FAQ
Q : How do the FSC and SFI certifications differ from traditional recycling?
A : Recycled paper has been around for many years. Generally this paper is a lower quality than “virgin” paper and costs more. FSC and SFI promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. Certified paper is “virgin” paper where the tree is planted, the pulp is made and the paper is manufactured by companies that have demonstrated their environmental vision.
Q : What is forest certification?
A : Forest certification is the process of evaluating forests or woodlands to determine if they are being managed according to an agreed set of standards.
Q : What is chain of custody?
A : Chain of custody is the path taken by raw materials from the forest to the consumer, including all successive stages of processing, transformation, manufacturing and distribution.
From a customer perspective, the FSC and SFI label represents a promise that is being made to them. Chain of custody standards are the mechanism FSC and SFI has to ensure that 'promise' is delivered.
Q : How can using certified papers help my company and me?
A : Using a printer that is FSC and SFI certified opens up business you could not normally get to. There are many companies who will require their product be printed on certified paper. The only way you can work with them is using an FSC/SFI certified printer.
Q : What papers are FSC and SFI certified?
A : Click here for a complete list.
Q : Are there different kinds of certifications?
A : There are different kinds of certifications depending on the amount of certified materials used in the paper. Click here to see the different logos.
Q : Does my company have to be certified to have the logo on our product?
A : Your company does not have to be certified. The Chain of Custody (COC) ends when the certified printer puts the FSC or SFI logo on the product.
Q : Does certified paper cost more than regular paper?
A : There is a big price disparity between papers, even papers of the same grade. Generally, certified paper is the same or slightly more than comparable papers.