The Guide for Green Gurus: Which labels are truly sustainable?

Green heroes, gather around! Are you ready to discover the world of sustainable products? Today we are going on an informative journey to understand the world of sustainable certifications and labels, because occasionally even we can't see the bamboo forest behind the trees. Therefore, in this blog, we list what best known sustainability labels are available in the paper industry, and give you tips on how to find out how reliable a label really is. So, start your frying oil-powered van and let's go on an adventure!

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Paper with a Greenish Edge

FSC is like a conservationist for wood products: this label ensures that wood comes from responsibly managed forests. What exactly is meant by responsibly managed forests? The FSC has defined 10 principles that cover ecological, social and economic aspects of forest management. Only if all 10 principles are met may products from the forest be sold with an FSC claim.

But... while the principles for the origin of wood fibers are very rigorous, FSC has no requirements for the entire paper production process and the impact the use of chemicals can have on nature. In addition, some critics of FSC stress that in some cases there are too few checks to validate whether the stated information of the origin of wood and paper products is really true. Also good to know: there are different FSC labels. Some brands may use a mix of FSC-certified wood and less sustainable wood. So: smart shoppers read labels!

Fairtrade: Honesty Lasts Longest

Fairtrade's mission is to make the world a fairer place. They do this by working to improve the living and working conditions of farmers and workers on plantations worldwide through better terms of trade and to protect the environment. Put more simply, they ensure that farmers get a fair price for their products. We can fully identify with this mission: a fair price for a fair product, that's how it should always be! If we have to make one small remark, it is the affordability of Fairtrade products: unfortunately, Fairtrade products are not yet an option for every wallet.

EU Ecolabel: Green in our own backyard

We’re gonna park ‘em a little closer to home. The EU Ecolabel is an environmental label of the European Union and guarantees that a product has reduced impact on the environment. It takes into account the entire life cycle of a product: from collecting the raw materials to after use, when the product is waste. With the EU Ecolabel, at least 70% of the paper fibers in a product must come from either sustainable forest management or be recycled. In addition, with EU Ecolabel it is not allowed to use resources that are harmful to the environment throughout the production process.

Now that you're familiar with the most common labels in paper products, here's a checklist to keep in mind when evaluating certifications:

• Authenticity: Choose certifications from reputable organizations, such as FSC, Fairtrade and the EU Ecolabel. Beware of labels that pretend to be green but actually look more like a dried-out cactus, for example: labels set up by large companies themselves to make products appear greener than they actually are.


• Environmental impact: Choose certifications that include environmental impact in their evaluation, such as water consumption, CO2 emissions and the use of harmful chemicals. This will make sure you buy a product that has as little negative impact around the earth as possible.


• Personal preference: Remember to consider what you think is important. Maybe you have a soft spot for products that are made with renewable energy, or produced locally. Follow your green heart!


For a more comprehensive overview of all the labels out there, Milieucentraal has created a super handy overview that includes a clear explanation of each label, the impact of each label and a top 12 top sustainability labels. Check out the labels overview here!

You made it! With this knowledge in your pocket, you're ready to conquer the world of sustainable products. So go find those EU-ecolabel certified tissues, enjoy a Fairtrade coffee and give yourself a pat on the back for every conscious purchase.

Together we can make the world a little greener!