Bio-based materials are on the rise as companies strive to phase out fossil-based materials and transition to bio and circular economy. Today, non-forest bio-based materials are mixed with forest-based materials in FSC-certified products such as textiles, packaging, and furniture. Currently, non-forest bio-based materials are considered neutral in FSC-certified products and are exempt from FSC Chain-of-Custody requirements.  

FSC’s Circularity Hub is currently analysing the use of non-forest bio-based materials in FSC-certified products to explore the potential of these emerging materials and FSC’s approach to them in the future. 

To gain insights into the actual use of bio-based materials, the Circularity Hub has launched a survey that FSC stakeholders are encouraged to participate in. 

About the survey 

  • The target group for the survey is FSC certificate holders and promotional licence holders. 

  • The survey focusses on the use of non-forest bio-based materials in FSC-certified products. 

  • Whether your company uses non-forest bio-based materials in FSC-certified products or not, the survey is relevant for you. 

  • The questions in the survey range from questions about the non-forest bio-based materials used and their approximate share to challenges, future use scenarios, and certifications applied. 

  • It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey and is available in English. 

  • The survey closes on January 10 December. 

  • Responses to the survey will remain anonymous, with data used in aggregate form. 

About the FSC Circularity Hub

In 2023, FSC launched the FSC Circularity Hub, an initiative within FSC, that works to translate FSC's strategic circularity goal into actionable roadmaps and initiatives. The Circularity Hub focusses on scaling up existing FSC solutions, exploring new solutions both within and beyond FSC’s standards, and fostering partnerships with organisations and donors to promote circularity.  

The proposals and initiatives from The Circularity Hub are based on engagement with a broad group of internal and external stakeholders and members, and reviews and assessments of existing knowledge about the topic. Feedback from stakeholders and members and engagement with them is a fundamental principle for the hub.   

If you have any questions to the Circularity Hub, contact circularity@fsc.org

Read more about FSC’s work on the circular economy on: