FSC^® CERTIFIED PAPER VS RECYCLED PAPER – What’s the difference?

What exactly is  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC^®) certified paper? Why should we use it for your

Printing needs?

Let’s cut through all the jargon and give you the answers to the pressing questions you might have.

Q. What is Forest Steward Council (FSC^®) certified paper?

In a nutshell, FSC^® is a global certification system that confirms the paper is derived from a responsible source.

FSC^{® mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. FSC® is a leading catalyst and defining force for improved forest management and market transformation, shifting the global forest trend towards conservation, restoration, and respect for all.(https://fsc.org/en/about-us).}

FSC^® chain of custody certification provides a credible assurance that products which are sold with an FSC^® claim originate from well-managed forests, controlled sources, or reclaimed materials. (https://fsc.org/en/chain-of-custody-certification)

Q. Isn’t FSC^® paper just another type of recycled paper?

Recycled paper might not contain a very high level of old paper – some of its content might be virgin pulp – that may not have been harvested in an ecologically sound manner.

 Hence, when you see paper labeled as FSC^® Recycled, you can rest assured that it has been verified as being made from recycled content (a minimum of 70 percent post-consumer (PCW) waste (with the balance being pre-consumer waste) are eligible to use the new FSC “Recycled” label.a). (https://fsc.org/en/fsc-labels)

Q. So how do we know if a paper supplier is FSC^® Certified?

All products and packaging sold by manufacturers or suppliers that adhere to the standards

and policies of the FSC^® are granted chain of custody certificates and the ability to use

FSC^® labels. 

There are three FSC^® labels: (https://fsc.org/en/fsc-labels)

FSC 100%

All the materials used in products bearing this label are sourced from forests that have been audited by an independent third party to confirm they are certified according to FSC’s COC or FSC FM standards. Of all the FSC labels.

FSC RECYCLED

Products that bear this label have been verified as being made from recycled content (a minimum of 70 percent post consumer (PCW) waste (with the balance being pre-consumer waste) are eligible to use the new FSC “Recycled” label.). The use of FSC Recycled products can help to alleviate the pressure of demand on sources of virgin material, thereby helping to protect the world’s forests.

FSC MIX 

FSC MIX Labels are made of materials from well-managed FSC^®-certified forests, recycled materials, and other controlled sources.

It has been projected that paper consumption will increase by 16% over the next decade to hit 461 million metric tons in 2030(1). Demand for paper will therefore continue to outstrip supply despite the shift to digitise the economy.

By using FSC^® certified paper products, you and your business can show your commitment by reducing the impact to the environment , which has become more important to consumers in recent years. The Institute of Policy Studies revealed in February 2021 that Singaporeans have become more environmentally conscious. Three-fifths of those surveyed felt that protecting the environment should be prioritised even if it results in slower economic growth and some job losses. This was a jump from 43% in 2012(2).

Therefore, there has been an unprecedented push for companies to showcase their corporate social responsibility credentials. By adopting paper products with the FSC^® logo will certainly reflect well on your brand, helping them to improve their corporate image. Using environmentally friendly paper, as supplied by OVOL is one easy way to ensure that you are also acting responsibly and ethically, and are ultimately contributing to the fight against global deforestation.

OVOL Singapore is FSC^® certified (License Code FSC C015534)

1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1089078/demand-paper-globally-until-2030/ 

2. https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/news/details/our-singaporean-values-key-findings-from-the-world-values-survey