How AMNorman helps you with FSC certification
You have undoubtedly seen the FSC logo on packaging or a product more than once. But what exactly is it? What conditions do you need to meet to obtain this certificate? And how can AMNorman help with the practical implementation and correct application of the regulations surrounding FSC-certified packaging?
You will find this and much more in this blog.
Ruben Haleydt
What is FSC certification?
It is an international label or certification mark on a wood or paper product indicating that the product originates from a sustainably managed forest.
FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council®, the organisation that issues the certificate. Choosing an FSC label means choosing a concrete way to support responsible forest management worldwide.
What conditions do you need to meet to obtain an FSC certificate?
Chain of custody is the standard for FSC certification. It clearly sets out the requirements your organisation must meet to certify your forest products as FSC. Broadly speaking, this covers three aspects:
- All preceding materials in the production chain must also be FSC certified, so you cannot purchase your paper and/or wood products from just anywhere. This also applies to reused materials.
- FSC-certified material is identified and must be continuously traceable throughout the production and distribution processes.
- All documents and data relating to production, purchase and sale must be checked and kept on record.
Who is eligible for this certificate?
- You are the legal owner of the products;
- and you carry out one or more of the following activities:
- Selling FSC-certified products with FSC claims.
- Labelling products as FSC certified.
- Processing or altering products with an FSC claim.
- Promoting FSC-certified products.
Support with FSC certification
Our AMNorman experts specialise in the practical implementation and correct application of the regulations surrounding FSC-certified products.
For every question, they either know the answer or dig deeper to find it for you.
General requirements
As with any standard, a number of basic requirements must be met here too. These start right at purchase, continue through the handling of products, and also apply at final sale. Our AMNorman experts help you draw up a manual describing all the procedures needed to set up a chain of custody system.
Checking FSC claims
Different product groups exist: FSC 100%, FSC Mix Credit, FSC Mix x%, and so on. Our team helps determine the right group for your product and applies a correct control system if you process purchased paper and/or wood products.
Such a control system determines how you may label your forest product when mixing different inputs, such as FSC 100% and FSC Recycled 50%, which then results in FSC Mix 50% under a transfer system.
For information: there are three control systems in total: the transfer system, the percentage system and the credit system.
Additional requirements
Finally, there are a few additional requirements regarding subcontracting and product labelling. The FSC label must always match the claim stated on the sales documents. In the case of subcontracting, your contractor does not need to be FSC certified, but they must still meet certain other conditions. Our AMNorman experts are happy to go through these with you.
Multi-site and group certification
If your organisation consists of several sites, it is possible to certify them jointly. Group certification is also an option. We are happy to look at the requirements involved together with you.
