Promotional Logo Use
Show the world your committment to responsible forestry
Consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability as a key purchase consideration –and companies globally need to meet this demand. When it comes to sustainable forestry and responsible sourcing, the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is the most recognized and trusted mark for shoppers around the world –and the solution to address the needs of companies and consumers.
For companies that sell or use FSC-certified finished and labelled goods, FSC offers the Promotional License Holder Program, which enables promote FSC-certified products in marketing and advertising efforts including printed materials, training and point of sale materials, social media, video, websites, reports and more.
Recognized and trusted by consumers
FSC offers the world´s most trusted and rigorous sustainable forestry solution. The promotion of FSC products using the FSC trademarks helps consumers make informed decisions about the products and materials they purchase.
- 46% of global consumers know the FSC logo
- 62% of them will choose an FSC-certified product over its non-certified equivalent.
- 80% of consumers who know FSC say they’re more likely to trust a brand if it offers FSC-certified products.
Key benefits as a promotional license holder:
The Promotional License allows companies to use the FSC logo in your marketing and advertising efforts including printed, training and point of sale materials, social media, video, websites, reports and more. With a promotional license, you can:
- Use of the FSC logo to show your commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. Benefit from one of the most trusted and widely recognized logos worldwide. Be part of global campaigns and events such as Forest Week to increase your brand´s visibility.
- Verification that promoted products are FSC-certified and assurance that your communications are credible and substantiated. By joining a system that has measures in place to ensure integrity, you can build trust among your audiences and strengthen your brand’s reputation as a force for good.
- Support and tips from a network of experts on sustainable sourcing. Achieve your sustainability goals and meet the public demand. A promotional license also allows companies to engage FSC directly for help in developing content in promotional materials and campaigns.
- Access to various training sessions to help bring your sustainability story to life. The training sessions are available on various topics, such as how to leverage the FSC logo.
Unlock the power of the FSC logo
An FSC promotional licence can benefit you and the planet. A licence allows you to use the globally recognized FSC logo and other FSC trademarks in your promotional materials. Displaying our marks shows your clear commitment to responsible forestry while attracting like-minded customers, employees, and other stakeholders.
See everything an FSC promotional licence offers below.
Who is eligible for a promotional license?
To promote finished FSC-certified products (packaged and labelled) all of the following requirements must be met:
- The products are finished and are to be sold only to final consumers;
- The products are individually labeled with the appropriate FSC Label;
- The products have been sourced directly from, and invoiced by, an FSC-certified company;
- The products are covered by the scope of that company's Chain of Custody certificate; and
- The products are not to be transformed/altered, repacked or relabeled in any way.
If you do not meet all of the requirements above e.g. if you label or manufacture products, you may need to attain an FSC certificate.
Please note that possession of a Promotional License does not allow a company to place the FSC label on a product it did not directly manufacture – this can only be done by an FSC-certified Chain of Custody company (e.g., the manufacturer). A trademark license simply allows retailers to use FSC trademarks to promote the certified products it offers to its customers.
Brands using their promotional license
Samsung Canada
Samsung Canada joined as a new Promotional License Holder in 2023 to promote their FSC-certified packaging products. With FSC, they also celebrated earth month with a fundraising campaign. Throughout the month of April 2023, Samsung Canada donated $1 to FSC Canada,, for every purchase made in-store and online at Samsung.com. In addition, through June 2023, for each review that Canadians left on Samsung’s website (whether positive or negative), Samsung donated an additional $10 to FSC Canada.
Lululemon
Lululemon is actively steering its sustainability journey by transitioning all yoga mats to natural rubber sourced sustainably and certified by FSC.
Additionally, Lululemon is targeting 100% responsible sourcing of forest-based materials, emphasizing its dedication to preserving healthy ecosystems.
They utilized their FSC promotional license on their ecommerce site to help consumers easily identify FSC-certified products.
Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire wanted to make the holidays green by sourcing FSC-certified wood and paper for their CANVAS line of Christmas decorations.
They utilized their FSC promotion license by promoting their FSC-certified wrapping paper, gift bags and other products in their weekly flyers and ecommerce website to help consumers easily identify their sustainable offerings.
Hunter Boots
For British heritage-brand, Hunter, natural rubber, from the sap of rubber trees, is its most important raw material. Hunter launched it’s first FSC-certified boots in 2020. This FSC-certified collection forms part of Hunter’s wider Hunter Protect strategy, which includes a commitment to ensure all Hunter rubber footwear is certified by 2025.
They utilized their promotional license in a consumer education campaign by integrating FSC into various communication channels, including direct emails, social media, press outreach, influencers, and sustainability-themed retail stores.
4 steps to securing a promotional license for promotional use
step
01
Fill in an application form
Sign an application form with your company and contact details, why you want to use the FSC trademarks and a list of countries where you wish to promote.
step
02
Provide proof that the products are FSC-certified
This can include invoices, order confirmations, purchasing orders stating the FSC products being supplied, their associated FSC claim(s) and the certificate number of the supplier. Financial information can be blacked out. Copies of suppliers FSC certificates are not sufficient.
step
03
Sign a promotional license agreement
Once we receive your application form, we will send a customized promotional license agreement.
step
04
Once the application is approved an annual administration fee will apply
Fees are calculated on a scale from $250 to $10,000 per annum based on the size of a company, see Trademark License Agreement for details. A portion of the fee is used for the ongoing monitoring of FSC trademark use by organizations operating outside the FSC system.
Contact us for more information about a promotional license:
FSC trademark use by promotional licence holders guide
Our trademarks include the initials FSC, the name Forest Stewardship Council, the FSC 'check-tree' logo, and the ‘Forests For All Forever’ trademarks.
Our trademarks have been designed not only to promote the work of FSC and to inspire a love for forests, but also to enhance your brand and show your customers you care. This guide shows how FSC promotional licence holders can use our globally recognised trademarks for the promotion of FSC and FSC-certified products and services.
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