OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

On October 15, 2024, Photovalue proudly became FSC® certified, and our mounts and folders have recently achieved FSC certification!

This important milestone underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, something we know is increasingly valuable to you and your customers, especially as pressures mount for institutions to prioritise eco-friendly solutions.

Please ask us about our FSC® certified products.

FSC Forests For All Forever

WHAT DOES FSC CERTIFICATION MEAN?

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting responsible forest management.

Established in 1993, it ensures that forests are managed in ways that preserve biodiversity, benefit local communities, and are economically viable. FSC certification means that our products are made of material from well-managed FSC®-certified forests, recycled materials, and other controlled sources, ensuring environmental sustainability, social benefits, and economic viability. By choosing our FSC-certified mounts and folders, your clients can confidently support a chain of custody that helps protect the world's forests.

Our products will carry the FSC MIX label, which means they are made with FSC-certified materials (minimum 70%) and other controlled sources. This certification reflects our dedication to sustainable practices and our alignment with globally recognised environmental standards.

KEY FACTS ABOUT FSC

  • FSC-certified materials come from well-managed forests or verifiedrecycled sources.
  • The FSC label is trusted globally, appearing on products ranging frompaper to furniture.
  • Certification helps combat deforestation, illegal logging, and unethicalforestry practices.

THE ROLE OF THE FSC LABEL

The FSC label indicates to customers that a product meets stringentenvironmental and ethical standards. At Photovalue, our products willcarry the FSC MIX label, signifying a sustainable blend of materials.

FSC Mix

Look for the FSC label on our product packaging

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

If you’re working with universities, schools, and local authorities, thiscertification is an asset. Many educational institutions are under pressure tomeet higher environmental standards, and providing FSC-certified productsallows them to demonstrate compliance with their sustainability initiatives.

Sustainable Products for Schools and Universities

HOW YOU CAN USE THIS INFORMATION
Showcase your dedication to sustainability in your marketing and communications. Emphasise how your commitment to environmentally responsible practices adds value to your products and resonates with eco-conscious consumers. Highlight the benefits of sustainable sourcing and how it contributes to a greener planet. This approach not only aligns with modern consumers' values but also enhances your brand's reputation and trustworthiness.

HELP YOUR CLIENTS BE MORE SUSTAINABLE
If your customers value environmentally conscious choices, this certification adds value to the products you supply them.

 


WHAT YOU CAN OR CAN'T SAY & DO

  • ✔ Mention that the products they purchase from you are “made from materials sourced from certified forests and other controlled sources.”
  • ✔ Use phrases such as "responsibly sourced forests" or "responsibly managed forests" to describe the origin of the materials.
  • ✔ State that there is a “certified Chain of Custody that is fully traceable back to certified forests and other controlled sources”, ensuring transparency and responsibility in sourcing.
  • ✔ Educate your customers about the importance of conservation and responsible forest management practices reflected in the products.
  • ✖ Use the acronym "FSC" or the name "Forest Stewardship Council" in any marketing or communication materials.
  • ✖ Use any FSC logos, or any imagery or trademarks associated with FSC, in your promotional materials.
  • ✖ Imply or state that your products are certified by FSC, unless you have their own FSC certification or a promotional license (see below).

FSC PROMOTIONAL TRADEMARK LICENSE

What is it?

An FSC® promotional trademark license allows companies that are not FSCcertified but sell or use FSC-certified finished and labeled goods to legallyuse the FSC trademarks in their promotional materials.

This includes the use of the FSC logo and other related trademarks todemonstrate their support for sustainable forestry. The license is designedto help businesses communicate their commitment to responsible forestrypractices to consumers, enhancing their brand's association withenvironmental stewardship.

The process for obtaining this license involves applying through the FSC,submitting necessary documentation to prove the products beingpromoted are FSC-certified, and signing a license agreement. Uponsuccessful application, the company is given a unique license code and therights to use the FSC trademarks in their promotional activities.



How to apply for one

STEP 1:
Contact FSC UK who will assess whether your organisation is eligible to hold a promotional licence
STEP 2:
Complete an application form
STEP 3:
Provide evidence of the certified status of the products your organisation sells/uses
STEP 4:
FSC UK will determine your licence fee and send you a licence agreement to sign
STEP 5:
Learn how to use your licence and the FSC trademarks
STEP 6:
Start Promoting!


To find out more about obtaining a Promotional License, visit: https://uk.fsc.org/promotional-licensing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are all Photovalue products FSC certified?

A: All of our mounts and folders will be FSC certified as part of a rolling change in production. While some items will transition more quickly than others, our goal is for all mounts and folders to be fully FSC certified over time. Please note that other products, such as board envelopes, are not currently included in this transition. Please ask us about our FSC® certified products.



Q: What does FSC MIX mean?

A: It signifies that the product is made with at least 70% FSC-certifiedmaterial and other controlled sources.



Q: Why is traceability important?

A: It ensures that the product's materials come from responsible sourcesand comply with FSC standards.



Q: What are the environmental benefits of using FSC certified products?

A: It reduces deforestation. Certified forests are managed to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health. It also helps to combat climate change. Sustainable forestry practices helpsequester carbon and protect natural habitats.



Q: What are the economic and social impacts?

A: It supports local communities. FSC certification ensures fair wages andsafe working conditions for forest workers. It also encourages ethical business practices. Customers are increasingly favouring companies with sustainable credentials.



To Find Out More

You can find out more about FSC at: https://uk.fsc.org/what-is-fsc