FSC Certification
FSC certification is a certification system for forest-derived raw materials that covers responsible forest management and the management of certified materials throughout the supply chain until they become products.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Scope
FSC certification is a certification system that promotes management with consideration for the environmental, social, and economic aspects of forests. There are certifications for the forests themselves, and certifications for businesses that segregate, manage, and distribute certified materials.
In the apparel field, it may be involved in regenerated cellulose fibers made from wood pulp, paper hang tags, packaging materials, and similar items. It is not a system for certifying cotton, wool, or petroleum-based synthetic fibers themselves.
Standards and the Concept of Labeling Categories
Under FSC certification, in addition to forest management following established principles, the emphasis is on being able to properly manage certified and non-certified materials at each stage of distribution and processing. The latter is a management system for tracing the origin of certified materials.
For product claims, the labeling category differs depending on whether the product consists only of certified-source raw materials, includes certified raw materials, or includes controlled sources. The required conditions for each category should be confirmed.
Points to Check for Fabric Procurement and Product Development
If you plan to make a certification-related claim, confirm with the fabric supplier the type of raw material, the scope of certification, the applicable lot, the certification number, and the validity of the certificate. Simply using wood-derived fibers does not make the product FSC certified.
Even if the fabric contains certified raw materials, if the necessary management is not maintained throughout the product distribution route, including the brand and sewing factory, it may not be possible to attach a certification claim to the final product. Confirm whether the claim can be made at the initial planning stage across the entire supply chain.
- Name on the supplier's certificate, certification number, and validity period
- Relationship between the target fabric's product number, color, lot, and transaction documents
- Scope of certification for each mixed auxiliary material, hang tag, and packaging material
- Whether the business certification required for certification claims on the final product is in place
Notes on Claims and Certificates
When displaying the FSC name, abbreviation, or logo on products, hang tags, product pages, catalogs, or similar materials, the prescribed labeling rules must be followed. Avoid making claims based only on the fabric supplier's certificate that imply the entire product is certified.
Certification documents do not certify product performance or safety. They also do not guarantee that all environmental impacts are low. As a certification related to the origin of raw materials, it is important to communicate it within the limited scope that it covers.
Differences from Similar Certifications
FSC certification is mainly a certification related to forest-derived raw materials and their distribution management. Its scope and verification items differ from GOTS, which covers the production and processing of organic fibers; GRS, which covers recycled content and distribution management; and Oeko-Tex, which focuses on hazardous substances in textile products.
Even for fabrics using the same wood-derived fibers, the presence or absence of FSC certification, chemical management, recycled content percentage, and product safety evaluation are checked separately. Consider combining the necessary certifications according to the purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an FSC-certified fabric have the FSC logo on the finished garment as well?
Not necessarily. Even if the fabric contains certified raw materials, the necessary management and certification through the processing and distribution stages up to the final product must be satisfied, along with conditions such as label approval. Check the rules of the supplier and the certification body.
Is FSC certification the same as organic cotton certification?
No. FSC certification mainly covers forest-derived raw materials and distribution management, and is not a system that certifies the cultivation of organic cotton. When making environmental claims for cotton products, verify the relevant certification or certificate separately for the raw material.
What should be checked on a fabric certificate?
In addition to the certificate's validity period and certification number, confirm whether the issuer matches the trading partner and whether the fabric or lot you are purchasing is covered by the certificate. If the final product will carry a claim, also confirm whether the necessary certifications are in place along the distribution route, including your company and contractors.
