FSC certification

Responsible forest management, supported by sustainability certifications, has always been essential for preserving our forest ecosystems and guaranteeing responsible supply from Quebec businesses.


At the same time, consumers are increasingly attentive to the origin and sustainability certifications of the products they buy, seeking to support practices that are gentler and more sustainable for the environment.


This is where FSC® certification plays an important role by providing a guarantee that products come from sustainably and responsibly managed forests, with products that meet strict and monitored environmental and social standards.

What is FSC® certification?

Definition

Forest Stewardship Council® certification framework is a recognized international label that guarantees responsible forest practices of forest resources. It ensures that forestry products, such as paper products and construction products, meet rigorous social and environmental standards. This certification covers the entire supply chain, from responsible forest management to the final product.


Only certificate holders with sustainability certifications, like a FSC® chain of custody certification (CoC certification), can use the FSC® trademarks and certification labels on packaging.


This certification also allows for the traceability of wood products or wood-based materials from FSC-certified forests, excluding any unacceptable sources.

What is the origin of the FSC® certification?

Faced with accelerating deforestation and various social and environmental issues, environmental organizations such as international NGOs met in California in 1990 to create the FSC® certificate, a system aimed at certifying sustainably managed forests. After the emergence of Agenda 21 during the 1992 Earth Summit, the FSC® was officially founded in 1993 in Toronto.


Now based in Germany, this forest certification system had to adapt specifically to the legislation of each country.


Between 2012 and 2015, an in-depth review of the principles and criteria of the FSC® label was conducted to strengthen the reliability of this forest management certification and adapt to new consumption patterns.

The three FSC® categories

FSC® 100%

The FSC® 100% label is given to core products that come entirely from FSC®-certified forests. This category guarantees that all the materials used come from verified and responsible sources.

FSC® MIX

The FSC® Mix label ensures that products are made of a mixture of materials. These include wood or virgin fibres from FSC®-certified forests, recycled materials, and wood or virgin fibres from other controlled sources that meet strict FSC® standards.

FSC® RECYCLED

FSC® Recycled certifies that products are made of 100% recycled materials, thereby supporting waste reduction and natural resource conservation efforts.

What are the advantages of FSC® certification?

Benefits of FSC® for consumers

For consumers, FSC® certification offers the assurance that a wide range of products they purchase come from responsible forestry practices managed forests. This means that by choosing FSC®-certified products, consumers contribute to the positive impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Advantages of FSC® for businesses

Businesses that adhere to the FSC® certification framework benefit in several ways. Firstly, they gain access to new markets, as many consumers and companies prefer FSC®-certified products.


This certification also enhances a company’s reputation, showcasing a commitment to sustainability focused on their core product. Plus, businesses can often command higher prices for FSC®-certified products, offsetting the certification costs and adding a financial incentive to the environmental and social benefits.

What are the FSC® certification principles and requirements?

A forest representing the importance of FSC certification for ecosystem preservation

FSC® certification is based on a set of principles and associated criteria that cover all aspects of forest management. These principles include compliance with laws, the maintenance of high conservation value forests, and the upholding of workers’ rights and community relations. Here is a detailed overview of the principles and requirements:

  • Compliance: Forest owners must ensure that forest management complies with all applicable national laws and international treaties ratified by the country.
  • Sustainable forest management: Integration of practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing long-term forest health and productivity. Other active measures must also be implemented to maintain and avoid harming wildlife habitats.
  • Preservation of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs): Specific actions to protect areas that have exceptional ecological values, essential for the conservation of biodiversity.
  • Respect for the rights of Indigenous populations: Commitment to protecting the cultural, economic, and territorial rights of Indigenous communities.
  • General benefits for the community: Development of programs that support the local economy.
  • Well-being of local communities: Forest management operations must maintain or improve the social and economic well-being of local communities in the long term.
  • Workers’ rights: Ensure fair and safe working conditions, as well as respect for international standards.
  • Management planning: A signed management document describing the long-term objectives and the means to achieve them must be developed, applied, and updated.

Is the FSC® certificate well controlled?

A man during an FSC certification audit

The different certification protocols for companies and their products are rigorous and guarantee that FSC-certified products meet high standards. This continuous monitoring provides transparency and reliability that reassure consumers, particularly families looking for sustainable products who promote responsible management of forests.

What are the steps before a product is FSC® certified?

Step 1: File an application

The first step in the FSC® certification process involves submitting a detailed application to the FSC® organization, which specifies the company’s forest management practices and commitments to FSC® certification requirements.

Step 2: Conduct a certification audit

An independent certification body then conducts a comprehensive audit to verify compliance with FSC® criteria and certification protocols, evaluating both environmental and social practices and supply sources.

Step 3: Have the application approved

If the audit is successful, the report is submitted for a certification decision. Once approved, the certificate status is updated and the FSC® certificate is issued, signifying compliance with responsible forest management standards.

Step 4: Follow annual audits

To maintain certification, annual surveillance audits and monitoring reports are conducted to ensure that standards continue to be met and practices remain compliant.

Cascades Fluff & Tuff® promotes sustainable consumption with Quebec families thanks to our FSC-certified products, including our paper towels and toilet paper. Discover all our efforts for the planet to allow for more thoughtful consumption!