Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, which began during the 18th century, our global economies have grown on a system that extracts our planet’s resources turning wood and other natural raw materials into mass produced items for human use. Most of these products are eventually thrown away after a relatively short time in use. This linear use of resources is a global driver of climate change and biodiversity loss (Ellen McArthur Foundation). Global demand for forest products could rise 400% by 2050 (World Bank) and without smarter fibre use, forests will experience unsustainable pressure.
How does a circular economy differ from our current linear model?
Circular economy systems aim to keep products in use for as long as possible through processes to maintain, refurbish, re-use, take back, remanufacture, re-cycle and compost items. These cascading principles are being explored through FSC’s Circularity Hub. Here different models for circularity are being investigated and explored. Moving in the direction of a circular model for FSC certification may help reduce pressure on forests but also create opportunities for companies to comply with legislation, strengthen their business models, and lead the way in operating within planetary boundaries.
Loa Dalgaard Worm, Director of Strategy and Development at FSC Denmark and Circularity Lead, reminds us during a recent interview with Earth 911 that:
“The mission of FSC is the same as it’s always been. We want to safeguard the forests of this world for present and future generations. So as consumption increases and more and more of us are looking towards forests, we need to make sure that we can still keep that promise, and that means having to add new services to the FSC systems, new business models, new tools, so that we can ensure that fibre stays in use for longer, so that we can get to a stage where we are not over-utilizing our forests, but we have healthy ecosystems, and that the people that depend on forests are thriving too”
Recently, FSC has consulted with stakeholders on the revised standards for Chain of Custody Certification (CoC)- FSC-STD-40-004 V4-0: Chain of Custody Certification, FSC-STD-20-011 V4-4: Specific requirements for Certification Bodies – Chain of Custody. Included within this consultation were draft elements on reclaimed materials, leasing and take-back.
What can you do to support the transition to a global circular economy?
Check out FSC's blog post about circular economies, how they work, and why they matter for a more detailed introduction to the subject and FSC’s approach.
FSC Circularity Hub also has a regular newsletter where you can keep up to date with relevant information and learn more about FSC’s work on circular economy. Subscribe here.
Watch:
- FSC's explainer video on the FSC Circularity hub - Certification of reused and repaired products
- FSC's Webinar on Why circular economy matters in FSC - stakeholder perspectives
Listen:
FSC's circularity work has been featured on two episodes of FSC's Forest for the Future podcasts. The podcast can be found on all leading podcast platform. The links below will take you to Apple Podcast:
- Episode 72 Circularity in FSC - How do we make a linear system circular?
- Episode 79: Next stop - circular economy in FSC? Legislative drivers, principles and how FSC connects
You can find the links to other podcast platforms here.
Get in touch
You can contact the FSC Circularity Hub via circularity@fsc.org