FSC® certification provides traceability throughout a book’s journey from forest to reader
When a book is printed, its story begins long before it reaches the printing press. The origin of the paper, material supply chains and traceability are matters that an increasing number of publishers, organisations and readers pay attention to.
Otava Book Printing has FSC® Chain of Custody certification, which helps demonstrate the origin and traceability of FSC®-certified wood-based materials at different stages of the supply chain.
A significant share of the products printed in Keuruu are made using FSC®-certified paper and board. FSC® certification enables the FSC® trademark to be used on products that meet the requirements of the FSC® system.
Certificate details
FSC® licence code: FSC-C195127
Certificate code: DNV-COC-002805
Initial certification date: 6 November 2023
Valid until: 5 November 2028
Applicable standard: FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1
The validity of the certificate can be verified through FSC’s public search service: FSC Search
What does FSC® certification mean in practice?
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an international certification system. The FSC® system includes requirements concerning, among other things, forest management as well as the management and traceability of wood-based materials throughout the supply chain.
In practice, this means that the origin of FSC®-certified materials can be verified and their handling is monitored throughout the production process in accordance with the requirements of the FSC® system.
“A book is the result of collaboration between many different parties. FSC® certification enables us to demonstrate to our customers how the origin and traceability of FSC®-certified materials are managed at different stages of the supply chain. It provides transparency to the process and gives our customers the option of choosing FSC®-labelled printed products,” says Marko Silventoinen, Managing Director of Otava Book Printing.
Traceability is audited annually
FSC® certification is not based solely on documentation. The certification includes an annual audit covering areas such as material management, personnel competence and compliance with FSC® requirements.
“The audits examine, for example, whether FSC®-certified materials can be reliably traced and whether they are handled in accordance with the requirements of the FSC® system throughout the production process,” Silventoinen says.
An opportunity for customers to communicate about their material choices
For many publishers, companies and organisations, material choices for printed products are an important part of their sustainability work. The FSC® trademark provides an opportunity to communicate that the wood-based materials used in a product meet the requirements of the FSC® system.
Otava Book Printing offers its customers the option of using FSC®-certified materials in a variety of books, learning materials and other printed products.
