Forest Stewardship Council: paper and packaging drive FSC growth in Italy
Paper, board, packaging and printing sectors continue to play a leading role in FSC certification in Italy, confirming their central position within certified forest-based value chains. This is highlighted in the 2025 report published by the Forest Stewardship Council Italy in connection with the International Day of Forests.
The number of active FSC Chain of Custody certificates in Italy has reached 3,902, marking a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year and involving more than 5,100 companies. Paper and board, together with printed products and packaging, are driving this growth, accounting for 631 and 1,741 certificates respectively, with a 6.1% increase over 2024.
From a geographical perspective, the highest concentration of FSC-certified companies is found in Lombardy (683), Veneto (388) and Emilia-Romagna (341). Growth is also evident in central and southern Italy, with Marche (114), Lazio (106) and Campania (105) showing notable figures. An important trend is the increasing adoption of multi-site certifications, indicating a broader integration of certification schemes within industrial groups.
For companies involved in paper and packaging production and converting, FSC certification has become a market standard, ensuring supply chain transparency and compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks. In particular, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is accelerating the adoption of traceability systems, prompting companies to strengthen their sourcing strategies and meet the expectations of international customers.
At global level, FSC Chain of Custody certifications have surpassed 70,000, compared to 63,742 in 2024, covering more than 105,000 production sites worldwide. Italy ranks second globally and in Europe in terms of number of certifications, confirming its leading role in sustainable supply chain management, especially in paper-based sectors.
FSC label: strong recognition and trust among consumers
Consumer awareness of the FSC label continues to grow. According to a global survey conducted by Ipsos for FSC International, more than 77% of consumers worldwide recognize the FSC logo. Around 52% recall having seen it, while in Italy brand awareness reaches 67%, well above the European average.
In addition, nearly 80% of consumers state that they trust brands more when FSC certification is used on products or in communication. In 2025, new companies joined FSC’s promotional licensing programme, including Scavolini, Chemio and Peruzzo, further supporting the adoption of sustainable practices across forest-based industries.
