Quick Answer: FSC certified paper is paper made from wood fibre that comes from forests managed to the Forest Stewardship Council’s standards, from recycled material, or from a controlled mix of both. Choosing FSC certified paper for your brochures, reports and stationery is a practical way to show responsible sourcing. Note that putting the FSC logo on a finished printed piece requires the printer to hold FSC Chain of Custody certification.
What Is the Forest Stewardship Council?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, not-for-profit organisation that sets standards for responsible forest management. Forests certified to FSC standards are managed with environmental, social and economic considerations in mind, including protecting wildlife habitat, respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and workers, and making sure trees are harvested responsibly. In Australia and New Zealand, the FSC is represented by FSC ANZ at anz.fsc.org.
What Makes Paper FSC Certified?
Paper is FSC certified when the fibre used to make it can be traced back to FSC-certified forests, recycled sources or FSC-controlled wood, and every company that handles it along the supply chain is certified to keep it separate and accounted for. That tracking process is called Chain of Custody.
The Three FSC Labels Explained
| FSC label | What it means |
|---|---|
| FSC 100% | All materials come from FSC-certified forests. |
| FSC Recycled | The product is made from 100% recycled material. |
| FSC Mix | A mixture of material from FSC-certified forests, recycled material and/or FSC-controlled wood. |
You can read the full definitions of each label at anz.fsc.org.
Why Choose FSC Certified Paper for Your Print?
- Responsible sourcing you can point to. FSC certified paper gives you a clear, recognised standard behind your paper choice.
- It supports your sustainability goals. Many corporates, schools, universities and government organisations have procurement policies that favour certified or recycled materials.
- It reflects your values. Annual reports, sustainability reports and brand materials printed on certified paper match the message they carry.
- It does not mean compromising on quality. FSC certified stocks are available in a range of weights and finishes for most everyday print jobs.
FSC Certified Paper vs Recycled Paper
Both are good choices, and they are not mutually exclusive. Recycled paper reuses existing fibre and reduces demand for new wood, while FSC certified paper from certified forests supports responsible forest management where new fibre is used. The FSC Recycled label covers paper made entirely from recycled material.
Eplot offers both options: 100% recycled stocks, in coated and uncoated finishes, and FSC certified stocks. Our team can help you choose the one that best suits your project, brand and budget.
Can I Put the FSC Logo on My Printed Material?
Only if the printer that produces the job holds FSC Chain of Custody certification and the job is printed on eligible FSC certified paper. According to FSC, companies need Chain of Custody certification before they can apply FSC labels to products, and only products made with FSC certified material can carry the on-product label.
If you need the FSC logo on your finished brochure, report or packaging, raise this with your printer before artwork is finalised, so the right paper, certification and labelling can be confirmed. Ask the Eplot team about labelling requirements for your project.
Printing Sustainably with Eplot
Choosing FSC certified paper is one part of printing more sustainably. At Eplot, other steps include:
- 100% recycled paper stocks, both coated and uncoated
- HP Indigo digital presses, which HP manufactures to be carbon neutral
- Short-run digital printing, so you only print what you need and reduce waste
- Advice on stock, format and quantity to avoid over-ordering
See our sustainability page for more on how Eplot approaches sustainable printing, or our guide to annual report design tips if you are planning a report printed on certified stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FSC certified paper mean?
It means the paper’s fibre comes from FSC-certified forests, recycled material or FSC-controlled wood, and it has been tracked through a certified supply chain.
Is FSC certified paper the same as recycled paper?
Not always. FSC certified paper can be made from certified forest fibre, recycled fibre or a mix. Only the FSC Recycled label means 100% recycled material.
Is FSC certified paper more expensive?
It can cost slightly more than standard paper depending on the stock, but the difference varies. Ask for a quote on both options so you can compare.
Can any printer print on FSC certified paper?
Most printers can source FSC certified stock. However, only printers with FSC Chain of Custody certification can apply the FSC label to the finished printed product.
What can I print on FSC certified paper?
Most common print jobs, including brochures, annual reports, letterheads, business cards, booklets and notepads, can be printed on FSC certified stock.
About Eplot
Eplot is a commercial printer based at 28 Tope Street, South Melbourne, with 20 years in the printing industry. Our team runs HP Indigo digital printing, wide format printing, pre-press and finishing in-house, and manages specialty work through trusted print partners, so you deal with one dedicated account manager from quote to delivery. Eplot works with schools, universities, training organisations, property developers, corporates and small businesses across Melbourne.
Print on FSC Certified Paper with Eplot
Ready to print more responsibly? Request a quote and ask for FSC certified or recycled stock, or call Eplot on 1300 660 228 to talk through your options.
