Like many businesses and sectors, the paper and print industries are keenly aware of the climate crisis, and are doing their bit to be sustainable. This blog will examine the importance of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and the role it plays at dxp print solutions.
But first things first: which do you think is better for the planet - recycled paper or FSC-certified paper? The answer might surprise you...
The environmental benefits of recycled paper
Recycled paper is wonderful. Manufacturing one tonne of 100% recycled paper emits around 40% less CO2 than producing virgin paper.
It’s also come a long way from the days of a rough, grey-looking product that didn’t exactly scream high quality.
Many recycled papers are exceptionally good grades and can be used in a wide range of projects, products and applications. But is it the most environmentally friendly, sustainable paper money can buy?
The answer is not necessarily, and the FSC is the reason why.
Paper from FSC certified forests
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests.
Products bearing the FSC checkmark and tree label (we’ll get to that in a moment) are certified to have come from sustainable, responsibly managed woodlands, and is the world’s most respected and widespread forest certification system.
FSC certification
Over 200 million hectares of forest currently meet FSC standards, and timber from them can be granted one of three labels, covering three different categories:
FSC 100%
This label ensures all forest-based materials in products or packaging are sourced from FSC-certified woodlands.
FSC Recycled
This label proves all the forest-based materials have been verified as being 100% recycled, either post or pre-consumer reclaimed items.
FSC Mix
This label ensures all forest-based materials in products or packaging are either from FSC-certified forests, verified as recycled or classed as controlled wood. This is timber that hasn’t come from FSC-certified forests but has limited risk of it originating from unethical or illegal sources.
FSC certification and the paper industry
As with any industry, the paper sector is at the mercy of unscrupulous groups keen to capitalise on growing global demand.
These companies can be responsible for deforestation, negatively impacting communities and irresponsible or illegal logging.
The FSC offers a way for printers, publishers and any business requiring paper for marketing or packaging to access a sustainable, long-term resource.
The FSC says: “Including the FSC label on packaging is a great way to capitalise on one of the key functions of print: promotion.”
dxp print solutions and FSC paper
We’re committed to sustainability at dxp print solutions, and our customer service team can order FSC 100% paper, knowing it's the most sustainable, environmentally friendly material for any and every project.
It’s part of our wider eco-friendly strategy, including carbon balancing, which you can learn more about here.
For more information about our FSC products, recycled paper and carbon balancing, you can drop us a line at info@dxpprint.com, call 01268 732109 or use our contact form.