Sustainability
FSC certified packaging: what the labels mean and what to ask
FSC certified packaging is paper or board whose fiber is tracked from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Look for one of three labels: FSC 100% for all virgin fiber from certified forests, FSC Recycled for 100% recycled fiber, and FSC Mix for a blend of certified virgin fiber, controlled wood and recycled material.
The label is about the wood, not the recycling or the ink. It tells you where the fiber came from. It says nothing about the finish on top.
By Talha LoneUpdated
The three FSC labels
| Label | What it says about the fiber |
|---|---|
| FSC 100% | Made entirely of virgin material from FSC-certified forests |
| FSC Mix | A blend of FSC virgin fiber, controlled wood and/or recycled material |
| FSC Recycled | Made with 100% recycled fiber |
That is how the US page, What do the FSC labels mean, puts it. The Recycled label shows the recycled percentage in its mobius loop.
What an FSC label doesn't prove
- Recyclability. A box can have FSC fiber and a plastic film on top.
- Ink or coating choices. Those are separate decisions.
- A brown color. Kraft being brown doesn't make it certified. If you want certified wood, look for the FSC label, not the color.
- A lower footprint. The label describes where the fiber comes from, not how the box was made or shipped.
Paper and paperboard already recycle at 68.2% per the EPA, FSC or not. See eco friendly packaging and biodegradable packaging for the other claims people mix up with it.
What to ask a supplier
- Which label can this job carry? 100%, Mix or Recycled.
- Can you show the certificate? Ask for the supplier's certification details.
- Does the label go on the box? Labels are only used under the right conditions.
- What finishes are on it? Lamination and window film add plastic.
Tell us if you need FSC board when you ask for a quote. Your specialist will confirm what's available for your board and order before the proof. Custom cardboard boxes are the usual starting point.
When not to ask for FSC
- Nobody will read the label. Don't pay for a mark that no one checks.
- You need fewer than 50 boxes. Stock plus a printed sticker costs less.
- You need boxes in days. Production takes 10–12 days from proof approval, plus shipping.
If you do want it, send the product's length x width x height and say FSC in the first line.
Frequently asked questions
What is FSC certified packaging?
Packaging made from paper or board whose fiber is tracked from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
What are the three FSC labels?
FSC 100% for all virgin fiber from certified forests, FSC Mix for a blend of certified, controlled and recycled material, and FSC Recycled for 100% recycled fiber.
Is FSC the same as recycled?
No. FSC 100% is virgin fiber from certified forests. Only the FSC Recycled label means 100% recycled fiber.
Is kraft paper FSC certified?
Not automatically. Color doesn't tell you the source. Look for the FSC label and ask for the certificate.
Can you make FSC certified boxes?
Ask for FSC board when you request a quote, and your specialist will confirm what's available for your order.