Lumber supply chain professionals have a significant responsibility to deliver quality wood products to consumers worldwide. 

Many mandatory regulations need to comply as a legal requirement for operations, but companies can take advantage of optional yet beneficial memberships and certifications. 

For example, complying with the FSC and obtaining their endorsement can bolster a brand and its products.

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What Is the FSC?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-governmental organization that believes in responsible forest management worldwide. Created in the 1990s, the pioneer group has paved the way for sustainability and became the most trusted forest certification system in the world.

The FSC understands various issues regarding the forest, with environmental conversation at the top. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, agricultural expansion is responsible for nearly 90% of global deforestation in 2021. As climate change continues to impact the world, establishments must minimize their environmental influence.

There’s also the responsibility of forest management operations. Each decision and potential outcome can take a great toll on humanity. Aside from being a workplace to many industries, the woodlands are also home to creatures and communities.

The FSC recognizes protecting and regulating forest use requires the cooperation of all individuals. Through the collective effort of multiple staff members and certification holders, it aims to achieve woodland restoration, and respect between communities and consumers.

FSC Certification for the Lumber Industry

FSC endorsement can either be Forest Management Certification or Chain-of-Custody Certification. Forest Management Certification usually indicates the FSC’s trained workers are managing a forest area. Over 500 million forest acres are FSC certified, accounting for 12% of the world’s woodland.

Protected forestry should aim to maintain its biological diversity. While it is possible to source wood from areas without Forest Management Certification, it is imperative to prioritize the health and well-being of the space first. 

The Chain-of-Custody Certification is best for lumber supply chain professionals, as it addresses forest-based product ownership and distribution. It is applicable whether a company produces completed goods or supplies materials for other finished goods.

FSC-certified materials hold a tick-tree logo. Having that trademark on product packaging generally means being a provider or supplier committed to protecting forests and materials sources.

There are many FSC-certified products available. In addition, 56% of global consumers recognize the FSC logo.

Imagine if a consumer wants to whittle soft wood blocks for their project. They search for the materials in bulk and look at two variations. Product A has FSC certification, while Product B doesn’t. Since consumers know FSC materials are more ethically sourced and packaged, they are more inclined to choose Product A. Bearing the logo can be important to boosting sales. 

FSC Objectives and Impact on the Lumber Industry

The lumber industry requires plenty of timber to sustain itself. Wood is in demand for housing construction, art projects and more. However, trees are still relatively limited despite being a renewable resource, as it takes years to grow quality greenery. The World Economic Forum even reported lumber businesses are moving down south for extra resources.

The FSC does not aim to eliminate the total use of forests. Instead, its main objective is to create an environmentally friendly relationship with these parts of the world. This vision can benefit natural resources and those who need them without tipping the balance and contributing to further global warming. 

The FSC’s impact on the lumber industry is profound. Its continuous promotion of environmental stewardship has already connected with many enterprises. Plus, it deters illegal logging or resource use in the long run, upholding the U.S. Lacey Act in the market with its certification.

How the FSC Certification Process and Criteria Look

The three main stages of the FSC certification process revolve around fulfilling requirements, adhering to the application process and being amenable to monitoring during evaluation. Lumber supply chain professionals should commit to each phase to qualify for endorsement.

Requirements

The FSC has three labels, each with specific requirements. For example, the FSC 100 label requires timber sourced from FSC-managed forests. Meanwhile, the FSC Recycled needs wood to be comprised of reclaimed materials.

There’s also the FSC Mix. This label means products combine different materials from responsible sources. These can include materials sourced from FSC-managed forests and recycled products simultaneously.

All still fall under the Chain-of-Custody Certification. This endorsement also requires brands to eliminate child or forced labor. There should also be equal opportunities when it comes to employment and occupation without discrimination.

Process

The first step to achieving endorsement is to seek an independent and FSC-accredited certification body. There are many options for enterprises worldwide. In the U.S., SCS Global Services is a prominent organization that provides sustainable certification of all kinds. However, it is possible to choose other bodies to work with.

The next step is to submit an application to determine whether a company meets the requirements. If a lumber supply chain business is approved, it gets the Chain-of-Custody Certification. Then, it can begin to brand and sell FSC-certified products.

Monitoring

Some lumber supply chain professionals think getting certification means it lasts forever. However, the FSC continues to monitor certified supply chains and conduct an annual audit to act against violating enterprises.

The FSC is utilizing blockchain technology to monitor supply chain problems for maximum efficiency. Essentially, the tech tracks source materials and their movement throughout the world, serving as a compliance check for those with FSC certification.

Blockchain technology also prevents suppliers from falsely claiming FSC verification. Many put the logo on without upholding the organization’s values, so they aim to take strong action against those who harm the FSC’s reputation and claims.

Further FSC Certification Intervention in the Supply Chain

FSC Certification primarily applies to wood on its own. That said, lumber supply chain professionals understand many other industries utilize wood. It is used in construction, furniture, art, paper production and so on.

Back then, the only similarity between FSC Certification and environmental verification programs like Rainforest Alliance’s Supply Chain Certification was that they promoted sustainability in farms and trading. Rainforest Alliance teaches and requires forest protection, and fights deforestation, but they focus more on commodities like chocolate, coffee, tea and more.

Currently, the FSC is exploring that dynamic by expanding its certification program for other industries sourcing from the forest. Aside from the more obvious sectors in which wood is utilized, its influence extends to other creative uses of timber.

For example, man made cellulosic (MMCFs) are fabric fibers made from wood pulp. About 7.2 million tons of MMCFs were created in 2021 for fashion and clothing. As the material relies on these natural resources, companies are encouraged to work with FSC-certified suppliers and prioritize sustainability.

See the Value in FSC Certification

The FSC has a strong mission of protecting the forest and recognizes the importance of working with businesses to achieve this. Lumber supply chain professionals should answer the call. 

Plus, there are multiple benefits to getting certification, such as positioning the brand as an environmental steward, and attracting partners and consumers.