Paper - JJ Ying via unsplash

FSC-certified paper

Through responsible management of forests, and verifying the use of recycled materials, the FSC system can help secure a long-term source of paper. FSC can enable the paper and printing sectors to demonstrate their commitment to responsible forestry. 

FSC-certified printers

FSC-certified printers can

FSC in Print
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FSC in print

Paper and other print substrates made from trees are both renewable and recyclable, but only when they are responsibly sourced and sensitively processed. FSC-certified printers offer their clients the ability to demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing through the use of FSC-certified papers and the application of the FSC labels.

This document is intended to be used as an introduction to FSC for organisations who are FSC certified and for those who are considering becoming FSC certified, specifying FSC-certified printed materials or working on behalf of an FSC-certified print organisation.

Publishing

Printed materials, including books, magazines and greeting cards, can only carry an FSC label if they are produced and labelled under a valid FSC chain of custody certificate. By using an FSC-certified printer, specifying the FSC-certified paper and requesting an FSC label, you can create publish FSC-certified products.

Publishers are not required to hold FSC certification in order to have their books or cards carry an FSC label (see above), but they may apply for their own certification and either outsource their printing or print in-house. Holding FSC certification means a publisher is free to use any printer (certified or uncertified) to complete print jobs under an outsourcing policy. Certified publishers can use their own licence number within the FSC label and make FSC claims on their outgoing invoices.

Alternatively, publishers may opt to apply for a promotional licence, allowing them to use the FSC trademarks promotionally (in respect of FSC-labelled products), but not for them to apply the FSC trademarks to products or sales documents.

Calverts Printing Press

Calverts

Specialising in great graphic design & sustainable print

Calverts is a workers co-operative established in 1977, based in East London. Specialising in high quality graphic design and sustainable print, and working with clients to deliver print and design solutions that are socially and environmentally responsible, as well as beautiful and effective.

Their FSC chain of custody certification has helped them to win work and enter awards.

TJ Books

Passionate about Print

TJ Books is an independent printer producing colour and mono books from their print site in Padstow, Cornwall. All their paper and board materials are responsibly sourced according to FSC standards, including hardbacks, paperbacks, litho and digital production across the entire site. 

Many of their publishing clients have made commitments to long term sustainability in their supply chain or net zero targets. TJ Books are proud to meet these standards through their FSC certification and programme of continuous improvement.

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Choosing toilet roll (c) B. Ealovega / WWF UK
B. Ealovega / WWF UK

Many suppliers will tell you, often in good faith, that their supplies are from ‘sustainable’ or ‘managed’ sources, or from plantations. But without credible certification there is often no way to know if products have been sourced responsibly.

FSC certification enables businesses and consumers to choose wood, paper and other forest products made with materials from well-managed forests and/or recycled sources.

 

Reclaimed paper (c) Arjowiggins
Arjowiggins

The FSC Recycled label was introduced in order to recognise the important role that recycling paper and timber plays in protecting the world’s forests. Unlike general ‘recycled’ claims, which require no verification, the FSC Recycled label provides assurance that all the wood or paper in a product has been verified as genuinely reclaimed or recycled. Reclaimed materials can also be used in products carrying the FSC Mix label.

FSC label on garden chair
FSC UK

FSC labels can be found on millions of products and items of packaging around the world. What does the label mean? Simply put: by choosing products with FSC labels, you are helping to take care of the world’s forests.