Recognising the FSC logo on the label
Short answer: The FSC logo on a label is a small mark that is often followed by a text and a licence number. The logo alone says little, so read the text and number beside it, and look at the product page if the label is unclear.
What the logo looks like
The FSC logo is a square or round mark with a small graphic and the letters FSC. There are several variants, so the look can differ. What matters is not the graphic but the text and number next to it, because those you can check further.
Where on the label you find it
The logo is often on a hang tag, a cardboard label or the packaging. On the garment itself it can be on a sewn-in label, but space is limited. If you are unsure, check the product page. It often says more than there is room for on the fabric.
Not every product has it
This post only explains how to read an FSC logo. It does not say that any particular product carries it. Look at the product page and label for each item, for example for bamboo T-shirts for men, and do not expect every product to have the logo.
The licence number
By the logo there is a number, which is the company's licence. The number can be looked up with FSC if you want to verify it. If the number is missing entirely, it is worth asking questions. A real mark has a number you can use to check.
Green symbols that look similar
Many labels carry green symbols, leaves or trees, that are not FSC. They can look like a mark but mean nothing unless a check stands behind them. Look for the letters FSC and a number. A leaf alone says nothing.
On textiles it concerns the raw material
The logo tells you about the path of the raw material, not about the whole garment. It says nothing about fit, colour or how the fabric is woven. So combine the information with the rest of the label, such as material and care instructions.
The text by the logo
Below or beside the logo there is a short text saying what the mark applies to. It can reveal whether the whole product or only a part is covered. Read it carefully, because next to the logo itself it is the most important piece of information.
Use the logo sensibly
The logo is an aid, but not a quality stamp. Use it as one piece of information together with material, fit and care. That applies whether you are looking at bamboo socks for men or bamboo underpants for men.
Frequently asked questions
What does an FSC logo look like
It is a small mark with a graphic and the letters FSC, often with a text and a licence number beside it. There are several variants, so look more at the text and number than at the graphic itself.
Is a green leaf on the label the same as FSC
No. A green leaf or tree is not FSC unless the letters FSC and a licence number appear beside it. Many green symbols are just graphics with no check behind them.
Can I verify an FSC logo
Yes. Find the licence number by the logo and look it up with FSC. If you cannot find a number, ask the seller what the logo covers.
