FSC® Label: a sustainable label type

Introduction

More and more companies are looking for ways to demonstrate their commitment to the environment in concrete terms. It is no longer enough to simply claim to be sustainable: transparency, traceability, and recognizability are also required. FSC® labels offer all of this, making them a credible and internationally recognized communication tool.

Index

• What is the FSC® label

• Types of FSC® labels

• FSC® vs other sustainability certifications

• Why choose an FSC® label for your company

• Technical requirements and FSC® label printing

• Alkam’s role in FSC® label production

• FAQ

• Conclusions

What is the FSC® label

The FSC® label is a registered trademark of the Forest Stewardship Council®, ensuring that wood- and paper-based materials come from responsibly managed forests.

The meaning of the logo

The FSC® symbol is more than a design: it is an immediate signal for consumers that:

• materials come from certified forests,

• the entire chain respects environmental and social standards,

• a verified chain of custody is in place.

FSC® certification

Certification applies to the entire supply chain: paper mills, distributors, and printers must be registered to maintain traceability. Each step undergoes independent audits to ensure consistent, credible standards.

Types of FSC® labels

There are three main types of FSC® labels, each showing the level of certified material used.

Type	Meaning	Use cases
FSC Mix	Combination of FSC, recycled, or controlled	Retail, food, cosmetics
FSC Recycled	100% made from recycled material	Companies with strong green focus

Each type responds to different business needs, from luxury to full recycling.

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FSC® vs other certifications

FSC® is often confused with other eco-labels:

• PEFC: similar but with different criteria.

• Ecolabel: certifies overall product environmental impact, not just paper sourcing.

• Recycled label: only signals recycled material, with no forest management guarantee.

Why FSC® is different

FSC® stands out for its certified chain of custody: not only are materials sustainable, but the entire production journey is tracked.

Why choose an FSC® label for your company

Adopting FSC® labels is not only an ethical choice, but also a strategic market lever.

Competitive advantages

• International recognition, especially in retail.

• Concrete response to ESG and CSR requirements.

• Reduced risk of greenwashing accusations.

Industry adoption

In the food & beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, the demand for FSC® labels is now standard practice. In large-scale retail, in particular, many chains require suppliers to use sustainable packaging.

FSC® label and labor rights

Choosing an FSC®-certified label supplier not only contributes to responsible forest management, but also promotes fair and transparent working conditions throughout the supply chain.

The FSC® labor standards incorporate the fundamental principles of the International Labor Organization (ILO), requiring certified companies to comply with stringent requirements such as:

• abolition of child labor and forced labor,

• prohibition of discriminatory practices,

• protection of the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining,

• regular and traceable working conditions.

• Salary as per the National Collective Labor Agreement.

As an FSC®-certified label manufacturer, we are required to complete periodic self-assessments and pass specific checks to verify the absence of child labor, irregular or non-compliant work. These inspections guarantee customers that every label produced respects not only the environment but also the rights of those involved in the production chain.

Relying on an FSC® partner therefore means choosing a production model that combines environmental responsibility and social justice, strengthening the credibility and integrity of the brand on the market.

Technical requirements and printing

Printing an FSC® label doesn’t just mean using certified paper.

Supply chain requirements

• FSC® registration of the printer (license FSC®C128918).

• EUPIA-compliant inks and varnishes.

• Strict adherence to FSC® graphic guidelines.

Print quality

FSC® labels can be enhanced with finishes, coatings, and customizations while maintaining their certification. This is where the label manufacturer comes into play.

Alkam’s role

At Alkam, we are a multi-sector industrial label manufacturer that has been investing in eco-sustainable printing for years. With FSC® certification, we offer labels that combine:

• certified, high-performance materials,

• personalized technical advice tailored to the sector (food, wine, pharmaceuticals),

• print quality using advanced techniques.

For our customers, this means having a partner capable of combining functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

FAQ

What does FSC® stand for?Forest Stewardship Council®, an international organization for responsible forest management.

Are FSC® and PEFC the same?No, FSC® is more globally recognized.

Can I print the FSC® logo without certification?No, only certified companies in the chain of custody can use it.

Conclusions

The FSC® label is much more than just a logo on a product package: it is tangible proof that a company has chosen responsibility and transparency. For consumers, it means trust; for brands, it means competitiveness; for society, it is a concrete step towards sustainability.

Relying on an FSC®-certified label manufacturer such as Alkam means transforming labels into tools that communicate value and reliability.

Would you like to find out how to make your labels a sustainable and recognized asset? Contact us for a personalized consultation.