forest certification (FSC, PEFC)

Forest certification, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), is a system that verifies forests are managed sustainably. These certifications ensure that forest harvesting minimizes environmental impact, protects biodiversity, respects local communities, and maintains resources for the future. When a product bears these labels, it indicates the wood or paper comes from responsibly managed forests. This helps consumers and companies make environmentally conscious choices, supporting practices that balance ecological health, social well-being, and economic viability.