If you want to prove your commitment to environmental responsibility and stewardship, consider getting your products FSC certified. The Forest Stewardship Council created this globally renowned certification to promote a healthier global forest system and act as a mark of responsible sourcing and sustainability practices. Curious to learn more? We’ll be sharing everything you need to know about FSC certification below.
In a world where consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the sustainability of the products they buy — and the transparency of the brands they come from — attention to detail is more important than ever for bag manufacturers.
Audiences won’t just be considering the principal materials of the bags they’re looking for. They’ll inspect the lining, packaging, and threads used to stitch the bags together. That’s why manufacturers should consider every element of their supply chain, including ensuring that the paper used for hang tags is sourced responsibly, which can be verified through FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification. This certification ensures the paper comes from responsibly managed forests, supporting environmental, social, and economic benefits. From the factories where they source their textiles to the FSC-certified paper used for their hang tags, every element matters in meeting the high expectations of an eco-conscious customer base.
Overview of FSC Certification
Launched by the eponymously named non-profit membership organization in 1994, FSC certification has become the most reputable credential for sustainable forestry practices globally.
The FSC’s Role in Protecting Forests and Communities
The Forest Stewardship Council Certification is more than just a label; it represents a natural solution designed to protect forests and the communities dependent on them. This certification sets a standard that combats the pressing issues brought about by climate change and industrialization. By encouraging biodiversity within forests, safeguarding Indigenous communities and their way of life, and ensuring the accuracy and transparency of supply chains, the Forest Stewardship Council Certification plays a pivotal role in environmental conservation efforts.
Environmental groups, NGOs, and businesses can obtain FSC certification. It certifies over 50,000 companies and 200 million hectares of forest worldwide.
FSC Standards and Requirements
FSC certification aligns with the organization’s ten principles of responsible forest management. It promotes biodiversity, benefits forest workers and local communities while helping businesses operate successfully.
Any FSC-certified operation must abide by these principles:
1 – Compliance With Laws
Organizations must comply with all relevant local and international forestry laws, regulations, conventions, and agreements.
2 – Workers’ Rights & Employment Conditions
As part of the FSC standards, organizations must continually maintain or improve workers’ social and economic well-being. This includes the prohibition of forced labor, child labor, and discrimination. Employers must also grant workers the freedom of association and the right to engage in collective bargaining.
3 – Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
Organizations must identify and respect the rights of ownership and land use of any local Indigenous communities.
4 – Community Relations
The social and economic well-being of local communities must be upheld by the organization.
5 – Benefits From The Forest
Products and services should be managed in a way that maintains or improves their social and environmental benefits, as well as their economic viability.
6 – Environmental Values & Impact
Organizations should operate in a way that maintains, conserves, or restores the forests they manage. Practices that result in a negative environmental impact should be avoided or mitigated.
7 – Management Planning
Organizations must create a management plan that reveals their economic, environmental, and social policies and goals.
8 – Monitoring & Assessment
Organizations must implement actions that help them meet the objectives in their management plan.
9 – High Conservation Values
Organizations shall adopt a high conservation mindset regarding forest management and operate with a preventative approach.
10 – Implementation of Management Activities
Any and all management activities should align with FSC principles and requirements.
The Benefits and Significance of FSC Certification
FSC certification and its corresponding check-tree label are among the most well-recognized indications of responsible sourcing. Research performed by Ipsos shows that the FSC label is currently recognized by 46% of global consumers. And 80% of those consumers are likelier to trust a brand with FSC-certified products.
Becoming an FSC-certified company indicates a commitment to a more sustainable and transparent supply chain, which can easily enhance brand reputation and create new opportunities within their market.
FSC certification demonstrates your company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact for bag manufacturers. This certification helps your business grow its customer base with responsibly sourced materials.
The FSC Certification Process
To obtain the respected check-tree label, manufacturers must follow several steps:
1 – Select An Accredited Third-Party Certification Body
Audits and certifications are completed by FSC-approved accredited third-party certification bodies, so you’ll need to choose the organization you’d like to work with.
2 – Submit Your Application
Start the assessment process by submitting your FSC certification application.
3 – Undergo Assessment
Once your application has been reviewed and approved, a member from your third-party certification body will ensure your company meets FSC requirements by conducting an assessment.
4 – Complete FSC Check
FSC will send you a questionnaire (the FSC Check) to complete after your assessment. You can sign the Trademark License Agreement and become an official certificate holder once the FSC Check is verified.
5 – Certification
You’ll receive certification approval, which means you can start adding the FSC label to your products.
6 – Undergo Annual Audits
Every year, evaluators review to ensure you follow the FSC guidelines and work to maintain or enhance your commitment to the ten principles.
The Industry Relevance of FSC Certification
Implementing sustainable practices is essential to success in the fashion and textile industry. As brands continually seek materials with a lower environmental impact, wood-based fibers like rayon, lyocell, viscose, Tencel, cupro, and modal are becoming more popular as replacements for water- and energy-intensive fabrics like polyester and conventional cotton. Certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification are crucial in ensuring the responsible sourcing of these wood-based fibers. The FSC Certification helps to guarantee that the wood used in these fibers comes from well-managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Exploring the Industry Significance of FSC Standards
This new wave of wood-based fibers can be an excellent environmentally-friendly choice when sourced from the right forests, which is where FSC certifications come in. Detrimental environmental practices like deforestation often link to uncertified forests.. FSC certification helps to counter these issues by promoting a transparent supply chain and encouraging forest conservation. Major fashion brands and textile producers like H&M Group, Sezane, and Brunello already have Forest Standard Council certification.
Whether you create bags with alternative forest-based materials such as rubber and cork or looking for a more sustainable textile for your bag linings, FSC certification can significantly increase your products’ market access and appeal. It shows that your brand adheres to the highest standards of responsible production and environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
If you’re a bag manufacturer aiming to establish your commitment to sustainable forestry practices and responsible sourcing, obtaining FSC certification is valuable. This certification enhances your reputation, promotes better forestry management, strengthens customer trust, and contributes to a more transparent industry. Even if the only wood-based material you use is the paper in your packaging, obtaining FSC certification will make your products stand out even more.