What Does FSC Mean? The Certification Explained

Short answer: FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council – an international non-profit scheme that certifies responsible forestry. The FSC label means the raw material comes from forests or plantations where no more is felled than nature can replace, and where wildlife and working conditions are taken into account.

What does FSC mean in practice?

The certification sets requirements right along the chain: the forest is managed responsibly, biodiversity is protected, and the people working in the forest have decent conditions. Traceability is checked link by link, so the label on the finished product really can be traced back to the certified forest.

FSC and bamboo

Even though bamboo is a grass, plantations can be FSC certified in the same way as forests. That makes sure the fast growing raw material is harvested responsibly too. Combined with bamboo's natural advantages – fast growth without irrigation – it makes for a solid starting point, which you can read more about in the honest guide to bamboo and the environment.

Find FSC certified products with us

We have gathered the products in one overview: FSC certified products. Look for the label alongside the chemical testing in OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified products as well – the two certifications each cover their own part of the chain. See them in use at Copenhagen Bamboo, for instance.

Frequently asked questions

What does FSC stand for?

Forest Stewardship Council – an international scheme that certifies responsible management of forests and plantations, including bamboo.

Can bamboo be FSC certified?

Yes. Bamboo plantations can be certified according to the same principles as forests, so the harvest is carried out responsibly with regard to nature and people.

What is the difference between FSC and OEKO-TEX?

FSC is about where the raw material comes from and how it has been grown. OEKO-TEX tests the finished product for harmful chemicals. They complement each other.