FSC Certification for Packaging: Complete Brand Guide (2026)
FSC Certification for Packaging: What Brands Need to Know
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification is the world's most recognized sustainability certification for paper and wood products. Displaying the FSC logo on your packaging tells consumers that your materials come from responsibly managed forests — a powerful trust signal that influences 73% of purchasing decisions.
Quick answer: You don't need to get FSC-certified yourself. You need to work with an FSC-certified packaging manufacturer (like Cubit) that holds a chain-of-custody (CoC) certificate. This costs you only 10–15% more than non-certified packaging.
What Is FSC Certification?
FSC is a global nonprofit that sets standards for responsible forest management. When a forest is FSC-certified, it means:
- No illegal logging — full traceability from forest to product
- Biodiversity protection — endangered species habitat preserved
- Workers' rights — fair wages, safe conditions
- Indigenous rights — free, prior, and informed consent
- Environmental impact — soil, water, and ecosystem health maintained
The 3 FSC Labels
| Label | Meaning | Content | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSC 100% | All material from FSC-certified forests | 100% virgin FSC | Premium brands, maximum claim |
| FSC Recycled | All material from post-consumer recycled sources | 100% recycled | Eco-first brands |
| FSC Mix | Combination of FSC, recycled, and controlled sources | Min. 70% FSC/recycled | Most common, cost-effective |
Most packaging uses FSC Mix because it balances sustainability with availability and cost. FSC Mix still requires that non-certified sources meet "controlled wood" standards (no illegal or controversial sources).
How to Get FSC Packaging for Your Brand
Step 1: Choose an FSC-Certified Manufacturer
Your packaging supplier must hold an FSC Chain-of-Custody (CoC) certificate. This certificate proves they can track FSC materials from their source through every step of production.
Step 2: Request FSC Materials
Specify FSC-certified paperboard or corrugated when placing your order. Common FSC materials:
- FSC SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate) — premium white paperboard
- FSC Kraft — natural brown paperboard
- FSC Corrugated — shipping boxes
- FSC Coated Paper — labels and wraps
Step 3: Include the FSC Logo
Your manufacturer places the FSC logo on your packaging with their CoC certificate number. You do NOT need your own FSC certification to display the logo — your manufacturer's certification covers this.
Cost Impact
| Packaging Type | Standard Price | FSC Price | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mailer box (8×6×3") | $0.45/unit | $0.50/unit | +10% |
| Folding carton (4×3×2") | $0.55/unit | $0.63/unit | +15% |
| Corrugated shipper | $0.80/unit | $0.88/unit | +10% |
| Product labels (2×3") | $0.06/unit | $0.07/unit | +12% |
| Paper bags | $0.25/unit | $0.28/unit | +12% |
The premium is small. For a 2,500-unit order of mailer boxes, FSC adds only $125 total ($0.05/unit × 2,500). That's the cost of a single social media ad — but the trust signal lasts the lifetime of the packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own FSC certification?
No. As long as your packaging manufacturer is FSC-certified, you can display the FSC logo on your packaging. You only need your own certification if you repackage or resell FSC products under your own CoC.
Can I print "FSC Certified" without the logo?
No. FSC has strict trademark usage rules. The FSC logo must include the specific label type (FSC 100%, FSC Mix, or FSC Recycled), the manufacturer's CoC license number, and the official FSC checkmark tree logo. Your manufacturer handles this placement.
Is FSC better than "recyclable"?
They address different things. FSC certifies responsible sourcing (where the material comes from). Recyclable certifies the end-of-life pathway (what happens after use). The strongest sustainability claim uses both: FSC-certified AND recyclable packaging.
Ready to switch to FSC-certified packaging? Get a free quote or ask our AI consultant. Browse our eco-friendly collection.