Earlier this year, we were seriously concerned to learn about allegations regarding FSC-labelled bamboo toilet rolls sold in the UK.
In line with FSC’s process, these allegations were investigated by Assurance Services International (ASI), who oversee FSC-accredited certification bodies. The investigation included 14 certificate holders belonging to the supply chains of the brands identified by Which? – Bazoo, Naked Sprout, and Bumboo.
ASI traced the supply chains of these companies back to the source and obtained their transaction records to check the certified timber traded between them. As a result of this investigation, one of the suppliers was suspended.
The investigation also revealed a few cases of trademark misuse. While the label on the product communicated that the product type was ‘bamboo’, this FSC 100% certified bamboo fibre had actually mixed with FSC Mix certified eucalyptus pulp. Products made from FSC 100% material combined with FSC Mix material, should carry an FSC Mix label:
- FSC 100% All forest-based materials in products or packaging bearing the FSC 100% label must be sourced from FSC-certified forests.
- FSC Mix All forest-based materials in products or packaging bearing the FSC Mix label must either be from FSC-certified forests, verified as recycled or classed as controlled wood. Controlled wood is not from FSC-certified forests but it mitigates the risk of the material originating from unacceptable sources.
To learn more about the FSC labels, click here.
FSC takes supply chain integrity violations, seriously and carries out investigations using various tools in its integrity toolkit, as well as through additional verification involving certification bodies and ASI. If additional investigations and collected evidence prove that the violations were deliberate, wrongdoers are excluded from the FSC system.
For more information about false claims, click here.
Background
Bamboo, often promoted as a highly sustainable material, can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems if not managed responsibly. While FSC certification allows for the labelling of bamboo sourced from certified natural forests or plantations, strict standards prohibit the conversion of natural forests into plantations and ensure responsible forest management practices.
FSC has been monitoring and taking actions to address integrity risks in certified bamboo supply chains of different products by conducting multiple TV loops over the years – in 2017 and 2018. Most recently, in June 2022, FSC and ASI launched the third TV loop on bamboo supply chains. For more information about these investigations into FSC-certified bamboo supply chains, click here.