FEATURE SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY
Battling Climate Change
FSC has just completed its 2022 Consumer Survey and the results show encouraging signs that the UK population are better understanding the value of sustainable forest products. Image © FSC UK
T
hree quarters of Brits agree that
logo are also confident they understand, at least
healthy forests are of crucial
roughly, what it means.
importance in the fight against climate change. And ensuring
Tallulah Chapman, communications manager for FSC UK said, “It’s great that recognition of the
that products from forests have been sourced
FSC logo is continuing to increase, jumping from just
responsibly is important to most, with
55% to 76% within the last five years. This is thanks
63% wanting reassurance about the forest
in the main to the hard work and commitment of
products they buy.
our licence holders, from the construction, furniture,
A study of 1,281 adults found that 6 in 10
packaging, fashion and many other industries, who
people in the UK assume that some, or even all,
source FSC-certified products and use the FSC
of the wood-based products they buy are from
trademarks to promote them.”
sustainable sources. Three quarters recognise
Image © FSC International
“But we still have a way to go in ensuring not
that sourcing sustainable wood and paper is good
just that people are aware of the logo but also
about whether forest-based products have been
for both forests and the planet in general, but
that they really understand what it means and
sourced sustainably, and most convinced of the
most aren’t sure how to tell if these products are
how it can help them to fulfil their want to source
importance of sourcing sustainable wood and
sustainable.
sustainable products and ensure healthy forests.”
paper. But younger people tend to be more
There’s also uncertainty when it comes to other
Once the meaning was explained, 7 in 10
forest-products, with 87% unaware that viscose and
people said they would prefer to buy a forest
textiles, and 73% unaware that shoe soles (which
product bearing the FSC logo, as opposed to one
can be made from natural rubber), can be sourced
without, only 1 in 10 stated that this was unlikely to
viscose, but still just 15% realise that it could be
from trees. And yet, three quarters say they think
positively influence their purchasing decision. Half
sourced from trees. When it comes to shoe soles,
natural rubber and materials made from trees, such
of respondents even said they would be prepared
Gen Z lead the pack, with 3 in 10 identifying that
as viscose, should be responsibly sourced.
to pay more for FSC-certified products and 65% said
they can be made using materials from trees.
they would have a positive opinion of a brand or
Nearly half of those aged 25-34 keep an eye out for
retailer if they saw the FSC label on their products.
certification labels when shopping for forest-based
6 in 10 also reported becoming more conscious of the sustainability of both products and packaging. And 35% say they keep an eye
“FSC-certified forests are managed to strict
confident in identifying sustainably sourced forest products, with 3 in 10 millennials sure of how to tell. Millennials are also most clued up about
products and 91% of Gen Z recognise the FSC logo.
out for certification labels when shopping for
environmental, social and economic standards;
forest-based products.
there are three FSC labels allowing shoppers to
consumers assurances about the sustainability
“Credible certifications, such as FSC, can offer
identify whether forest products, from toilet roll to
of the products they choose to buy, and those
Council (FSC) UK, welcomed the news that 76%
timber, are 100% from FSC-certified forests, 100%
used by the brands and retailers they shop with.
of people in the UK now recognise the FSC logo:
recycled or made from a combination of inputs that
Concern about the environment crosses the
a tree with a tick that lets shoppers know that
support responsible forestry,” adds Chapman.
generations, so let’s work together to make sure
Environmental charity, Forest Stewardship
the wood, paper and other forest products on
The survey revealed some generational
which it is found support responsible forestry.
differences, with older people, including the at
Two thirds of respondents who had seen the
times maligned Baby Boomers, most concerned
Timber Trader UK Magazine
Spring 2022
17
our choices reflect our beliefs and aspirations.” More at www.uk.fsc.org
www.timbermedia.co.uk
@Timber_Media
