Chances are if you have shopped for toys for your kids, then you have noticed the various markings and certifications on the packaging. The box may have an FSC label or CS or CSPC marking, but what do those labels mean? In today's blog post we will focus on the various FSC labels and what they mean, as well as tell you a little bit about the organization that produces them.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization that promotes responsible forest management around the world. The FSC has developed a set of 10 principles and 57 Criteria that apply to FSC-certified forests around the world. To complement this, they've also developed a system of labels to help consumers make informed decisions and identify products that come from well-managed forests.
However, not all FSC labels are created equal, and in this post we'll explain what each label means.
FSC 100%The FSC 100% label is used on products made entirely from FSC-certified materials. This means that the wood or paper used to make the product comes from forests that meet the FSC's rigorous environmental and social standards. The FSC 100% label is the highest standard of FSC certification.
The FSC Recycled label is used on products that are made entirely from post-consumer recycled materials. This means that the product contains no virgin wood fibers, but instead uses materials that have already been used and discarded. The FSC Recycled label ensures that the product has been responsibly sourced and produced.
The FSC Mix label is used on products that contain a mixture of FSC-certified materials, recycled materials, and/or controlled wood. Controlled wood refers to wood that comes from forests that are not FSC-certified but have been evaluated to ensure they meet certain environmental and social standards. The FSC Mix label indicates that the product contains a combination of responsibly sourced materials.
The FSC label on your wooden toys can help you make an informed purchase decision. However, just because a toy doesn't have the label does not mean they are sourcing wood irresponsibly. It's always good to research the company you are buying from, and if the information is not available on their website, you can always message them via social media. Most companies will respond to customer questions quickly and they are happy to share the information with their consumers.
