What Is FSC® Certification and Why It Matters in Fashion

When you think of sustainable fashion, you might think about organic cotton or recycled polyester. But what about the trees behind your clothes? From hang tags to packaging, and even some fabric fibers like modal, lyocell, and viscose—forests are more involved in fashion than you might expect. That’s where the FSC® certification comes in.

What Is FSC®?

FSC® stands for the Forest Stewardship Council®, an international nonprofit that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC® certification is widely recognized as the gold standard when it comes to forest-based materials, whether it’s the cardboard box your clothes arrive in or the plant-based fibers used in the clothes themselves.

The FSC® doesn’t just ensure that trees are replanted. It looks at the entire ecosystem—biodiversity, indigenous rights, water conservation, and more—to make sure forests can thrive for generations to come.

How FSC® Applies to Fashion

Many people associate FSC® with paper products, but it also plays a big role in fashion. Here's how:

  • Fiber Sourcing: Some fabrics—especially rayon, viscose, lyocell, and modal—are made from wood pulp. FSC® ensures that the trees used for these fibers are harvested in a way that doesn't contribute to deforestation or human rights abuses.
  • Packaging: Garment tags, shipping boxes, tissue paper, and product inserts are often made from FSC®-certified paper or cardboard.

By choosing FSC®-certified sources, brands can reduce their impact on ancient and endangered forests and support more sustainable alternatives.

Why FSC® Matters

Global deforestation is a major environmental issue, affecting biodiversity, indigenous communities, and the climate. The fashion industry—especially through viscose and other tree-based fibers—has historically contributed to these problems.

FSC® offers a credible, verifiable way to make sure that forest-based materials are harvested responsibly. This includes:

  • Protecting old-growth forests
  • Respecting indigenous land rights
  • Promoting sustainable forestry practices
  • Preventing illegal logging

In other words, FSC® makes sure that the tree behind your tag, box, or T-shirt wasn’t part of the problem.

What the Labels Mean

There are three common FSC® labels you might see:

  • FSC® 100%: All wood or fiber comes from FSC®-certified forests.
  • FSC® Recycled: All materials come from verified recycled sources.
  • FSC® Mix: A combination of FSC®-certified, recycled, and/or controlled sources.

Each version supports forest health in a different way, and all are a step in the right direction compared to non-certified alternatives.

How Losano Uses FSC®

At Losano, we look at every part of the supply chain—not just the fabric. That means considering what our hang tags are printed on, how our products are packaged, and where our raw materials come from.

We use FSC®-certified paper goods wherever possible, from marketing materials to garment tags. And when it comes to our fabrics, we prioritize tree-based fibers (like modal) that are not just soft and sustainable, but also sourced from FSC®-certified forests whenever available.

The Takeaway

Sustainability in fashion isn’t just about what you wear. It’s about the materials that support and surround those pieces too. FSC® certification helps ensure that when forests are used, they’re not abused.

Choosing FSC®-certified materials means standing up for forest conservation, indigenous rights, and long-term environmental health. At Losano, that’s a choice we make on purpose—and we’re proud to share it with you.

Want to learn more about the certifications behind our clothing? Reach out anytime. We’re always happy to share more about how we source and produce every piece.

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