UFP Packaging secures key FSC, SFI certifications for sustainable corrugated sourcing

USA – Grand Rapids, Michigan-based UFP Packaging has earned Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification along with Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Chain of Custody and Corporate Policies standards for its corrugated division. 

These approvals confirm that the company’s fiber inputs originate from forests managed under verified sustainable practices, enabling clients to trace materials back to responsible origins.

The move supports UFP’s role as a major supplier in the corrugated sector, where demand for certified packaging has grown amid global supply chain pressures. 

With annual production exceeding millions of units, the firm now verifies that all corrugated products meet international guidelines for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. 

This includes tracking fiber from harvest to final assembly, a process that spans suppliers across North America.

Nick Hoffman, vice president of protective packaging at UFP, highlighted the operational impacts. 

He stated that the certifications affirm long-standing efforts to minimize resource use, including techniques to maximize output from each log and cut down on wood scraps.

Hoffman added that customers can now integrate these products into their own compliance strategies without added verification steps.

UFP’s corrugated operations, which handle everything from custom boxes to protective liners, processed over 500,000 tons of fiber last year. 

The certifications apply company-wide, covering facilities in Michigan and beyond. 

This development comes as the global sustainable packaging market, valued at around US$250 billion in 2024, sees stricter regulations in regions like the European Union, where recycled content mandates are set to rise by 2026.

In a related advancement, a recent industry report by the Paper and Packaging Board notes that U.S. mills achieved a 95% recycling rate for corrugated materials in 2024, up from 92% the prior year. 

The report details how such efficiencies have diverted over 40 million tons of waste from landfills annually, with certified chains contributing to 70% of that volume. 

Experts attribute the gains to expanded collection programs and technological upgrades in sorting facilities.

UFP plans to extend these standards to its broader protective packaging lines by mid-2026, investing approximately US$2.5 million in audit compliance and supplier training. 

Company officials expect the changes to enhance partnerships with retailers facing consumer-driven demands for eco-friendly options. 

One supplier partner, a Midwest-based produce distributor, reported that switching to certified corrugated reduced their carbon footprint by 15% over six months.

These certifications mark a practical step for UFP amid rising costs for uncertified timber, which have climbed 8% since early 2024 due to supply constraints. 

By locking in sustainable sources, the company shields against future price volatility while meeting client specifications in sectors like e-commerce and food distribution. 

As Hoffman noted in a follow-up comment, the focus remains on delivering durable packaging that withstands shipping rigors without compromising forest health.

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