As a business that is committed to the continuous improvement of its sustainable manufacturing practices, CorrBoard places specific focus on strengthening its supply chain integrity that supports long-term positive change across the packaging sector.
Achieving Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is just one example of this in practice, reinforcing CorrBoard’s dedication to responsible sourcing and environmental transparency. More than just a label, the FSC standard ensures that materials come from well-managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
Caroline Donson, Quality Assurance Manager at CorrBoard, explains why this certification is so important in the supply chain process.
She comments:
“Really, FSC certification is about sustainability. And sustainability is at the heart of what CorrBoard believes in. FSC promotes responsible forest management. So, for us, it’s not just about buying paper – it’s about buying paper responsibly. It gives us set standards to adhere to and that are independently audited.”
FSC is a global benchmark for ethical and environmental forest practices. For CorrBoard, holding this certification strengthens the business’s ability to ensure its materials come from forests managed in a way that protects biodiversity, respects the rights of local communities and maintains the ecological balance.
Caroline continues: “It’s not just about us either. It means we can make sure our suppliers are doing their bit too. FSC helps us to monitor the supply chain in a positive way, making sure the whole process is protecting forests, protecting wildlife and protecting the wider environment.
“The whole vibe of FSC really suits the vibe of CorrBoard and what we’re trying to achieve here. We’re already moving in the right direction – using green energy, implementing electric vehicles and reducing waste – and this just fits with that journey.”
But it’s not just about internal alignment. Certification can also play a key role in building trust with external partners.
Caroline continues: “It demonstrates that we’re a responsible supplier – one that follows the rules, works within clear guidelines and has a structured platform in place. We offer full traceability for FSC-certified products, so our customers know that if they want a responsible supplier with the evidence to back up these claims, we can deliver on it.”
Importantly, FSC is a choice, and Caroline believes that’s where it becomes a meaningful differentiator.
She continues: “It’s essentially up to the customer. Some companies buy into sustainability because it aligns with their own values, while others are less focused on it as a measure. FSC gives people the option, allowing us to work with customers who want to do the right thing. It’s not about forcing anyone into a particular way of working. But it’s there for those who want it.”
Behind the scenes, achieving certification involved a robust process of aligning with FSC’s compliance requirements.
Caroline comments: “Like with any standard, there are clauses you need to meet and prove you’re compliant with. We worked through those, then had an audit to identify any major and minor non-conformances, before we were certified.”
“It’s not necessarily a difficult process, but you do need to have a solid understanding of your own systems and have a clear structure in place.
“We also make sure that our team understands what FSC is and why it matters. Every year, we do refresher training where we explain if and why something needs a label or even if there’s a different process to follow – that way, everyone stays informed.”
FSC certification doesn’t just sit in the background either. It actively shapes how CorrBoard buys materials, works with suppliers and communicates with customers.
Caroline concludes: “FSC affects the way we buy, the suppliers we work with and the information we share – it’s part of how we operate now. This certification supports the direction we’re going in as a business. It helps us take ownership of the impact we have and ensure we’re part of a wider solution across the full supply chain.
“That’s something we’re really proud of.”
For more information about FSC certification, responsible sourcing and CorrBoard’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, please visit: www.corrboarduk.com and for regular updates, please follow CorrBoard UK on LinkedIn.
