The PEFC logo enables businesses to communicate that forest and tree-based material used in their packaging has been sourced through the PEFC certification system. Depending on the applicable PEFC label and claim, the material may originate from PEFC-certified forests, recycled material and/or PEFC controlled sources. This claim relates to the certified sourcing of the relevant forest and tree-based material and is not a claim about the overall environmental impact of the finished packaging product.
Benefits of Using the PEFC Logo?
PEFC-endorsed forest management standards are assessed against PEFC’s international Sustainable Forest Management benchmark requirements. These cover environmental, social and economic aspects of forest management. Independent certification assesses forest management against the applicable PEFC-endorsed standard. Below, are the key benefits of using the PEFC certified materials:
Biodiversity Protection
PEFC’s Sustainable Forest Management benchmark includes requirements relating to the maintenance, conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. National and regional forest certification standards endorsed by PEFC are assessed against these international requirements and adapted to relevant local conditions.
Forest-Positive Future
PEFC’s Sustainable Forest Management benchmark addresses the long-term productive, environmental and social functions of forests. PEFC-endorsed national and regional standards translate these benchmark requirements into criteria appropriate to local forest conditions.
Forests Health and Vitality
PEFC’s Sustainable Forest Management benchmark includes requirements relating to forest health, vitality and resilience. Management of PEFC-certified forests is independently assessed against the applicable PEFC-endorsed forest management standard.
Deforestation-free
PEFC’s forest management and Chain of Custody requirements include provisions addressing forest conversion, illegal harvesting and controversial sources. Certification provides independent assessment against the applicable PEFC requirements.
Climate Change Mitigation
PEFC’s Sustainable Forest Management benchmark includes requirements relating to maintaining forest resources and their contribution to the global carbon cycle. Forests and harvested wood products can store carbon, but the overall carbon impact of an individual product depends on factors across its lifecycle.
Water and Soil Protection
PEFC’s Sustainable Forest Management benchmark includes requirements relating to soil and water protection. PEFC-endorsed national and regional standards set requirements appropriate to local environmental and forest conditions, against which certified forest management is independently assessed.
Respecting Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
PEFC’s Sustainable Forest Management benchmark includes requirements relating to workers’ rights, health and safety and applicable labour standards. Certified forest management is assessed against the social requirements contained within the applicable PEFC-endorsed standard.
Fair and Safe Working Conditions/Sustainable Livelihoods
The PEFC certification promotes fair and safe working conditions within the forestry sector. This includes ensuring that workers have access to proper safety measures, fair wages, and sustainable livelihoods, contributing to the overall well-being of communities involved in forest management.
By incorporating the PEFC logo, brands and retailers can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and the sustainable use of forest resources, thus gaining consumer trust and contributing to a healthier planet. PEFC-certified forests are managed with a focus on maintaining ecosystem services, benefiting both people and the planet.
How to use the PEFC Logo
There are two types of PEFC logo that packaging manufacturers can use on your products as follows:
- The ‘PEFC Certified’ label, with varying message depending on the raw materials used to make the board, can be used where it has over 70% PEFC certified content and:
2. The ‘PEFC Recycled’ label can be used where the packaging is made from 100% recycled content.
These logos can be generated by certified companies using the PEFC Label Generator, which allows variations in the orientation and the layout of the labels to be made to suit the users’ needs:
If you are a retailer or brand owner and want to place the PEFC logo on your packaging, you will be required to go through the following steps:
- Check to see if your suppliers carry PEFC CoC certification: onthe PEFC Certificate Holder Database.
- Check if your products are certified: If your supplier(s) is certified, check with them to see if the packaging products you purchase from them are/can be supplied as PEFC.
- Design/update your packaging: Work with you packaging supplier(s) to incorporate their PEFC logo into your packaging design. Liaise with their design team to strategically place the logo where it will be visible and impactful and ensure that the logo does not compromise the aesthetic of your packaging.
Additionally, as well as using your packaging supplier’s logo on the product, retailers and brand owners who do not hold Chain of Custody certification can sign one of our Group D Promotional Trademark Usage Licences to enable you to use the PEFC logo off-product, such as on your website and marketing materials, to promote the fact that your packaging products are PEFC certified.
Retailers and brand owners who want to do this need to the following:
- Apply for a PEFC Promotional Group D Trademark licence by contacting PEFC UK at info@pefc.co.uk
- Update marketing materials: You can update your website, marketing materials, and promotional content to include your promotional PEFC logo. This will highlight your commitment to sustainability and reinforce the value to your customers. PEFC provides specific guidelines on how the logo should be used, including size, placement, and colour. Ensure you adhere to these guidelines to maintain the integrity and visibility of the logo.
- Regular checks: PEFC UK conducts annual check with our Group D licence holders to ensure that all logo use remains compliant with our trademark use requirements
Communicate your Commitment to Sustainability
Using the PEFC logo on your packaging is a powerful way to communicate your commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. It not only enhances your brand image but also contributes to the global effort in promoting sustainable forestry practices. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively incorporate the PEFC logo into your packaging and marketing strategies.
If you need further assistance, please contact our team for more information.
