BioPak urges packaging sector to embrace FSC-certified materials ahead of forest week

UK – As global deforestation accelerates, BioPak has issued a strong appeal to the packaging and foodservice sectors to prioritize Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified products. 

The push comes just before FSC Forest Week, set for September 20-26, 2025, when industry leaders aim to highlight responsible sourcing practices.

In a statement released this week, the company emphasized that FSC certification guarantees materials derive from responsibly managed forests, reclaimed lands, or controlled wood sources. 

This approach prevents illegal logging and protects vital ecosystems. BioPak, known for its renewable foodservice packaging like FSC-certified paper and birchwood products, holds FSC license number C110879.

Gary Smith, CEO of BioPak, highlighted the urgency of the issue. “The Earth loses 18.7 million acres of forests per year, which is equal to 27 soccer fields every minute,” he said. 

Smith noted that such rapid loss threatens environmental stability and social structures worldwide. 

He explained that FSC standards explicitly prohibit illegal harvesting, ecosystem damage, and human rights abuses in supply chains.

Lea Maguero, BioPak’s head of sustainability, detailed the certification process. She pointed out that forests must adhere to ten core principles to qualify, covering aspects from biodiversity protection to community rights. 

According to Maguero, this framework delivers environmental, social, and economic gains throughout a product’s lifecycle, from harvesting to end-use.

The call to action has drawn praise from FSC leadership. Melanie Robertson, CEO of the Forest Stewardship Council, commended BioPak’s long-term dedication. 

In a statement, she said the company has maintained FSC Chain of Custody certification for over a decade, ensuring traceability across its operations. 

Robertson added that BioPak’s efforts during Forest Week will help secure forests, wildlife habitats, and local communities while encouraging broader industry accountability.

BioPak’s initiative arrives amid rising corporate commitments to certified materials. 

For instance, McDonald’s has pledged that all its packaging will come from renewable, recycled, or certified sources by the end of 2025, a move that has already diverted over 300 million pounds of waste from landfills through earlier sustainability efforts. 

In a related development, IPL Packaging renewed its FSC partnership for 2025, joining nearly 1,200 members across 89 countries focused on verifiable sustainable manufacturing.

Glen Broomberg, IPL’s head of global business development, stated that the renewal validates years of shared priorities with FSC on forest protection. 

He said it reassures clients and supports ongoing conservation.

These steps signal growing momentum in the sector. By integrating FSC-certified options, businesses can trace materials back to ethical origins, reducing reliance on unregulated timber.

BioPak’s products, priced accessibly in US$ markets, include compostable containers starting at US$0.05 per unit for bulk orders, making the shift feasible for cafes and restaurants.

As Forest Week approaches, industry observers expect more announcements on certification expansions. 

The event will feature virtual panels on supply chain transparency, drawing participants from Europe to Asia-Pacific. 

BioPak plans to showcase case studies of clients who cut their carbon footprints by 15% after switching to certified packaging.

With forests covering just 31% of Earth’s land and facing annual losses equivalent to US$150 billion in ecosystem services, timely adoption of FSC standards could preserve millions of acres. 

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