Environmental labels: FSC or PEFC?

PAPERBOX The market for certified papers is growing. Papers or print products with the FSC or PEFC label are image-enhancing and are well received by consumers. However, the differences between the two labels are not obvious and require explanation.

The difference between the FSC or PEFC label is not clear to everyone.Both labels support sustainable forestry with seamless traceability across all processing and trading stages (chain of custody). Label users are audited by independent third-party organizations. Forest management and the entire downstream value chain with processors, producers and retailers are certified.The environmental labels.PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes)The PEFC organization is committed to sustainable forest management while safeguarding the interests of owners. PEFC certifies entire forest regions. There is no individual inspection before the certificate is awarded. A random check can be carried out at a later date. This results in lower costs for PEFC certification.FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)The FSC is a non-profit organization (NGO) and is committed to environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically viable forestry worldwide. The strict FSC standards regulate the responsible management of natural forests and plantations.FSC certifies individual forests. These are regularly inspected individually before and after receiving the certificate. The higher inspection rate increases the guarantee that the criteria are actually implemented.ConclusionFSC has more demanding and more effective control mechanisms and better stakeholder involvement than PEFC. The FSC label is better anchored in the market and has a high level of credibility.Author: Heinz Urben, Waypoint GmbH