FSC™ Forest Week – doing our part to protect forests and the planet

Forests are among the most valuable resources on our planet. They provide us with wood, paper and many other products that make life easier, while playing a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance. Forests give us clean air to breathe and provide a home for countless species of plants and animals. Trees also act as natural carbon storage, making them key allies in the fight against climate change. That’s why responsible forest management is more important than ever.

The Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) has been promoting sustainable forestry practices for many years. As an FSC™ certificate holder, Preston Packaging actively supports this mission by taking part in FSC™ Forest Week every year.

What is the FSC™ Certificate and why it matters in the packaging industry

The Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) is an independent non-profit organization founded in 1993 to promote responsible forest management worldwide.
An FSC™ certificate ensures that wood and other forest-based materials – such as paper used in packaging – are sourced sustainably, with respect for nature, local communities, and future generations.

By choosing products labeled with the FSC™ logo, customers actively contribute to the protection of forests and the natural environment.
In the packaging industry, this certification is particularly important as it allows manufacturers and brands to clearly communicate their environmental commitment while building trust with consumers who increasingly prioritize sustainability when making purchasing decisions.

What is FSC™ Forest Week?

FSC™ Forest Week is a global campaign held every September to raise awareness among consumers and businesses about the importance of protecting forests and promoting sustainable forestry.
This year, the event takes place from September 20–26, encouraging everyone to do “one simple thing” for forests – even a small action can have a big impact on a global scale.

Last year, more than 1,400 companies and organizations worldwide took part, including nearly 90 from Poland, reaching over 150 million consumers with a message of sustainability.
This year, we are once again proud to join the initiative to educate, inspire, and take action for the environment.

Why it matters?

Forests are the foundation of life on Earth. They regulate the climate, produce oxygen, and are home to thousands of plant and animal species. They are also a source of renewable raw materials, such as wood, essential for many industries – including packaging.

Unfortunately, millions of hectares of forests disappear each year due to illegal logging and irresponsible forest management, accelerating climate change and causing a drastic loss of biodiversity.

This is why it’s so important for companies to choose and promote FSC™-certified products.
The FSC™ logo on packaging is a clear signal to consumers that the product was made using responsibly sourced materials.

For businesses, this goes beyond ecological responsibility – it’s also about building trust and competitive advantage. More and more customers, both individuals and companies, are seeking brands that care about the environment.
By featuring the FSC™ label on their products, companies show that their operations have a positive impact on the planet, while empowering consumers to make conscious purchasing decisions.

Promoting FSC™ certification is a simple yet powerful way to support forest protection and fight the climate crisis.

Our actions for the environment – small steps, big changes

At Preston Packaging, we believe that even the smallest change can make a big difference when applied consistently. As part of this year’s FSC™ Forest Week, we’ve prepared several initiatives to promote environmental education among our clients and employees. These are simple actions that don’t require major resources but raise awareness and influence everyday habits.

However, protecting the environment for us isn’t just about campaigns or special events – it’s part of our daily operations.
Here are some of the practices we implement to support sustainable development and the principles of a circular economy:

• Paper waste segregation – we separate paper waste into three categories: white, gray, and offset, enabling effective recycling and reuse.
• Eliminating single-use plastics – we replaced disposable cups with reusable bottles, significantly reducing plastic waste.
• Internal educational campaign – we encourage employees to save water, energy, and paper towels. A fun squirrel mascot on stickers throughout the company serves as a reminder to adopt eco-friendly habits.
• Circular economy approach – we treat waste as a valuable resource that can be reused. Many of our packaging solutions are made from recycled materials or reclaimed paper.
• Process optimization – implementing modern machines and software has allowed us to significantly reduce paper waste during production.
• Investing in modern technology – we choose energy-efficient equipment to lower energy consumption and minimize production waste.
• Green energy – we use 100% renewable energy, reducing our annual CO₂ emissions by over 600 tons.
• Ideas and improvement program – we engage employees to share their ideas for pro-environmental actions and process improvements.

These daily practices show that small, consistent steps can lead to significant results. Together, we are building a culture of environmental responsibility where everyone plays a part in protecting our planet.

FSC™ Certification in our business

Preston Packaging has been an FSC™ certificate holder since 2018. Our license code is FSC-C140505. In 2020, we expanded our certification to include the FSC 100% product group, meaning we now offer packaging across all three FSC™ certification categories:
FSC 100%, FSC Mix, and FSC Recycled.

Each package bearing the FSC™ logo is proof that its raw materials were sourced responsibly.
It also serves as a message to our clients and their consumers that caring for the environment is our priority. By working with us, companies in the pharmaceutical, dietary supplements, and cosmetics industries can easily participate in protecting forests and communicate their sustainability values to customers.

Small gestures, big impact

The theme of this year’s FSC™ Forest Week – “Do one thing for the forest” – perfectly reflects our philosophy. Big changes don’t always require revolutions. Sometimes, it’s as simple as sorting waste, avoiding single-use products, or choosing sustainable materials to make a real difference for the environment. Through collective effort, we can protect forests – for ourselves, for future generations, and for our planet. Everyone has a role to play.

Summary

Climate change is a challenge that affects us all. At Preston Packaging, we believe that companies have a special responsibility to protect the environment. That’s why, every day, we take action to minimize our environmental impact – from sourcing sustainable raw materials to optimizing production processes and educating our employees.

By joining FSC™ Forest Week, our goal is to inspire others to take action, showing that every effort, no matter how small, truly matters.