Green Label Evaluation: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) website
Sponsoring Organization: FSC is an international not-for-profit organization formed in 1992. It is composed of representatives from environmental groups, social groups, and the forest industry.
Focus: Its primary focus is to certify that products made with wood or wood components come from forests “managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations.”
Commodities Covered: FSC covers producers of wood products, both the forest companies and those in the chain of control.
Standards: Products carrying the FSC label are independently certified to assure consumers that they come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. Standards are developed within FSC, although they can seek outside assistance. Certification is done by designated certification bodies. FSC is really certifying companies and their forestry practices, not individual products.
Reporting of Standards: Certified products can post the FSC logo on their products and advertising. All certified producers and their products are listed on the FSC website.
Use of Standards: A local government can use the standards as a part of their bid standards, can require FSC certification, or can use the certification as an evaluation criterion.