Single-use items remain essential in foodservice, but they don’t have to come at the expense of the world’s forests. By choosing FSC-certified paper for disposable packaging, we can protect forest ecosystems, support responsible sourcing, and ensure packaging balances people, planet and profit.
What Is FSC Certification and Why Does It Matter?
FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council, a globally recognised non-governmental organisation committed to promoting responsible forest management. Founded in 1994, its pioneering certification system on wood, paper, and other forest products enables businesses and consumers to choose materials that support responsible forestry. FSC-certified materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental and social standards.
There are three main FSC labels:
- FSC 100% – all materials are from responsibly managed FSC-certified forests.
- FSC Mix – a blend of FSC-certified, FSC-controlled wood, and/or recycled materials.
- FSC Recycled – made entirely from recycled materials, reducing the pressure to harvest more trees.
Our Earth has a forest area of four billion hectares today, which is 31 percent of the total land mass. Right now, only three percent of the world’s forests are plantations, but about 30 percent of the world’s forests are used primarily for production. By choosing FSC-certified materials, you can ensure that products are not sourced from illegal logging or old growth forests. Responsibly harvesting trees means that there is no net loss of forest over time, as forests with irreplaceable value (like old-growth forests) are identified and properly maintained.
Reversing deforestation and cultivating irreplaceable forests are crucial to fighting climate change. This also helps protect wildlife habitats and prevent biodiversity loss in our ecosystem. Aside from this, choosing FSC-certified products allows customers to contribute to the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights and those of the community as they consulted in their legal and cultural rights to the land and forest resources.
Why FSC Matters in Single-Use Packaging
In food service, paper-based packaging is common, from coffee cups to takeaway containers and paper bags. But not all paper is created equal. Using uncertified paper can contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction, and unethical labour practices. By choosing FSC-certified paper, customers can be assured that the material comes from responsibly sourced resources, as forests are replenished rather than depleted.
FSC works in ways to ensure that the supply chain is traceable and accountable, taking into account sustainability measures like energy and water use, community support and impact, and the end product’s overall environmental rating. FSC certification requires ongoing verification: forests are audited annually, and every step in the supply chain, from forest growth, harvesting, through to production and labelling, must meet FSC’s rigorous standards.
This traceability builds trust with customers, regulators, and partners alike. When consumers see the FSC logo (alongside the licence code, such as BioPak’s FSC™ C110879), they know the packaging truly comes from responsibly managed forests. Through this, businesses and customers also contribute to the fight against illegal logging and forest exploitation.
Single-use packaging is an essential part of many businesses, particularly in takeaway, events, and catering, making it vital that these products are made responsibly. Government regulations and consumer demand are increasing pressure to show ethical sourcing and accountability. FSC certification for businesses represents not only their commitment to the responsible use of forests but also how they make an impact on the community as well.
Being FSC-certified means a business complies with sustainable procurement guidelines, particularly when it comes to paper and wood, helping them hedge against supply chain disruptions caused by unsustainable forestry practices, deforestation laws, or import/export restrictions. This allows the business to meet corporate social responsibility and environmental, social, and governance reporting standards.
Businesses with FSC certification can avoid the risk of greenwashing, which has become increasingly common today by undertaking auditing from independent third party organisations. Several businesses make false or misleading environmental claims to capitalise on the good intentions of consumers. But with credible third-party verification like FSC certification, businesses are held accountable in the guidelines they implement.
BioPak Products Made with FSC-Certified Materials
The majority of BioPak’s products are made using FSC-certified paper and wood, reflecting a commitment to responsible sourcing. Here are a few of the most popular categories:
BioPak’s kraft paper bags are made from FSC™ Mix or FSC™ Recycled certified unlined paper. These recyclable bags are strong, sturdy and designed for takeaway use, perfect for restaurants and cafes and durable for transportation. Unlined paper is naturally compostable, making these suitable for home and industrial composting.
Paper BioStraws are made from FSC™ Mix certified paper and designed to be sturdy, offering a reliable alternative to plastic straws.
Made from FSC™-certified birchwood, BioPak’s Wooden Cutlery range products are strong, splinter-free, and suitable for composting. The range includes knives, forks, spoons, stirrer sticks, sporks, cutlery sets, and chopsticks.
BioBoard Boxes and Catering Boxes are made from FSC™ Mix certified paper, with BioBoard Boxes featuring a waterproof, plant-based bioplastic window and lining. Available in a range of sizes, they are perfect for takeaways and events, serving everything from lunch to noodles and a variety of other foods.
BioPak’s Paper Napkins are made from FSC™ certified pulp. These napkins come in various styles and colours.
FSC-Certified Packaging: A Step Toward Environmental Accountability
Adopting FSC-certified packaging is not just about performing a responsible choice, it’s about making a credible one. It’s a clear, credible signal that the materials used in single-use packaging are sourced with responsibility and accountability, protecting ecosystems, respecting communities, and contributing to the circular economy.
Beyond trust, choosing FSC paper and wood has concrete environmental and social benefits. Workers in certified forests are protected by sound labour standards. These protections help maintain long-term forest health and ensure that forest resources can continue to meet the needs of future generations.