As sustainability becomes a greater priority for brands and consumers alike, understanding the materials behind your packaging is more important than ever. One of the most widely recognized standards for responsible sourcing is certification from the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®).
FSC® is an international nonprofit organization that promotes responsible forest management. It sets rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards for forests around the world. Its certification system helps ensure that the fiber used in paperboard, corrugated materials, and other paper-based packaging comes from responsibly managed forests, recycled content, or other controlled sources.
How FSC® Certification Works
A key component of FSC® certification is Chain of Custody. This process tracks certified materials throughout the supply chain. From the forest and paper mill to the printer and packaging manufacturer. Every certified company involved must meet FSC® requirements to maintain traceability and ensure the integrity of the final product.
For brands, choosing FSC® certified packaging demonstrates a commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. It can support corporate sustainability goals, help meet retailer requirements, and align with growing consumer expectations for transparency and ethical business practices.
It’s important to understand that FSC® certification focuses specifically on where fiber comes from. Not whether a package is recyclable, compostable, or reusable. However, FSC® certified packaging can also be designed to minimize environmental impact at the end of its useful life through recyclability, compostability, or reuse.
Common FSC® Labels
- FSC® 100% – Made entirely from materials sourced from FSC® certified forests.
- FSC® Mix – Contains a combination of FSC® certified materials, recycled content, and/or controlled wood.
- FSC® Recycled – Made entirely from recycled fiber that meets FSC® standards.
At Calitho, we’ve maintained FSC® Chain of Custody certification for more than 15 years, helping brands create custom packaging solutions using responsibly sourced materials without compromising quality, creativity, or performance.
Whether you’re launching a new product or updating existing packaging, FSC® certified packaging is a meaningful step toward building a more sustainable supply chain. Let us help you on your next sustainable project!