FSC-certified packaging is increasingly expected by retail buyers, grocery chains, and eco-conscious consumers. Here's what the certification actually means, how it works in the packaging supply chain, and how to request it for your order.
FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council — an international non-profit organization that sets standards for responsible forest management. When a product carries the FSC label, it means the paper or wood fibre it contains can be traced back to forests that meet FSC's environmental, social, and economic standards.
- FSC 100%: All the wood fibre in the product comes from FSC-certified forests. The strongest claim.
- FSC Recycled: The product is made entirely from reclaimed or recycled material. No virgin fibre from forests at all.
- FSC Mix: The product contains a mix of material from FSC-certified forests, recycled content, and/or FSC-controlled wood. The most common label on packaging.
FSC certification covers the entire supply chain from tree to finished product. Every company that handles the material must hold its own FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification. A packaging supplier can only print the FSC logo on your boxes if they hold a valid FSC CoC certificate.
- Major retailers: Costco, Loblaws, and many other large Canadian retailers have sustainability sourcing policies that favour or require FSC-certified packaging
- Natural and organic brands: Consumers in the natural products channel expect sustainability credentials across the entire product
- B Corp companies: FSC certification on packaging contributes to B Corp assessment scores
For more on our sustainability practices, see our Sustainability page. And for a full overview of the industries we serve, visit our Industries page.
FSC certification is a credible, widely recognized sustainability claim for packaging. If you're selling through retailers with sustainability requirements, or if your brand values align with responsible forestry, it's worth requesting. It typically adds a modest premium — but one that's increasingly expected rather than exceptional.