FSC-CW (Forest Stewardship Council – Controlled Wood) certification is a certification that ensures wood products are sourced from acceptable sources that do not involve controversial practices. While not as stringent as full FSC certification, FSC-CW is designed to prevent wood from sources that do not meet FSC’s high standards from entering the supply chain.
- Key Aspects of FSC-CW Certification:
Controlled Wood Sources: Ensures that the wood does not come from unacceptable sources, such as:
- Illegally harvested forests.
- Forests harvested in violation of traditional and civil rights.
- Forests where high conservation values are threatened.
- Forests converted to plantations or non-forest use.
- Forests with genetically modified trees.
- Risk Mitigation: Companies must conduct a risk assessment to identify and mitigate the risk of sourcing from unacceptable sources.
- Partial Certification: FSC-CW allows companies to mix FSC-certified wood with Controlled Wood in products, helping to increase the availability of FSC-labeled products without compromising on the integrity of the source.
- Third-Party Verification: Independent audits ensure that the company’s risk assessments and sourcing practices meet FSC-CW requirements.