FAQ
- How does FSC promote responsible forest management?
- How does the FSC system work?
- How can I be sure that the product really does come from an FSC well-managed forest?
- What does the FSC label mean?
- Which products carry the label?
- Where can I buy FSC labelled products?
- Why is the FSC trademark different from other labels?
- Do FSC certified products cost more?
- What should I do if I can't find products with the FSC label?
How does FSC promote responsible forest management?
FSC has developed a system of forest certification and product labelling that allows consumers to identify wood and wood-based products from well-managed forests.
How does the FSC system work?
Forests are inspected and certified against strict standards based on FSC's 10 Principles of Forest Stewardship. These inspections are undertaken by independent organisations, such as the Soil Association, that are accredited by the FSC. In order to be given FSC certification a forest must be managed in an environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This is what makes the FSC system unique and ensures that a forest is well-managed from the protection of indigenous people's rights to the methods of felling trees. Forests that meet these strict standards are given FSC certification and the timber allowed to carry the FSC label.
How can I be sure that the product really does come from an FSC well-managed forest?
In addition to forest certification, the FSC system includes a certified chain of custody that tracks the timber through every stage in the supply chain from the forest to the final user. This is monitored through the invoicing process and the final label on the product has a code that confirms that the item is genuinely FSC.
What does the FSC label mean?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo on a wood or wood based product is your assurance that it is made with, or contains, wood that comes from FSC certified forests or from post-consumer waste.
Which products carry the label?
The FSC label is currently found on over 10,000 product lines in the UK alone. You'll find it on garden furniture, decking, sheds, conservatories, tools, bird boxes and bird tables, kitchen, bathroom and general housewares, brushes, wall paper, flooring, doors, shelves, furniture, toilet tissue, paper, pencils - in fact most things made from wood. It can also be found on less obvious items such as charcoal, and there are now also coffins available.
Where can I buy FSC labelled products?
Almost all the major DIY stores such as B&Q, Homebase and Focus stock FSC items. You'll also find them in high street stores such as Sainsbury's, Boots, Woolworths, Body Shop, WH Smith and Co-op.
Why is the FSC trademark different from forest certification schemes?
There are a number of other forest certification schemes around but they do not have the same strict environmental, social and economic standards or such a rigorous chain of custody; tracking timber from the forest to the final user. Therefore the FSC is the only one endorsed by the major environment charities including WWF, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and the Woodland Trust.
Do FSC certified products cost more?
Like all products it depends on the availability but on the whole familiar items will be roughly the same price as non-FSC items.
What should I do if I can't find products with the FSC label?
Although more and more products are becoming available all the time there are still gaps in the market. If you cannot find a product you should ask for it; the greater the demand the bigger the supply. The FSC can also help with tracing items, take a look at our product search on the web site, or contact the FSC Information Service on 01686 413916.