, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
• An estimated 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from deforestation (WWF)

By ensuring that our paper is sourced responsibly from independently certified, managed plantations, and that is can be traced at each stage in the production lifecycle, we can guarantee that we are not contributing to environmental destruction or habitat loss. This is why we love FSC-certified paper.

 

What is the FSC?

The FSC ensures forests are managed responsibly. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit that acts to promote the responsible management of the world's forests. The FSC sets standards on forest products, and when these standards are met both wood and paper can be certified and labelled as eco-friendly. This ensures that the forests are managed in the most environmentally sustainable way possible, including water and energy use, and the end product's overall environmental rating.

 

5 Reasons we Love FSC Certified Paper

FSC-certified paper looks after the environment and communities.

 

1. FSC-certified paper comes from responsibly managed plantations

An FSC certification ensures that landowners use responsible forestry practices. This confirms that the forest is being managed in a way that preserves the natural ecosystem and benefits the lives of local people and workers (including indigenous communities), all while ensuring it remains economically viable.

 

2. Raising standards: FSC certification acts as a catalyst for improving standards in forest management

The FSC brings economic benefits by opening up new markets and helps ensure social benefits to workers and local people, and facilitates environmental benefits for biodiversity and ecosystems.

 

3. Connecting with consumers: The FSC provides a link between the forest and the end user

Its certification allows consumers to be confident that the products they are buying come from a responsible source. FSC's credibility is a good brand benefit, enhancing trustworthiness and marketing possibilities.

 

4. Fighting climate change: FSC eliminates deforestation, forest degradation, and illegal logging in certified areas

The organisation's endeavour is to grow the market for sustainable forest products and to highlight the dangers of poor forestry practice – all of which help mitigate climate change.

 

5. Getting ahead of government requirements: FSC certification reduces the risk of illegal timber

An increasing number of countries and regions – including the EU, USA, and Australia – have legislation banning the trade and use of illegally harvested timber and derived products. For FSC, respecting all relevant laws is the first of its ten principles and part of the certification and auditing process. By being FSC-certified, companies can demonstrate their commitment to a triple-bottom-line approach to business.

 

Packaging that Puts the Planet First

At Planet Friendly Packaging, we follow BioPak's lead in being committed to zero-waste, climate positive foodservice packaging. Our packaging solutions are made from rapidly renewable, sustainably source materials – like FSC-certified paper.

 

A Last Word: Be Informed

Like any certification system, even one that looks brilliant on the outside, FSC-certification is able to be exploited and misused. Always be aware of where your paper is coming from, even with the FSC-certification stamped on the packaging. However, we still love the FSC!  

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Information taken from BioPak's website. To read about the difference between FSC-certified and recycled paper, or how Merlo is a leader in providing compostable coffee cups, have a look at our blog. Article by Tallis Baker Planet Friendly Packaging acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by COVID-19. Stay safe.