FSC® and EUDR: Partners in Forest Protection

Why do we choose FSC?

It’s credible, it’s traceable and its externally verified. In order to minimize our contribution to adverse impacts to our ecosystem we need a chain-of-custody certification that is trustable, externally verified and that evolves over time.

It is widely recognized by NGOs, consumers, and businesses as the most rigorous forest certification system for addressing contemporary challenges related to deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The FSC's forest management standard is built upon ten fundamental principles that encompass a broad range of environmental, social, and economic considerations.

What is FSC?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) verifies, through Chain of Custody (CoC) certification, that forest-based materials produced according to its standards are used in certified products – from forest operations to finished goods.

This helps ensure that FSC-labelled products actually come from responsibly managed sources.

The FSC system is built on standards that go beyond traceability. Forests managed under FSC rules must meet strict environmental and social requirements. This includes protecting biodiversity, water, and soil, as well as ensuring fair working conditions and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Only wood that is harvested legally can be FSC-certified. The combined focus on transparency, legal sourcing, and environmental and social responsibility makes FSC a practical tool for companies looking to reduce risk and improve how they source forest product

How do we work with FSC?

We hold a promotional FSC license (FSC-N004514 ) and actively work with our suppliers and manufacturing partners to increase the use of FSC-certified materials. While not all our packaging and wooden products are currently FSC-certified, we are gradually expanding our internal requirements to improve coverage. We also recognize the growing importance of a verified chain of custody to minimise environmental and social risks.

FSC and EUDR complement each other

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will be fully implemented by the end of 2025. It requires companies placing certain products on the EU market to ensure that these goods are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. However, the regulation does not cover all forest-based products. For example, packaging materials used only to carry or protect other goods, are excluded from the current scope.

This is where FSC certification plays an important complementary role. FSC applies strict traceability and sustainability criteria to a wider range of forest materials – including those not covered by the EUDR. Today, over 165 million hectares of forest are FSC-certified worldwide. These forests experience less deforestation and support greater biodiversity than uncertified areas.

FSC is also adapting its systems to help businesses meet the EUDR’s requirements. In doing so, it supports responsible forest management while strengthening existing regulation. Together, FSC and the EUDR offer a more complete approach to protecting forests and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.

1. Forests are increasingly under pressure, while demand for wood-based materials continues to grow
   FSC helps reduce the risk of negative environmental impacts by promoting responsible sourcing practices.
2. FSC certification includes chain-of-custody traceability and clear standards
   It ensures that materials come from legally harvested and responsibly managed forests, with attention to environmental and social conditions.
3. FSC complements the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
   It covers materials the EUDR leaves out, such as some packaging and fibre-based products, and adds an additional supporting tool for businesses to help them meeting due diligence requirements.