What Is FSC Certification? A Complete Guide to FSC Labels and Packaging

What is FSC Certification

FSC certification, issued by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), is the global standard for identifying paper and packaging made from responsibly managed forests. Products that carry FSC labels or display the FSC logo verify that every step of the supply chain meets strict environmental, social, and economic criteria.

Founded in 1993, the FSC created independent standards for forest management and Chain of Custody (CoC) traceability, ensuring materials remain verifiable from forest to final product. Today, FSC certification is recognized worldwide as the benchmark for responsible forestry and sustainable packaging.

FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification

FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification is what connects responsible forestry practices to finished packaging. It verifies that materials from FSC-certified forests are tracked, documented, and kept separate from non-certified sources at every stage of production, from the forest to the final box.

In other words, while FSC Forest Management certification ensures that trees are harvested responsibly, FSC CoC certification ensures the integrity of that claim as materials move through the supply chain.

The CoC system follows each batch of certified material through these key stages:

1. Forest – Raw fiber is harvested from responsibly managed, FSC-certified forests
2. Paper Mill – Wood pulp is processed into paper, kraft liner, or medium with verified traceability
3. Corrugated Manufacturing – Certified paper is combined into liner and fluting structures under an FSC-controlled production system
4. Conversion – FSC-certified sheets are die cut, printed, and glued into finished packaging while maintaining identity separation
5. Supplier or Wholesaler – Finished FSC-certified packaging is distributed or sold under an approved FSC Chain of Custody certificate number

For brands, this chain of documentation is what allows an FSC logo to appear on your packaging. Every entity that takes legal ownership or transforms the material must hold an active CoC certificate or be covered under a certified partner’s scope.

GreenDot Packaging holds full FSC Chain of Custody certification, allowing customers to:

• Use verified FSC-certified materials across corrugated, folding carton, and specialty paper packaging.
• Apply FSC logos under GreenDot’s certification coverage without needing their own CoC.
• Receive support preparing artwork and submitting it for official FSC label approval.

💡 Tip: If your company doesn’t have its own FSC certification, you can still produce FSC-labeled packaging through GreenDot’s CoC. However, you’ll need a separate promotional license to use FSC trademarks in marketing or advertising.

FSC Claim Types and Their Typical Uses

FSC-certified materials are categorized by how their fibers are sourced and verified. Each FSC certification claim type – 100%, Recycled, or Mix – has different performance, cost, and sustainability implications depending on the end use.

FSC 100%

Made entirely from virgin wood pulp sourced from responsibly managed FSC-certified forests. This pulp contains long, strong fibers, providing superior mechanical strength and brightness.

Characteristics:

• 100% virgin fiber content
• Highest burst and tear strength
• Excellent surface uniformity and print quality
• Typically higher in cost

Common Uses:

• Premium kraft paper and rigid boxes
• Luxury hang tags and high-end labels
• Tissue paper requiring high tensile strength

FSC Recycled

Composed of 100% recycled fiber, this grade minimizes environmental impact but uses shorter fibers that reduce strength and surface uniformity.

Characteristics:

• 100% post-consumer or pre-consumer recycled paper
• Lower burst and tensile strength
• Slightly rougher surface, limiting fine multi-color print applications
• Most sustainable option from a fiber-reuse standpoint

Common Uses:

• Hexacomb and honeycomb cores
• Molded pulp trays and paper pulp packaging
• Paper plates, dividers, and inserts
• Low-graphic or inner-structure components

FSC Mix

Made from a combination of FSC 100%, FSC Recycled, and controlled wood (non-certified but verified to avoid illegal or controversial sources). It offers the best balance of strength, cost, and appearance for most packaging applications.

How FSC Mix Applies to Corrugated Packaging:

In a standard corrugated sheet, there are three layers:

1. Liner 1 (Outer Liner): Requires high burst strength and print surface quality, so it often uses FSC 100%, FSC Mix, or occasionally non-FSC virgin material.
2. Fluting (Medium): Provides compressive strength (ECT) but not burst strength, allowing the use of FSC Recycled pulp.
3. Liner 2 (Inner Liner): Usually similar to the outer liner but may be downgraded slightly depending on product and strength needs.

This combination – FSC Mix for liners and FSC Recycled for the fluting – is the most common and practical structure for retail-ready and transport packaging. It meets strength and sustainability targets while maintaining competitive cost.

Characteristics:

• Blend of recycled and virgin fibers
• Balanced mechanical and surface performance
• Flexible across printing and forming processes
• Moderate cost and high availability

Common Uses:

• Color boxes, PDQs, and layer trays
• Retail belly bands, labels, and wraps
• Transport packaging and master cartons

How to Use FSC Labels on Products

To display an FSC label legally, several design and formatting rules apply.

1. Required Elements

Each approved FSC label must include:

• FSC tree-checkmark logo (mandatory)
• Label name (e.g., FSC 100%, FSC Mix, FSC Recycled)
• Label text description
• FSC trademark license code (e.g., FSC® C000000)
• FSC official website: www.fsc.org
• Mobius strip (recycling symbol)
• Product type (if required for context)

2. Size and Layout

• Minimum size for the FSC certification logo: 9 mm
• Recommended minimum for full-element label: 17 mm
• Example proportions: “FSC” text ~6 mm; label description ~12 mm

3. Color Specifications

• Official FSC green: Pantone 626 C
  (RGB 0 92 66 / CMYK 81 33 78 28)
• If this cannot be used, ensure strong contrast on a solid background
• Labels may appear in positive, negative, or black and white/transparent versions

4. Common Misuses to Avoid

• Distorting or resizing elements disproportionately
• Changing logo colors or adding non-standard effects
• Rotating or tilting the logo
• Combining FSC certification marks with other brand graphics
• Using patterned or photo backgrounds that reduce legibility
• Separating the “Forest For All Forever” mark from its approved form
• Using any FSC certification mark in unrelated environmental claims

Consistent, correct usage preserves the credibility of your certification and avoids audit failures.

Using FSC Logos

The FSC logo and related trademarks (e.g., the tree-checkmark symbol and “Forest For All Forever”) are protected assets governed by FSC’s trademark rules. Understanding where and how you can use them is critical to staying compliant.

Using FSC Logos on Product Packaging

If your product packaging uses FSC-certified materials, you may apply the appropriate FSC label (100%, Recycled, or Mix) once the artwork is reviewed and approved under your supplier’s Chain of Custody certificate.

Approval Process Overview:

1. Apply for or confirm your FSC license (or use GreenDot’s CoC if applicable).
2. Verify that all materials in your product meet FSC certification requirements.
3. Add the correct FSC trademark and label according to official specifications.
4. Submit the artwork for approval via the FSC online portal.
5. Receive confirmation and begin printing or production.

At GreenDot, artwork approvals typically take 2–3 business days per SKU once submitted to FSC.

See the official FSC trademark use guide ›

Using FSC Logos for Marketing or Promotion

Brands that want to reference FSC certification outside of packaging, such as on websites, brochures, catalogs, or social media, must hold an FSC Promotional License. This license ensures the messaging, imagery, and logo usage meet FSC’s communication standards.

If you’re not certified but purchase FSC-labeled packaging through GreenDot’s CoC, you can:

• Display the FSC logo on your physical packaging only
• Use phrases like “Our packaging is FSC-certified” without showing the logo in promotional content

You may not:

• Place the FSC logo in digital or print marketing
• Modify or combine the FSC certification mark with your own brand graphics
• Imply partnership or endorsement from FSC

Why Artwork Approval Matters

Incorrect or unauthorized FSC certification logo use can result in compliance violations or suspended certification. Submitting your artwork through the FSC approval portal ensures:

• The correct label type and license code are displayed
• The color, proportions, and spacing meet standard requirements
• Your product remains fully traceable within the FSC system

💡 GreenDot helps clients prepare and submit FSC artwork for review, ensuring your label complies with current FSC guidelines before production.

How to Verify an FSC Label Is Genuine

Because FSC certification marks are globally recognized, counterfeit labels occasionally appear. Fortunately, all legitimate FSC-certified products are traceable to the source.

Each genuine FSC certification label includes a trademark license code (e.g., FSC® CXXXXXX). You can verify authenticity by entering this code on the official FSC certificate database to confirm:

• The certified company’s name
• Validity period of the license
• Type of FSC certification (FM / CoC)

If the code or company cannot be found, the label may be fraudulent or expired.

Key Takeaway

For packaging and print suppliers, FSC certification is more than a logo, it’s a global symbol of accountability and sustainability. Using FSC materials and labeling them correctly ensures your products align with retailer and brand expectations while protecting the world’s forests for future generations.

Partner with a Certified FSC Supplier

GreenDot Packaging holds full FSC Chain of Custody certification, ensuring every box, insert, and display can be traced to responsibly managed forests.

Whether you’re transitioning an existing product line or developing new sustainable packaging, our team helps you select FSC-certified materials, prepare approved artwork, and maintain full compliance with retailer and audit requirements.

Contact GreenDot to start your FSC certification transition today.