How a Toilet Paper Test Flushed Out False Claims — and What FSC Did About It

In March 2024, Which? magazine tested several “100% bamboo” toilet papers on UK shelves. The result? Some contained no bamboo at all — just fast-growing hardwoods like eucalyptus and acacia. That’s not just misleading; it’s a serious breach of trust.

And trust is something FSC takes seriously.

When approached for comment, we immediately opened an investigation into the FSC-certified products in question. Working with our assurance partner Assurance Services International (ASI), we investigated the fiber supply chains and uncovered clear misuse of the FSC label.

The result? One Chinese certificate holder has now been blocked from the FSC system for making false claims. That means they lose the right to use our trademark and are barred from certification for a specified period. It’s one of the strongest actions FSC can take—and a clear message to others.

But this was not just about non-conformity with FSC’s standards. It was also confusing. Some companies misunderstood the rules on labeling and trademarks. That is why FSC also worked directly with affected parties to fix the issues and reinforce correct usage of the appropriate FSC label.

The system works—but we’re making it even better.

FSC certificate holders are allowed to waive their annual audit if they declare “zero FSC sales”— but some have exploited this provision as a loophole to deliberately tarnish FSC’s credibility.

Earlier this year, we introduced a new Advice Note preventing companies in China who trade in bamboo products from skipping their annual audits when they declare no sale of FSC-certified products. We have also introduced additional auditing measures for high integrity risk supply chains like bamboo.

We are now developing another Advice Note to increase transparency around “zero FSC sales” declarations. Soon, all “no sales” declarations will be made public in FSC’s searchable database. More eyes, more accountability, less room for error.

At FSC, we’re not afraid to act when the label is misused. We’re here to protect the integrity of our system—and the trust people place in it, whether they’re buying timber, packaging, or even a roll of bamboo toilet paper.

From satellites to supply chains, we’re using every tool to ensure FSC stands for something real.

Learn more:

• Bamboo Toilet Paper Investigation
• FSC Action Against False Claims