For responsible companies who value sustainable supply chains and take corporate social responsibility seriously, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is usually the preferred choice. Meanwhile, some paper mills opt for certification under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) system.
So what are the main differences between FSC and PEFC certificates? We will explain you in the following article.
What Is PEFC
Here is an introduction to the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC):
The PEFC is an international non-profit organization that provides forest certification and eco-labeling programs. It was founded in 1999 by national forest organizations in response to the establishment of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in 1993.
The goals of the PEFC are to promote sustainably managed forests and ensure credible certification of wood and forest-based products. Through third-party auditing, the PEFC endorses national forest certification systems that comply with its sustainability benchmarks. This provides an alternative certification system to the FSC with the aim of increasing sustainably certified areas of forest worldwide.
As of 2022, the PEFC has recognized and mutually endorsed over 50 national certification systems. It has certified over 330 million hectares of forest globally, making it the world’s largest forest certification system in terms of certified area. The PEFC label provides assurance that certified wood and paper products come from responsibly managed forest sources.
While the PEFC has broader industry acceptance and uptake worldwide, its standards are considered more flexible compared to the FSC’s stringent requirements. The PEFC also attracts more criticism from environmental groups regarding its governance, standards, and assurances of sustainability. However, the PEFC offers a lower-cost and more accessible certification option that appeals to many small forest owners and companies.
Overall, the PEFC provides an alternative certification system to the FSC that aims to promote sustainable forestry globally, particularly among smaller operators and in countries where the FSC has not gained as much adoption. However, its credibility continues to be debated among conservation groups and responsible buyers.
What Is FSC
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a globally recognized organization dedicated to promoting responsible forestry through independent certification. Founded in 1993 by environmental groups, FSC aims to ensure forests are managed sustainably with minimal environmental or social harm.
For a forest to receive FSC certification, it must meet strict standards set by FSC regarding conservation, water quality, biodiversity, indigenous rights, and worker welfare. These science-based standards help to protect forests and local communities. FSC also certifies chain of custody, so FSC-certified products can be tracked from forest to consumer, providing integrity throughout the supply chain.
With over 200 million hectares of forest certified worldwide, FSC labels provide assurances that wood, paper, and other forest products come from ethical sources. The iconic FSC logo is sought after by responsible companies and trusted by environmentally-conscious consumers. Though certification has costs, FSC represents meaningful leadership on sustainability.
As the gold standard in responsible forestry, FSC certification enables businesses to verify and communicate their commitment to ethics and stewardship. For companies that value sustainability, FSC offers independent, credible assurance of responsible practices from forest to shelf.
Main Difference Between FSC And PEFC
There are a few key differences between the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC):
– Origin – FSC was founded in 1993 by environmental groups as an independent non-profit organization. PEFC was founded in 1999 by national forest organizations in response to FSC’s establishment.
– Standards – FSC has more stringent standards for sustainable forestry management and chain of custody certification. PEFC standards are broader and considered more flexible.
– Acceptance – FSC is more widely accepted by environmental groups. PEFC has broader industry acceptance.
– Certified Area – PEFC has certified more forest area worldwide than FSC, but FSC remains the leader in certified area in many regions like North America and Europe.
– Chain of Custody – FSC has stricter chain of custody requirements. With PEFC, other certification systems may be mixed at various stages.
– Non-Timber Products – FSC standards have stronger coverage of non-timber forest products like rubber and Brazil nuts. PEFC focuses more on timber.
– Accessibility – PEFC certification is considered more accessible and cheaper for small landowners than FSC.
– Governance – FSC prohibits certification of forests converted to plantations while PEFC allows it with restrictions. FSC also upholds indigenous peoples’ rights more strongly.
In summary, FSC is considered the stronger system by advocates for sustainability and human rights, while PEFC has broader industry acceptance and uptake worldwide. The choice often depends on specific needs and preferences.
What TF Group Can Offer You?
At TF Group, we are dedicated to developing innovative eco-friendly materials and providing the best service to our manufacturer customers. Whether you require Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) paper and cardboard, we can supply certified materials to meet your needs.
However, as a leader in responsible sourcing, TF Group holds FSC chain of custody certification ourselves. By meeting the gold standard of FSC, we can provide the strongest assurance that our products come from ethically and sustainably managed forests. Our FSC certification reflects our commitment to responsible practices across our entire supply chain.
For manufacturers concerned about sourcing only from operations that uphold the highest benchmarks for forest stewardship, worker welfare, and habitat protection, our FSC certification provides that credibility. We source from FSC certified forests with stringent safeguards for biodiversity, water quality, carbon storage, and indigenous rights.
As a responsible supplier, we will continue innovating sustainable solutions for the paper and packaging industry. But for customers seeking the most trusted label in ethical forestry, TF Group’s FSC certification delivers on that promise. Contact us to learn more about our range of FSC certified products and comprehensive commitment to sustainability.
For more details, please feel free to contact us : sales@holapaper.com