What does FSC® Certification really mean? – August 2025

Many printing companies choose to be FSC® certified, as customers increasingly expect it and rightly so. But what does it really mean – and why does it matter?

Our Group Comms Manager, Till, recently sat down with Commercial Manager, Steve, to find out! We hope the chat helps explain.

TILL- So we’ve been FSC® certified for a long time, for which that process is part of your role. Can you tell me a little bit about that?

STEVE- Sure. What we actually have is Chain of Custody certification by way of the Soil Association, the certification body that carries out assessments on behalf of the Forest Stewardship Council®.

TILL- Oh, that’s interesting; presumably both organisations have similar objectives?  

STEVE- Yes, FSC® sets global standards for responsible forest management, while the Soil Association audits and certifies compliance. Both contribute to protecting ecosystems and sustainable land use, which, of course, we at John Good support. FSC® is particularly committed to preserving woodlands.

TILL- I sometimes hear you say that we’re ‘audited’. What does that mean and how does it relate to Chain of Custody?

STEVE- This basically demonstrates to consumers that materials can be traced to forests that are managed responsibly. The Soil Association audits our systems to ensure our Chain of Custody meets FSC® requirements.

TILL – Sounds complicated. Is this quite rigorous?

STEVE- It can be quite technical and detailed. But the Soil Association team are really helpful in guiding us, plus there is a gap analysis stage during the audit that allow us to make any corrections prior to the actual site visit by the auditor.

TILL- Ah, okay… it sounds like the auditors give applicants every opportunity to comply.

STEVE- Yes, we’re all rowing in the same direction!

TILL- And why does all of this matter?

STEVE- Well, because at John Good we understand that there is no Planet B. Ensuring the responsible management of forest-based materials throughout procurement, production and delivery reassures our customers that their print order aligns with their own green ethos. We do many other things to safeguard resources, but FSC® is a major sustainability puzzle piece. That’s why we’ve been FSC® certified since 2013.

TILL- Thanks for your time, Steve.

STEVE- Thanks for asking the questions!