Exceptional situation, exceptional measure. Due to supply problems caused by the current health situation, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) grants an exemption on the use of virgin fibre in FSC recycled products.
The coronavirus epidemic has led to a sharp increase in demand for tissue paper and other paper-based hygiene products. However, many of these products contain paper with the FSC Mixed (product made from fibre from FSC certified forests and recycled materials) and FSC Recycled (product made from 100% recycled fibre) labels.
"Companies are beginning to face a shortage of recycled fiber for the manufacture of these products, due to supply difficulties and transportation restrictions in many parts of the world as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic." explains the environmental organization.
The FSC has therefore issued a derogation (FSC-DER-2020-003) allowing companies to use virgin fibre for tissue and hygiene products bearing the FSC recycled label.
"This should be a short-term measure until the situation at covid-19 improves and the relevant supply chains and volumes are restored."
This waiver approved on April 16 and granted until June 30 (which will be reviewed regularly) is subject to several conditions.
For example, it applies if and only if the organization demonstrates that there is a shortage of recycled fibre due to the VIDOC-19 pandemic and that it cannot logistically change the FSC Recycled to FSC Mix label on the product packaging for the derogation period. In addition, the proportion of virgin fibre in a product labelled FSC Recycled shall be less than 50 %.
