What is FSC®?
FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) is an international non-profit organisation that promotes responsible forest management worldwide. The certification ensures that wood and paper products come from forests managed with respect for the environment, human rights, and economic sustainability.
FSC is based on three core principles:
- - Environmentally responsible: Forestry must not harm biodiversity, ecosystems, or endangered species.
- - Socially beneficial: Local communities and forest workers must be guaranteed rights, safety, and fair working conditions.
- - Economically viable: Forestry must be profitable – without compromising other considerations.
FSC operates in over 80 countries and is widely recognised as one of the most trusted forest certifications in the world.
FSC in Practice: What Does It Mean When Packaging is FSC-Certified?
When packaging is FSC-certified, it means that all wood-based materials – such as cardboard, paper, and carton – come from responsible sources that respect environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The entire supply chain is traceable and controlled through FSC’s international standards.
At Westpack, we offer packaging labelled as FSC Mix 70%, which means that at least 70% of the material in the product comes from FSC-certified sources, and the remainder from controlled sources.
It is important to mention that in our own production in Denmark, we exclusively use FSC 100%-certified raw materials when manufacturing packaging. The fact that the final product is labelled “FSC Mix 70%” is due to the traceability rules in the FSC system – not the quality of the materials used. You can therefore be confident that packaging produced by us meets the highest standards for responsible forest management.
Read more about FSC labelling here: What do FSC labels mean?
Why is Westpack FSC-Certified?
At Westpack, we chose to become FSC-certified because we want to take responsibility for the origins of our packaging – and because our customers demand transparency and proven sustainability.
We are certified as FSC Mix 70% and multi-site, meaning that our certification covers several of our locations and ensures consistent handling of FSC products across the company.
By being FSC-certified, we can:
- - Ensure traceability throughout the value chain.
- - Document the responsible origin of our cardboard and paper products.
- - Offer our customers FSC-certified packaging solutions they can use in their brand storytelling.
We believe that responsibility and transparency are integral parts of future business – and we want to make it easy for our customers to make sustainable choices.
FAQ: Am I Allowed to Promote That I Use FSC Packaging?
Am I allowed to mention that I use FSC-certified packaging in my marketing? Yes – but only if you have permission.
You are allowed to use FSC-certified packaging in your business without a licence, but you are not allowed to communicate about it in marketing materials, on your webshop, social media, or similar channels unless you have approved permission.What do I need to do to use the FSC logo or mention FSC in my communication? You must either be FSC-certified yourself or have a promotional licence from FSC’s national organisation. This applies regardless of whether it is for use on your webshop, social media, printed materials, or other channels.
What is a promotional licence? It is a permit that allows you, as a non-certified company, to use the FSC name and logo when communicating about certified products you have purchased from an FSC-certified supplier – such as Westpack.
How do I get a promotional licence? You contact FSC’s local office in your country. They will ask you to document that your products are purchased from a certified supplier and that you comply with the rules for using the logo and text.
What if I just mention that the packaging is FSC-certified – without using the logo? It is still covered by the rules. Textual references such as “our packaging is FSC-certified” also require permission, as this is considered marketing. If you do not have a licence, you should avoid any mention of FSC – even if you are using the products.
Is it enough that my supplier – such as Westpack – is certified? It is an important requirement, but it does not automatically give you the right to market using FSC. You may only communicate about FSC if you are certified yourself or have obtained a promotional licence.
Do these rules apply in all countries? Yes. FSC’s rules for the use of name and logo are global, even though the administration is handled nationally. You can read more in:
FSC Trademark Use Guide for Promotional Licence Holders
Do you have questions about FSC and how you are allowed to communicate it in your marketing?
You are always welcome to contact us – we’re happy to help.
Read more at fsc.org or contact FSC in your country.