FSC® logo – guidelines for using the FSC symbol on packaging

If you work with an FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certified packaging manufacturer – such as us here at GWP – you can add the FSC logo to your boxes, wraps, inserts and more.

Using applicable FSC logos on your packaging has several benefits, including showing your business’s green credentials, helping the environment, and attracting new customers.

But how do you use the FSC packaging logos? And maximise their effectiveness?

Guidelines for using the FSC symbols include selecting the right format, using them at an appropriate size, and adding a specified exclusion zone. Rules also apply to the use of colours, supplementary information, trademarks and modifications. Using the FSC logo on packaging also requires following an official approval process.

This guide provides a concise, easy-to-follow summary of the key points to consider and adhere to when creating artwork for your packaging.

There are several compelling reasons to use the logos and trademarks associated with FSC on your business’s corrugated packaging.

Doing so highlights how your business is looking to be sustainable. It can enhance your sustainability credentials (as FSC provides support for smallholders and indigenous people). And ultimately, it shows that your business is taking its environmental responsibilities seriously.

Using FSC logos on your packaging directly increases consumer confidence in your brand and business, helping sales and customer loyalty.

If you are still not convinced, this article details all of the reasons why your business should use FSC cardboard boxes.

So, where and how can your business use FSC logos and branding?

If you have specifically requested FSC-certified packaging from your packaging supplier, you can use the logos and trademarks in the following ways.

• Printed directly onto your packaging
• Printed onto labels, which you can then affix to your packaging

This latter option can be particularly useful if you already have printing plates and do not wish to purchase new ones to add the logo during your print runs.

Please note, however, that whichever method you choose, you must still adhere to the guidelines on the rest of this page (and in the full branding guideline documents).

The FSC must also approve the artwork before your supplier can print your transit, postal or eCommerce boxes with FSC logos, trademarks and other details.

At GWP, we are happy to assist at all stages of this process.

Choosing to use FSC packaging also allows you to apply for a promotional license directly with the Forest Stewardship Council.

This license allows you to use all of the FSC trademarks to communicate your use of FSC-certified packaging and, in turn, your commitment to responsible forestry.

Doing so allows you to use the FSC logo on not only your packaging but also:

• Website.
• Blog and news articles.
• Social media posts.
• Printed brochures and flyers.
• Advertisements.
• Press releases.

Please note that a fee is associated with the FSC promotional license, and FSC must approve all logo/trademark use before publication.

Please speak with a member of the team here at GWP for further information, or find more details at fsc.org/en/promote-with-fsc

Before getting started, it is essential to recognise the different elements of the FSC logo used on your packaging and the various options.

Please note that items highlighted in grey are not compulsory.

Not all of the elements on the full logo are compulsory. This flexibility can allow for less information to be displayed if required (for example, if space is limited, resulting in a smaller and/or more legible label).

The following example highlights the differences between the FSC logo containing all elements and the FSC logo containing only the compulsory elements.

You can use three different types of logos, depending on the composition of the material used to manufacture your packaging.

While GWP customers will almost always use the “MIX” logo, your packaging supplier should be able to advise on the most suitable option for your applications.

After deciding on the relevant information to include on your label, you can select from two formats of the FSC logo: landscape and portrait.

There are also what are known as solid or outline versions of both formats.

Please also refer to the section regarding acceptable FSC logo colour when creating artwork for your packaging.

Having selected an appropriate logo format that incorporates the correct and relevant information, the next step is to add the FSC branding to your packaging.

Before getting started, ensure you have the relevant box layout(s) so you or your design team or agency can create the artwork.

Please note that while this section covers the most important points to consider, it is not exhaustive. You can download the full FSC branding guidelines and documentation here for your reference and further reading.

Please also do not hesitate to get in touch should you have any difficulties in creating the necessary artwork files.

Even if not using a logo, any text or straplines referencing the FSC and/or Forest Stewardship Council must include the appropriate trademarks (e.g., a statement that says, “This packaging is manufactured using FSC certified material”).

As such, you must use the ® symbol on the first or most prominent use of the initials FSC and Forest Stewardship Council on your packaging. For example:

Please note that all logos supplied by GWP for artwork purposes include the correct trademarks as standard.

The following diagrams highlight the minimum accepted and recommended sizes for the two logo formats. You should also consult your packaging supplier or printer, to ascertain any limitations they may have in terms of size and, in particular, text legibility.

When placing logos relating to FSC on packaging artwork, you must incorporate the specified exclusion zones.

This is effectively the height of the FSC text and applies to all four sides of the logo.

You can use these acceptable colours and formats on Kraft (i.e. brown) corrugated material:

Custom colours are only permitted when your packaging uses a single or two-colour print.

For example, if your boxes feature print in a single colour with your brand logo in Pantone 256C, you can also print the FSC logo in this colour.

If printing the FSC logo in a nonstandard colour, then the logo must remain clear and legible.

The following show the acceptable colours and formats for white corrugated material:

Remember, custom colours are only permitted when your packaging uses a single or two-colour print.

For full-colour jobs, you should print the logo in the correct green (Pantone 626C), white, or black.

If your packaging features an all-over print or pattern, it is still possible to use the FSC logo.

If you are not using full-colour print, you can use nonstandard colours for the logo. Please note that you must still adhere to the guidance regarding legibility and exclusion zones.

For full-colour jobs (e.g., litho laminated print), you should print the logo in the correct green (Pantone 626C), white, or black.

Do not alter the supplied FSC packaging logos when creating your artwork. Common examples of what cannot be done include:

It is also essential that you do not use the FSC trademarks together with the marks of other forest certification schemes, implying equivalence or in a way which is disadvantageous to the FSC trademarks in terms of size or placement.

You must also not use the logo in a misleading way, such as near or in combination with other branding, text, or claims.

Once you have created your artwork, it must be formally approved by the FSC. Approvals are checked during every FSC registered packaging supplier’s annual audit to ensure the correct use of all trademarks.

Therefore, the following steps provide an outline of the whole artwork creation and approval process when adding FSC logos to your corrugated packaging:

• Firstly, request that all your packaging uses FSC-certified material (if not already).
• Discuss your requirements and possible use of the FSC logo on your packaging.
• Advise on the format and style you would like the FSC logo to take (landscape/portrait) and what elements to include.
• GWP or your packaging supplier supply the logo(s) in vector format (PDF, EPS etc.) alongside any box and cutter guides for the creation of your artwork
• Your design agency or in-house artwork team can use the supplied files to incorporate the FSC logos onto your box(es), following the applicable guidelines*.
• Once the artwork has been created, request approval from FSC (for GWP customers, please email full-size PDFs to your account manager or marketing@gwp.co.uk. GWP will gain the necessary approval from FSC.)

Your boxes can now be printed with the FSC logos included!

Besides this article, you may find the following guidelines helpful when creating your artwork:

Full FSC Branding Guidelines

FSC Trademark Quick Guide

FSC Website