Going Green: What you need to know about FSC Paper

We have all heard about going green, protecting the forest, opting for recycled paper to reduce our carbon footprint, and so on. But really, how much do we know, and done to do our part to be eco-friendly? Paper has been such an essential part of human civilisation, and despite the increasing use of modern technology in our daily lives, it is still nearly impossible to eliminate paper use… as yet.

Fortunately, our friends at the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an organization that works to promote the practice of sustainable forestry worldwide, has sets solid standards for forest products that have been sourced in an environmentally-friendly, socially responsible and economically viable manner.

If you are in the business dealing with paper products, or making decisions on selection of printing and paper materials for your company’s need, please read on and be aware to look out for ‘FSC-Certified’ stamp when making your next paper choice.

1. FSC-Certified Paper vs Recycled Paper. Which is better?

   Recycled paper is simply paper made from other, pre-used paper. The whole recycling process is much more complicated and has more environmental implications than many people may expect. The latter lack of credible certification which can mean that “recycled” paper might not contain a very high a level of old paper,you can check percentages with aims to buy the highest level of “post-consumer waste paper” ideally 100%.

   For FSC-Certified paper, it’s typically composed of virgin tree fibres rather than pre- or post-consumer recycled materials, though some recycled paper is sometimes also FSC-certified. Essentially, when the wood pulp used to make this paper is sourced from a well-managed forest, it is just as eco-friendly.

   According to the Forest Stewardship Council, paper manufacturers are encouraged to seek out wood suppliers that work to protect habitat, prevent pollution, plant more trees than are harvested and avoid displacing native peoples and harming wildlife, will make a big difference.

2. You can trust that the paper is ‘Sustainable’

   The Forest Stewardship Council defines a strict set of standards that paper products must meet in order to prove that they are truly environmentally and socially responsible. They achieve this by monitoring the “chain of custody” from the forest to the manufacturer to the merchant and finally, to the printer, when applicable. Independent, third-party auditors conduct chain-of-custody assessments of companies that would like to achieve FSC certification.

   When you see the FSC logo on a label, you can buy forest products with confidence that you are helping to ensure our forests are alive for generations to come.

3. The FSC paper is now easily available

   The great thing about the FSC on-product labels is that once you know about them, you will see them everywhere. Opting for FSC-certified paper is no longer limited. Almost all paper products are now available with FSC certification. The look and texture of the paper is smooth and uniform, much like the other professional-quality materials. FSC-certified paper is a great alternative to rougher recycled paper. Even tissue paper, toilet paper and other household paper goods can also be FSC-certified.

4. There are 3 type of FSC certification

   FSC 100%
   – The FSC 100% label means that the wood within the product comes completely from FSC-certified well-managed forests.

   FSC RECYCLED
   – The FSC Recycled label means all the wood or paper in the product comes from reclaimed (re-used) material.

   FSC MIX
   – The FSC Mix label means the wood within the product is from FSC-certified forests, recycled material, or controlled wood. While not FSC certified, controlled wood cannot be:

   • illegally harvested;
   • harvested in violation of traditional and civil rights;
   • harvested in forests where high conservation values (HCVs) are threatened;
   • harvested in forests being converted to plantations or non-forest use;
   • harvested in forests where genetically modified trees are planted.

    

In Singapore, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) has decided to exclusively support FSC certification for paper products, and at Craftwerks Pte Ltd, we proudly honours this regulation and has been offering FSC-certified paper as an option to our customers.

In our effort towards environmental sustainability while still providing quality products and service to our clients, Craftwerkz has also taken proactive steps to encourage our clients to only order the amount they need and to opt to environmentally friendly materials.

 

Watch the story on Channel News Asia Below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h89NtIGIxG8&rel=0

 

Craftwerkz specialises in creative paper and product packaging design and we offering customised design for our clients, using with latest production technology to craft the most exquisite packaging to meet their needs. Don’t forget to speak to us about the range of eco-friendly paper options available for your needs.

Contact us at 65 9876 1869 to make at enquiry now.