Sustainability labels and packaging regulations come up constantly in print buying — and they're widely misunderstood. Here's what the certifications actually mean and what the UK's packaging rules mean for businesses buying branded print.
What FSC Actually Certifies
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification means the paper's fibre has been tracked from responsibly managed forests through every stage of production — mill, merchant, printer — under an unbroken chain of custody. That last part matters: a valid FSC claim requires every link in the chain to hold its own certificate, not just the forest. It certifies responsible sourcing; it does not by itself mean recycled content (FSC has separate labels for 100% virgin, Mix, and Recycled fibre).
FSC vs PEFC
PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) is the other major global scheme. Both certify responsible forestry with chain of custody; FSC is more widely recognised by consumers, while PEFC endorses national certification systems. For most UK print buyers, either label is a sound sustainability signal — the key is that certified stock is standard across our paper range.
UK Packaging EPR: The Short Version for Print Buyers
Since 2025, the UK's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme makes businesses that place packaging on the market pay towards the cost of managing it as waste. In broad terms: larger producers (around £2m+ turnover handling 50+ tonnes of packaging a year) pay fees based on the amount and type of household packaging they supply, while smaller businesses above a lower threshold may need to record and report packaging data without paying full fees. Two practical takeaways for buyers of branded packaging:
- Paper attracts lower EPR base fees than plastic — so switching branded carrier bags and packaging to recyclable paper can reduce both cost exposure and environmental impact.
- Recyclability affects future fees — fee modulation rewards easily-recycled formats, another reason to prefer unlaminated paper.
This is general information, not compliance advice — check your own obligations on GOV.UK's Report Packaging Data service or with a compliance scheme.
What This Means When You Order
Our paper stocks are FSC-certified as standard, our kraft paper bags are unlaminated and kerbside-recyclable (glued paper handles included), and we'll always tell you honestly when a finish — like lamination or foil — affects recyclability. See the full business stationery & publications range.
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