Why FSC?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) runs the world’s leading forest certification system and works to mitigate the climate and biodiversity crises by advancing sustainable forest management worldwide.

Most Trusted

We're backed by some of the largest environmental NGOs.

Our members include some of the world’s most reputable environmental NGOs, such as WWF and Rainforest Alliance, who highly regard our strict standards and participative governance approach.
Our business reach is the most extensive and brands trust us.

FSC is the preferred certification system for many companies worldwide including IKEA, McDonald’s, and Tetra Pak, issuing more Chain of Custody certificates worldwide than any other forest certification system.
The FSC logo is the most recognized mark for responsible forestry.

Almost half of global consumers recognize the FSC logo. When compared to other organizations, consumers have the highest confidence in FSC, which is significantly higher than their trust in businesses or governments.

Proven Protections

Our biodiversity protections are the most extensive.

FSC certification assures the highest requirements for biodiversity protection currently available for commercial forestry. Managers must protect rare, threatened, or endangered species and critical ecosystem services.
We champion the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

FSC’s Indigenous Foundation actively prioritizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples and promotes Indigenous-led actions and solutions. We require forest owners and managers to uphold the rights of land ownership, use of land, and access to resources, and ensure Free, Prior, and Informed Consent on all forest-related decisions.
We offer the strongest protection for workers.

FSC actively monitors if forest managers and companies uphold the strict principles and rights of workers required by the International Labour Organization.
FSC certification is a proven solution to help tackle the climate crisis.

With the world’s most rigorous forest management standards and practices, FSC-certified forests protect and strengthen forest ecosystems. For instance, FSC forests that measure carbon on average realize a 17% increase in carbon stocks over a management cycle.

Strongest Safeguards

FSC claims meet strict criteria.

We ensure that sustainability claims companies make about FSC-certified products are truthful, relevant, and clear, guarding against greenwashing and upholding integrity. This is supported by independent audits performed throughout the supply chain and approval for each use of our trademarks.
We exclude bad actors from our system.

Our system integrity team acts swiftly against unacceptable activities. For instance, our powerful Policy for Association uniquely allows us to expel organizations who engage in destructive activities, both in and out of certified areas, from the FSC system. The FSC Check tool allows us to assess the risk of companies and individuals seeking association with FSC and reject those that have engaged in destructive activities.