We’re all about creating healthy, happy habitats for both humans and animals. That’s why we’re so proud to be a partner with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®), in our mission to promote sustainability through positive social and environmental practices.
What is the FSC®?
The FSC® is an international not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to protecting the forests that people and wildlife call home. Acting as the world’s most trusted forest certification scheme, the FSC® encourage sustainability standards surrounding the production of wood and paper-based products, ensuring:
🐨 The protection of animal habitats
🌸 The maintenance of biodiversity
🌲 Protection of old-growth trees
🪵 Zero deforestation
😁 Protecting the rights of indigenous people
👷 Fair wage and a safe working environment
👨👩👧 Supporting local communities
A forest and its operations are recognised for upholding these practices through FSC® certification. If a material/product is sourced from a responsibly managed forest, which meets FSC® standards, it can be FSC® certified. At Koala, we know just how important these responsibilities are, and are proud to champion FSC® certification on a number of our products!
TL;DR: FSC® certifies responsible forest management practices worldwide, supporting communities and protecting biodiversity and habitats.
What does FSC® certification mean?
In order for a forest operation to receive FSC® certification, there are ten principles concerning conservation and community rights, which must be deemed acceptable by the organisation.
Fundamentally, these principles involve the protection and maintenance of ecosystems, managed to a strict standard of positive environmental impact. Read: keeping the trees alive!
Additionally, certification signifies a responsibly managed community culture, where the wellbeing of workers and locals is held to a high degree of importance. Who doesn’t love that?
TL;DR: Being FSC® certified ensures that a forest operation is conducted to the highest standard of positive environmental and social impact.
What do the FSC® labels mean?
There are three FSC® labels you might see on products, which signify that they meet FSC® certification standards.
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- FSC® 100% Label – all of the forest-based materials used in that product were sourced from 100% virgin fibre from FSC® certified forests.
- FSC® Recycled Label – all of the forest-based materials used in that product are 100% recycled (both post-consumer and/or pre-consumer reclaimed materials) placing no additional pressure on forests.
- FSC® Mix Label – the product is made from a mix of materials from FSC-certified virgin fibre (from FSC-certified forests) controlled sources and/or recycled wood or fibre.
Buying FSC® labelled products supports responsible forest management, and promotes industry practitioners to maintain sustainable standards.
TL;DR: There are 3 different FSC® product labels to demonstrate responsible forestry practices.
Why is all of this important? Why should I care?
What’s great about the FSC® is how they raise standards. The organisation not only encourages the management of nature and wildlife, but promotes workplace equality, safety and fairness. The FSC® opens up new opportunities for local people, in line with their principles of creating economic benefits as an organisation.
The FSC® also combats the global issue of climate change, through the elimination of deforestation, forest degradation and illegal logging. These practices have led the FSC® to partner with and gain support from some of the world’s most respected environmental NGOs, such as Greenpeace and WWF.
So what can you do as a consumer to support the FSC® and their cause? Well, the purchase of FSC® certified products increases the demand for sustainably sourced timber and forest products, safeguarding these forests from the impacts of deforestation.
Additionally, purchasing FSC® certified products creates job opportunities and demand for labour.
So next time you’re buying any wood or paper based products, keep an eye out for the FSC® label when making your purchasing decision! Any support goes a long way.
TL;DR: Buying FSC® labelled products encourages industry practitioners to adopt FSC® standards, decreasing deforestation and promoting social and economic wellbeing.
So what is FSC® Forest Week? (24 September – 30 September)
FSC® Forest Week (#FSCForestWeek) is a week-long campaign designed to promote the efforts of the organisation. FSC® license holders (like us!) join forces worldwide to showcase their commitment to sustainable forestry efforts.
So look out for companies celebrating FSC® Forest Week from September 24th – September 30th.
Click here to read up on FSC® Forest Week
Which Koala products are FSC® furniture Australia certified?
Our partnership with the FSC® means a lot to us. Interim CEO of FSC® ANZ, Patricia Fitzsimons, tells us “together, with the support of partnering organisations such as Koala, FSC® helps shift the global forest trend towards sustainable use, conservation, restoration, and respect for all.”
We are honoured to bear the FSC® badge of certification on a number of our FSC furniture Australia products at Koala, in our commitment to promoting environmental wellbeing and sustainability. You will find the FSC® certification label on a number of products, including the Balmain Bed Base, Paddington Bed Base, Workmate Home Office Desk and Stunner Sofa Bed.
