You’ve seen that SunDance is FSC Certified and know it has something to do with sustainable forests, but… what, exactly?

FSC, the Forest Stewardship Council, is “a nonprofit organization providing trusted solutions to help protect the world’s forests and tackle today’s deforestation, climate, and biodiversity challenges.” Worldwide more than 370 million acres of forest is certified according to FSC standards, which are designed to address a broad range of environmental, social, and economic factors. They are the leading catalyst and defining force for improved forest management and market transformation, shifting the global forest trend toward sustainable use, conservation, restoration, and respect for all.

SunDance’s FSC Certification

SunDance is a manufacturer certified under FSC’s Chain of Custody Certification, which verifies that forest-based materials produced according to their rigorous standards are used along the product’s path from the forest to becoming finished goods.

To qualify for this FSC Certification we use FSC-certified materials (including reclaimed materials), identify and track these materials, and keep careful records. The other requirements are no child or forced labor, no discrimination in employment and occupation, and freedom of association/the right to collective bargaining. To maintain our certification we are audited annually by FSC representatives.

Our core commitment to sustainability led to the methods that earn this certification. The FSC system is a proven, impactful method to prevent deforestation, preserve biodiversity, and protect human rights. SunDance’s FSC certification number is C155908.

 

FSC’s 10 Principles

The foundation of their forestry standards, developed to be relevant to different kinds of forest ecosystems and in diverse cultural, political, and legal settings. Managers of certified forests must:

1. Comply with all applicable laws
2. Maintain or improve the social and economic wellbeing of workers
3. Uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples
4. Maintain or improve the social and economic wellbeing of local communities
5. Manage products and services in a way that maintains or improves long-term economic viability, social benefits, and environmental benefits
6. Maintain, conserve, and/or restore the ecosystem services and environmental values of managed forests; and also avoid, repair, or mitigate negative environmental impacts
7. Establish a management plan that outlines their economic, environmental, and social policies and objectives
8. Demonstrate progress toward meeting these objectives
9. Maintain or improve high conservation values
10. Ensure that all management activities comply with FSC principles and criteria

FSC provides a complete description of these principles and the criteria that determine whether the principles are being followed.