As a business committed to delivering sustainable mail, Datagraphic holds the Forest Stewardship Council^® (FSC^®) Chain of Custody (CoC) certification.

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a global, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide. FSC defines standards based on agreed principles for responsible forest stewardship that are supported by environmental, social, and economic stakeholders. To learn more, visit www.fsc.org.

FSC CoC certification verifies that forest-based materials have been credibly used along the supply chain to recognise responsible sourcing.

As a supplier to public and private sector clients, Datagraphic sees increasing demand for products that minimise climate impact. As a result, gaining FSC CoC, aligns with Datagraphic’s purpose-led commitment to sustainability.

It can be a complicated talking point, though. So what does FSC CoC certification mean, and why is it important to procurement managers buying outbound mail services?

What does FSC Chain of Custody certification mean?

As a buyer of sustainable mail solutions, any products displaying the FSC logo symbolise trust and integrity. The credible use of FSC-certified materials within the supply chain proves that the correspondence upholds the highest environmental and social responsibility standards.

Therefore, choosing sustainable materials for printed communications as a priority helps organisations to lead a bigger change.

What does the FSC Chain of Custody provide?

To comply with the FSC CoC, timber-derived material follows a strict process, including:

• Traceability and responsible sourcing. The certification promotes sustainable forestry practices and combats deforestation. It signals a commitment to minimising climate impact and protecting ecosystems.
• Core labour requirements. Certification requires suppliers to meet labour standards, ensuring there is no child or forced labour, no discrimination in employment and occupation, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.

What is the difference between FSC-certified and FSC-CoC paper products?

All paper and envelopes we provide for Datagraphic clients using our Aceni solutions are FSC or PEFC sustainably sourced as standard. By choosing an FSC-certified product, we are supporting responsible management of the world’s forests.

If a buyer requests it, however, Datagraphic can provide paper-based materials with FSC CoC certification subject to an additional FSC audit process.

The difference between ‘FSC-certified’ and ‘FSC CoC’ lies in the scope of certification and the stages of the supply chain they cover.

Is it mandatory to use sustainable paper in sustainable mail?

Typically, in the critical communications industry, FSC-certified paper and envelopes are the most common mandatory requirement for buyers. Right now, clients tend to use FSC CoC infrequently – perhaps because there are fewer suppliers in our sector who have attained certification.

To give context, we recently researched the industry and found Datagraphic is one of only eight suppliers in the print industry with FSC Chain of Custody certification amongst 32 suppliers selling similar hybrid mail and digital transformation services into the public sector via Crown Commercial Services (CCS) G-Cloud 13 and RM6280 frameworks.

Maybe in this time-poor and cost-conscious climate, buyers and suppliers are nervous about the FSC Chain of Custody, given the added management time and cost of the full auditable process from forest to end product. However, by holding the certification, at Datagraphic, we can give clients the choice and support their sustainability objectives.

How do buyers benefit from FSC-certified and FSC CoC products?

With either option, Datagraphic supports buyers of our Aceni Mail solutions to improve the climate impact of their operations.

• Demonstrate environmental responsibility. By choosing an FSC-certified product, buyers can help take care of the world’s forests.  Displaying the FSC logo communicates a clear priority for environmentally friendly products.
• Reduce risk. FSC CoC certification helps to mitigate risk by ensuring a transparent and traceable supply chain, free from child labour and discrimination.
• Operate a transparent supply chain. FSC CoC certification requires suppliers to operate a transparent supply chain, which is helpful when undergoing assessment for certification such as ISO standards or becoming a B Corp, for example.

Read about Datagraphic’s sustainability initiatives.