FSC facts & figures
The global forest area certified to FSC's "gold" standard is growing worldwide, accompanied by strong growth in the certified supply chain. The unprecedented demand for FSC certified products demonstrates the large political and economic force that is endorsing and promoting the FSC system globally.
The following publications present our latest figures on FSC certificates and market data.
Global FSC certificates: types and distribution
This monthly publication offers a global overview of the distribution of FSC certified area by country, forest type, biome, and forest ownership.
FSC Market Info Pack
Delve into this publication for a thorough overview on FSC market developments.
Latest international newsletter
You can find the latest figures on global forest management and chain of custody in our most recent monthly newsletter.
Here are some highlights:
- More than 117 million ha forest worldwide are certified to FSC standards, distributed in over 82 countries (October 2009)
- FSC certified forests represent the equivalent of 5% of the world’s productive forests (July 2009)
- FSC is the fastest growing forest certification system in the world (UN FAO, 2007)
- With over 15'000 certificates (October 2009), the number of companies along the forest product supply chain committing to FSC certification peaked at 50% in 2008
- The value of FSC labeled sales is estimated at over 20 billion USD (2008)
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find FSC certified products?
Category: Find FSC Products
Where can I find FSC certified products?
Almost everything made from wood and other forest products are available with the FSC label. Finding FSC products becomes easier everyday. Literally every day, more FSC products become available. Follow these simple steps to find and buy FSC products:
1. Check the FSC products database at www.fsc-info.org
Please note this database will currently only search for manufacturers and distributors, not retailers. There are only a few expections where retailers are also certified. To find products carried by your local retailer, please contact them directly. We are working on including other search options to this database in the future.
2. Ask your retailer
Chances are, they will carry both - FSC certified and non-certified products. Ask them. But do not let them talk you into buying any other certified product. Not all certification systems are equal and only FSC guarantees that the product has been made from environmentally and socially sustainably managed forests.
What others say about FSC
FSC fact sheet “Independent research and other voices confirm FSC as leading forest certification system” (English/Spanish)
Statements from leading NGOs: WWF International, Greenpeace International
Also, by asking for FSC certified products, you show that there is a demand. This is an important and simple way how you can help FSC to make a difference. Because the larger the demand the larger the supply. And of course, because Forests and People matter!
3. Contact FSC
First try your national FSC representative – they know the market in your country best.
Or send a message to FSC IC.
4. Check the product carries the FSC label
Last but not least, when you buy from certified companies or companies selling certified products, please check that individual products are FSC certified as many companies deal in both certified and uncertified products and you should make sure that you have the FSC certified version! In addition, where a company has multiple outlets, it is possible that not all stores will stock all items.
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