Supporting responsible packaging from Forest to Box

For FSC® Forest Week, this year 21st – 27th September 2026, the theme is ‘Do one thing for forests.’ 

For businesses, the week is an opportunity to understand where packaging materials come from and how choosing an FSC-certified corrugated packaging supplier can support more responsible sourcing.

What Does FSC Do?

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is an international organisation that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests.

FSC certification considers environmental, social and economic factors, including biodiversity, workers’ rights, the interests of local communities and the long-term health of forests.

It helps businesses and consumers make more informed choices when purchasing forest-based products such as paper, cardboard, timber and packaging.

Responsible forest management can help to:

• Protect biodiversity and forest ecosystems
• Support the rights and wellbeing of forest workers and local communities
• Encourage the responsible use of forest resources
• Protect forests from unacceptable management practices
• Provide greater confidence in the sourcing of forest-based materials

How Does FSC Certification Work?

An important part of the FSC system is Chain of Custody certification. This provides a way of identifying and tracking FSC-certified materials as they move through the supply chain—from the forest or recycled source through processing and manufacturing to the finished product.

When FSC-certified paper is used to manufacture corrugated cardboard, the relevant materials must be identified, controlled and documented throughout the manufacturing process.

FSC certification is assessed by accredited, independent certification bodies rather than by FSC itself. Certified organisations are audited to ensure they meet the applicable requirements for sourcing, handling and tracking FSC-certified materials.

This provides businesses with independently verified information about material sourcing rather than relying solely on unsupported environmental claims.

Why Choose an FSC-Certified Corrugated Packaging Supplier?

Choosing an FSC-certified supplier for your corrugated boxes can provide several benefits.

More Responsible Material Sourcing

FSC certification provides assurance that forest-based materials have passed through a controlled and independently verified supply chain.

Stronger Sustainability Credentials

Packaging is highly visible to customers. Using FSC-certified corrugated boxes can demonstrate that your business considers responsible material sourcing when making its packaging choices.

Meeting Customer Expectations

Consumers and business customers are increasingly interested in where products and packaging materials come from. FSC-certified packaging can help businesses respond to these expectations with a widely recognised certification.

Greater Supply-Chain Transparency

An FSC-certified supplier must maintain systems for identifying and tracking FSC-certified materials. This provides greater transparency as materials move through the supply chain and are converted into finished corrugated boxes.

Supporting Your Sustainability Goals

For businesses developing environmental and corporate-responsibility strategies, FSC-certified packaging provides a practical way to include responsible sourcing within everyday purchasing decisions.

ASC’s FSC Certification

ASC Cartons Ltd holds FSC Chain of Custody certification, providing independent verification that we have the appropriate systems in place to source, handle and track FSC-certified materials.

All boxes manufactured by ASC are supplied as FSC Mix 70%, meaning they are covered by an FSC claim through our certified Chain of Custody system.

Our FSC licence code is FSC® C218342.

Customers requiring confirmation of our certification or an FSC claim on their documentation can contact our team for further information.

From Forest to Corrugated Box

FSC Forest Week is a reminder that responsible sourcing involves every stage of the supply chain.

By choosing FSC-certified corrugated packaging, businesses can support a system designed to promote responsible forest management while gaining greater transparency over the sourcing of their packaging materials.

Choosing FSC-certified packaging connects responsible forest management, controlled supply chains and conscious purchasing decisions. It is one practical step that businesses can take when reviewing their wider packaging and sustainability strategies.

At ASC Direct, we combine FSC-certified materials with made-to-measure box production, helping customers reduce unnecessary packaging and avoid excess void fill.

Use our online Box Builder to create custom-sized cardboard boxes in the dimensions, style and strength your business requires.

Alternatively, contact our team on 0800 0731 126 to discuss your packaging requirements.

ASC Cartons Ltd is FSC® Chain of Custody certified. FSC® C218342.

James Palfrey-Smith is the General Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth. 

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