WOOD AND PAPER CLARIFICATIONS
Packaging Scope
Wood and paper-based components of product packaging must be responsibly sourced, by demonstrating that all the materials are FSC Certified or from salvaged sources. Packaging includes any paper, cardboard or wood used to protect and ship the product from the final facility.
FSC Certification Types
All FSC-certified material must be purchased from FSC-certified companies with the requisite claims included on the invoice. Two types of FSC Certification can be used to comply:
- Full Certification: All forest-based materials and products are valid FSC claim-contributing inputs (including wood that is FSC 100%, FSC Mix Credit, FSC Mix XX%, FSC Recycled Credit, FSC Recycled XX%, post-consumer reclaimed wood.)
Certain types of packaging may be difficult to source with FSC Certification, including corrugated cardboard. In these cases, manufacturers may apply to use Exception MT-009 Alternative Forestry Certifications for Product Packaging.
Salvaged Wood
Salvaged wood used in the product or packaging is not required to demonstrate FSC certification. Salvaged wood for products includes wood previously used in building or product applications that can be repurposed wholly in its current form or with slight refurbishment or alterations.
Organic Agricultural Inputs
Agricultural inputs to Living Products should be responsibly produced and farmed. Wherever possible, manufacturers should seek to source USDA organic agricultural inputs.
Exceptions are provided for commodity and bio-based products for which no USDA or international equivalent certification exists.
POTENTIAL CONFLICT MINERALS CLARIFCATIONS
Some minerals and metals that may be considered conflict minerals or metals do not have an applicable Standard for smelters and refiners that participate in the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP). In this case, manufacturers should request that the smelter or refiner complete a Risk Readiness Assessment for the manufacturer “to promote a common understanding of good practices and a means to consistently assess risks in mineral supply chains.” Currently, the Risk Readiness Assessment covers the following metals and minerals: Aluminum, Alumina, Bauxite, Cobalt, Copper, Gold, Graphite, Iron Ore, Lead, Lithium, Mica, Molybdenum, Nickel, Palladium, Platinum, Rare Earth Elements, Silver, Steel, Tantalum, Tin, Tungsten, and Zinc.
