Consumers are encouraged to look for the FSC’s ‘green tree tick’ seal of approval on everyday products and packaging such as tissues and milk cartons and not-so-obvious forest products like honey, rubber, charcoal, cellophane and latex.
FSC Australia CEO Adam Beaumont says the FSC green tree tick logo is the most sought-after environmental seal of approval for forest products within Australia and around the world.
“A range of environmentally and socially conscious wood and paper manufacturers, such as Tork, Kimberly-Clark and Tetra Pak, as well as major retailers like ALDI, Woolworths, Officeworks and Bunnings, have thrown their support behind FSC Australia and demonstrated a commitment to supply more FSC-certified products,” he said.
“Demand for FSC-certified products continues to grow and drive real change in forest management practices within Australia and around the world.”
When a product is FSC certified it means it has come from a from a natural or plantation forest that is harvested responsibly within strict guidelines to protect a forest’s entire ecosystem, including the trees, wildlife, waterways, atmosphere and the community.
“When a consumer buys an FSC-certified product, they can be confident every stage of its supply chain has been independently assessed to ensure it’s sourced from a responsibly harvested natural or plantation forest which meets the FSC’s rigorous economic, environmental and social standards – that’s why it’s known as the ‘gold standard’ of forestry certification,” Mr Beaumont said.
“By buying FSC-labelled products, you’re supporting the FSC scheme and creating greater demand for forest-friendly products, encouraging forest managers to achieve that gold standard.”
In order to show their support for the FSC, businesses can simply ask when procuring goods that manufacturers and suppliers ensure any paper, timber or timber fibre products they are supplying are FSC labelled.
“This drives change through the supply chain back to forest managers, sending a clear message that retailers and consumers want responsibly sourced products,” Mr Beaumont said.
Businesses who sell FSC-certified products can become retail supporters of FSC Australia and promote their commitment to driving change in forest practices through the supply chain under the globally recognised FSC logo.