Circularity

What is FSC’s role in the circular economy?

As a leader in responsible forest management, FSC operates the world’s most rigorous and trusted forest certification system. We are committed to protecting healthy, resilient forests for all, forever. But we also recognize the need to expand our impact in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

That is why circular economy principles are on FSC’s strategic agenda. The world is shifting toward a circular system that designs out waste, keeps products and materials in use, and regenerates natural systems.

FSC is actively supporting this transition, helping our certificate holders and stakeholders engage in the circular economy. With FSC Recycled already serving as a circular certification tool, we aim to develop more solutions that align with the evolving circular business models being adopted globally.

Still dedicated to certifying actively managed forests, our aim is to contribute to keeping forest-based fibers in use for as long as possible, avoiding their disposal. This will reduce the pressure on the environment, the forests, and their ecosystems.

FSC© / All paper and wood products are certified

FSC Package Delivery — FSC/Package delivery

Bukta forest, Lithuania — FSC_ Jonathan Perugia

Why is FSC engaging in the circular economy?

Forest-based materials, like responsibly harvested wood, are key to circularity due to their renewability, biodegradability, versatility, carbon storage, and potential for innovation.

Global demand for forest-based products is expected to increase by a third by 2035 and quadruple by 2050. As outlined by WWF, the world’s forests cannot meet this rising demand sustainably, which threatens biodiversity and may increase illegal logging.
Legislation, particularly in Europe, is driving companies to adopt circular business models through various means, including public procurement, financial incentives, and product regulations.
Companies and organizations part of FSC are already embedding circularity principles across their supply chains. As part of FSC's mission to safeguard forests, we are further exploring how circularity connects with FSC certification.

Consumer demand for circular products on the rise

35%

The proportion of circular consumer goods anticipated in 2030, growing 10-15% annually ¹

40%

Of Scandinavian companies report financial benefits from their circular economy efforts ²

76%

Of consumers find it important that manufacturers use recycled materials ³

63%

Of consumers try to buy products packaged in renewable materials such as paper⁴

Introducing the Circularity Hub: Integrating circular economy principles across FSC

In 2023, FSC launched the FSC Circularity Hub, a dedicated accelerator that translates FSC's strategic circularity goal into actionable roadmaps and initiatives. The Circularity Hub focuses on scaling up existing FSC solutions, exploring new solutions both within and beyond FSC’s standards, and fostering partnerships with organizations and donors to promote circularity. By working closely with members and stakeholders, the Circularity Hub aims to drive collaboration and impact in this critical area.

The Circularity Hub explores five key areas, which are:

Promote existing solutions

We are raising awareness about FSC Recycled and FSC Mix products and their benefits. We are engaging with industries to raise awareness of how FSC supports the transition to bio-based materials and helps organizations meet legislative, customer, and strategic requirements.

Explore non-forest bio-based materials

We are analyzing the use of non-forest bio-based materials such as wheat, grass, and cotton in FSC-certified products to explore the potential of and FSC’s approach to these materials in the future.

Remove barriers to circularity in Chain of Custody standards

Circular business models like leasing and take-back are not yet covered by our standards, but they’re increasingly adopted by companies. We’re analyzing these models to suggest potential adaptations.

Provide circularity compliance

We are analyzing key legislation and voluntary standards related to the circular economy to propose possible add-ons to FSC’s standards. These proposals are aimed at increasing FSC’s contribution to companies’ compliance with circular requirements and sustainable business practices.

Explore cascading principles

We’re examining how FSC can keep forest-based fibers in use longer, whether through existing solutions like FSC Recycled or by introducing new incentives or changes in our framework.

Stationary — FSC/ All paper and wood products are certified

Circularity starts with responsible sourcing

Circular business models are crucial for transitioning from fossil-based to bio-based materials. Choosing FSC for your bio-based sourcing shows a commitment to responsible sourcing. Businesses can use FSC 100% and FSC Mix labels - or use the FSC Recycled label which ensures that their products are made completely from reclaimed or recycled content.

Achieve your recycling goals with FSC

An FSC label signals that a product supports responsible sourcing. FSC Recycled products help protect forests by reducing the demand for virgin materials and minimizing waste.

FSC’s Recycled label guarantees that the forest materials used are 100% recycled or reclaimed, meaning no new forest resources were extracted. This alleviates pressure on forests and supports circularity goals.

FSC ensures supply chain transparency and adherence to environmental and social standards, helping businesses comply with sustainable forestry regulations and meet stakeholder expectations

Learn more about bio-based sourcing

Fill in your contact details to download our free infographic on bio-based sourcing

Thumbnail Recycled Circularity Infographic

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Contact us about circularity

The success of our circularity work depends on input from stakeholders.

We’ve already consulted hundreds of stakeholders for ideas, feedback, and other inputs that shape our efforts to contribute to the circular economy as a global certification scheme and we will be working hard to include more points of view as our work progresses.

Want to engage?

Contact us at circularity@fsc.org, and we’ll get back to you promptly →