Sustainable Packaging Certifications Explained: FSC, PEFC, SFI and Compostable Labels

Sustainability claims on packaging are scrutinised by consumers, retailers and regulators. Greenwashing enforcement is increasing in the EU, UK and US. Using the correct certification mark — and verifying it is genuine — protects your brand. BestPackFactory holds FSC® Chain of Custody certification (certificate SGSHK-COC-332603, SGS Hong Kong Limited, valid to 14 December 2030) covering FSC 100%, FSC Mix and FSC Recycled paper and paperboard. The scope is paper and board; film, tin and bottle packaging is not covered by it.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

FSC certification guarantees wood fibre in your packaging comes from responsibly managed forests. Three marks: FSC 100% (all virgin fibre from FSC forests), FSC Mix (mix of FSC and controlled wood), FSC Recycled (100% recycled fibre). Verify any supplier certificate at info.fsc.org. BestPackFactory's FSC® Chain of Custody certificate is SGSHK-COC-332603, issued by SGS Hong Kong Limited to Shenzhen Color Printing Paper Packaging Co., Ltd. and valid from 15 December 2025 to 14 December 2030. Verify it yourself at search.fsc.org rather than taking it on trust — that is what the database is for. Full certification detail is on our trust profile.

PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)

Similar to FSC but recognised more in European markets. PEFC and FSC are separate schemes with different auditing bodies. Most major retailers accept both. Some EU tenders specify FSC only.

SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative)

North American standard managed by an independent non-profit. Recognised by major US retailers including Walmart and Target. Less recognised in Europe than FSC/PEFC.

Compostable Certifications

• OK Compost Industrial (TÜV Austria): Certifies the packaging will compost in industrial composting conditions (55–60°C). Required for EU home compostable claim.
• OK Compost Home: Compostable at ambient temperature in a home compost bin. Stricter standard than industrial.
• BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute): North American industrial compostable standard. Accepted by many US compost facilities.

Recyclable Claim vs Recycled Content

These are different claims and must not be conflated. "Recyclable" means the packaging can be recycled by the consumer (depends on local infrastructure). "Recycled content" means the packaging contains post-consumer or post-industrial recycled fibre. Both claims require substantiation in the EU under the Green Claims Directive (2024).

How to Display Certifications

FSC: use the FSC logo under licence from your certified supplier. You must be FSC chain-of-custody certified yourself OR use a supplier's FSC Mix/FSC Recycled licence with their logo under their certificate. Contact BestPackFactory to produce FSC-labelled packaging under certificate SGSHK-COC-332603. An FSC claim can only be applied where it is agreed before production and stated on the invoice and shipping documents, and where the label artwork has been released by the certification body.