Paper, cardboard and all other printed matters have become essential in today’s business environment. At Pauwels, that is no different as all of our produced goods need packaging and labeling. However, global concern about deforestation is increasing rapidly year after year. Therefore, Pauwels will be moving towards the use of materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). In this article, packaging expert Hannes De Winter explains the matter.
Responsibly managed forests
“Even though all the details are not yet determined, Pauwels will be moving towards FSC-certified materials in 2019″, says Hannes. “The FSC-label guarantees an environmentally responsible origin of materials derived from responsibly managed forests. By doing so, we will be contributing to a sustainable management of forests and biodiversity on a global scale.”
“ In 2019, all labels and cardboard boxes will be derived from responsibly managed forests.”
“The use of FSC-certified materials is however not new for us. For some of our customers, we’ve already been producing in accordance with the FSC-guidelines. Having said that, we will be following the same course in all of our product lines in 2019. That way, we will be ensuring that every label and every cardboard box or tray used for our core business is manufactured in a environmentally friendly manner. ”
FSC put into practice
As the packaging industry faces a worldwide demand for paper and board, and because the number of times paper can be recycled is limited, wood is constantly needed as a source for the production of packaging. This makes sustainable management of forests an essential requirement. FSC forest management certification confirms that the forest is being managed in a way that preserves the natural ecosystem and benefits the lives of local people and workers, all while ensuring it sustains economically viablility.
Put into practice, FSC means:
- Forests with a high natural and cultural value are protected and managed accordingly.
- After chopping the woods, the forests are given the chance to recover. Preferably by nature and if necessary by cultivation.
- The woods chopped fit whatever the grow allows.
- Functions of the forest in terms of local water management and soil protection are maintained, for example by not chopping wood at a watercourse of on steep hills.
- The rights of indigenous community members are respected at all times.
- Forest workers enjoy good conditions with regards to working hours, wages, safety and training.
- Forest management provides opportunities for local communities in terms of employment and local development.
