You want to show customers your commitment to sustainability by using the FSC logo on your Christmas gift wrap. But the rules seem confusing, and you’re terrified of being accused of greenwashing for making a mistake.
To use the FSC logo, your entire supply chain—including your printer—must have FSC "Chain of Custody" certification. You can only use the specific on-pack label provided by your certified supplier and must be precise in your marketing claims to avoid violating strict trademark rules.
Correctly using the FSC logo requires understanding the strict Chain of Custody certification process.
A few years ago, a new client sent me their finished artwork for a beautiful holiday gift wrap. Tucked in the corner was an FSC logo they had downloaded from the internet. "We’re ready to print!" the email said. I had to make a difficult phone call to explain that we couldn’t just print that logo. Their paper choice was indeed from an FSC-certified mill, but that wasn’t enough. Because we at Omet Packaging are the final step—the printers and converters—we had to be FSC-certified and manage the entire approval process. They had no idea the logo was a protected trademark tied to a verified supply chain. It’s a common misconception, and it’s why I feel it’s my duty to clarify what it really means to use the FSC mark.
What Is FSC Chain of Custody and Why Does It Matter for My Gift Wrap?
You’ve heard the term "Chain of Custody" but it sounds like legal jargon. You just want to sell eco-friendly paper, so why does this complex process matter to your business?
FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) is a verified tracking system. It follows the wood fiber from an FSC-certified forest, through every stage of production, to the final product. Without an unbroken chain, the product cannot legally carry the FSC label.
The FSC Chain of Custody is an unbroken, verified path from the forest to the final printed product.
Think of the Chain of Custody like the provenance of a valuable piece of art. To be authentic, you must be able to trace its ownership history from the artist all the way to the current gallery. If there’s a gap in that history, its authenticity is questioned. FSC works the same way. The chain starts at a responsibly managed forest, goes to the pulp mill, then the paper mill, and finally to the printer/converter who turns it into your gift wrap. If any single one of those links is not FSC-certified, the chain is broken. This is why you can’t just buy FSC-certified paper and have any local printer run your job. The printer themselves must hold a valid CoC certificate to apply the label. It’s a rigorous system, but it’s what gives the FSC logo its integrity.
Why You Can’t Just Buy FSC Paper
This is the most critical takeaway for any brand manager or buyer. The responsibility for the on-pack claim lies with the final certified link in the chain—the manufacturer who applies the label. When you work with a certified supplier like Omet Packaging, you are using our Chain of Custody. We are audited annually to ensure we properly track FSC materials, get artwork approved by our certifying body, and apply the correct label with our unique license code. The logo isn’t just a graphic; it’s the final stamp of a fully audited and verified process.
What Do the Different FSC Labels (100%, Mix, Recycled) Actually Mean?
You see "FSC Mix," "FSC 100%," and "FSC Recycled" labels. They all sound good, but you don’t know the difference. You worry that choosing the wrong one will mislead your customers.
These three labels represent very different paper compositions and cannot be used interchangeably. FSC 100% is exclusively from certified forests, FSC Recycled is 100% recycled material, and FSC Mix—the most common—is a blend of certified, recycled, and controlled wood.
Each FSC label tells a different story about the paper’s origin, and you must use the one that matches your product’s composition.
When you order wholesale Christmas gift wrap, the paper we source for you will have a specific FSC designation. We can’t simply apply the "FSC 100%" label to a paper that is designated as "FSC Mix." The choice is determined by the material itself, and the vast majority of commercially available and printable paper stocks fall under the FSC Mix category. This label is a practical solution that allows for a consistent and scalable supply of sustainable paper. It ensures that no controversial wood sources are used while balancing the use of virgin fibers (for strength) and recycled content. Being transparent with your customers about what "FSC Mix" means is far more powerful than making an incorrect claim with a different label.
Comparing the Three FSC Labels
Understanding the labels allows you to accurately communicate your sustainability efforts. Each one tells a specific and important story about the paper’s journey.
| Label Type |
Composition |
What It Guarantees |
Best For |
| FSC 100% |
100% of the wood fiber is from FSC-certified forests. |
The highest standard for virgin fiber. Direct support for responsible forestry. |
Solid wood products; rare for paper. |
| FSC Mix |
A mixture of fiber from FSC-certified forests, recycled materials, and/or "controlled wood." |
The most common label. Ensures no illegal or controversial wood sources are used. A practical, scalable sustainable choice. |
Most commercial printing papers, including gift wrap. |
| FSC Recycled |
100% of the wood fiber is from recycled material (pre- or post-consumer waste). |
Maximizes use of reclaimed materials, directly diverting waste from landfills. |
Recycled gift wrap, tissue paper, paperboard. |
How Can I Use the FSC Logo in My Marketing and On My Product?
You’ve done everything right and have a legitimately certified product. Now you want to shout it from the rooftops, but you’re afraid of breaking the strict rules on how and where you can show the logo.
For on-pack use, you must use the complete, high-resolution FSC label file provided by your certified supplier. For promotions, avoid using the logo itself and instead use approved factual statements like, "Our gift wrap is made with paper from FSC-certified sources."
Proper use of the FSC trademark in marketing requires precision and adherence to strict guidelines.
The FSC organization is extremely protective of its trademarks, and for good reason—it’s the source of their credibility. As a certified company, we are bound by these rules. The process for on-pack use is non-negotiable. First, we place the correct, complete FSC label (which includes our unique license code, e.g., FSC® CXXXXXX) on your artwork. Then, we must submit the entire artwork file to our certifying body for their official approval. Only after we receive that approval can we proceed to print. This process adds a few days to the timeline but is essential for compliance. Trying to shortcut this process by using a downloaded logo will result in a product that cannot be sold as FSC-certified and can get both you and your uncertified printer in serious trouble.
On-Pack vs. Promotional Claims
There is a clear line between putting the logo on your product and talking about it in your marketing.
- On-Pack Claims: This is the physical printing of the logo on the gift wrap itself.
- Do: Work with your certified supplier to get the correct, approved label file placed on your artwork.
- Don’t: Download a logo from Google Images and place it yourself.
- Don’t: Use an incomplete logo (e.g., just the "checkmark tree").
- Promotional Claims (Off-Pack): This refers to your website, social media, emails, and catalogs.
- Do: Use factual, FSC-approved text. Example: "We’re proud to offer a range of Christmas gift wrap made from FSC Mix paper."
- Don’t: Claim "We are an FSC-certified company" (unless your retail business itself holds a separate promotional license, which is rare and different from CoC).
- Don’t: Use the FSC logo as a general "eco-friendly" badge on your website banner next to non-certified products.
Conclusion
Using the FSC logo is a powerful way to validate your brand’s commitment to sustainability. But it requires diligence. It’s not a marketing graphic; it’s the seal of a verified, audited system. Partnering with a certified supplier who understands the Chain of Custody is the only way to do it right.
Ready to create beautiful, verifiably sustainable gift wrap for your brand? Contact our team, and we’ll guide you through the FSC certification process from start to finish.
Explore more on sustainable choices in our article on Kraft vs. Coated vs. Recycled Paper and learn how to reduce Holiday Waste.
FAQ
Do I need my own FSC certification to sell FSC-labeled products?
No. As a retailer or brand owner, you do not need your own certification. You must partner with an FSC Chain of Custody certified supplier (like a printer) who will manage the process and use their license to produce the certified product for you.
How much more expensive is FSC-certified paper?
There is often a small premium for FSC-certified paper, typically ranging from 5-15%. This reflects the costs of responsible forest management, auditing, and the administrative work of maintaining the Chain of Custody. Most brands find the brand value and consumer trust it builds is well worth the investment.
How long does it take to get my FSC gift wrap artwork approved?
The approval process through our certifying body typically takes 2-3 business days. We factor this into our production timeline to ensure there are no unexpected delays. It’s a crucial step that cannot be skipped.
Can I just say my paper is "responsibly sourced" instead of using the FSC logo?
You can, but it is a vague and unsubstantiated claim. The FSC logo is a third-party verification that proves your paper comes from sources that meet strict environmental and social standards. It replaces a generic claim with a specific, trusted, and globally recognized certification.
