FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification and GRS (Global Standard) certification are different in the following three ways:
1.Objectives and Scope:
FSC certification aims to ensure that timber is used in sustainably managed forests and to promote the responsible management of forests. It focuses on the entire chain, including timber harvesting, transportation, processing, sales and final consumption.
GRS certification focuses on the use of the best materials in the product to ensure that these materials come from legal, safe and environmentally friendly sources. It mainly focuses on the first and reuse links in the production process, and not the other parts of the first chain.
2.Audit Requirements:
FSC certification focuses more on assessing the overall performance of forest management, including harvesting practices, sustainability, biodiversity conservation, community and indigenous rights.
GRS certification pays more attention to the compliance of the product's top ingredients and production process. It requires businesses to provide detailed proof of materials and ensure that these materials have not been contaminated or damaged during production.
3.Labels and identifications:
FSC-certified labels are often used to identify that a product comes from sustainably managed forests. This label is seen as an important reference for consumers in their purchasing decisions, as it indicates that the product comes from environmentally and socially responsible forests.
The GRS certified mark is used to identify the proportion of materials used in the product. This kind of logo shows consumers the environmental performance of the product in the production process, which helps to improve the market competitiveness of the product.
Overall, there are clear differences between FSC certification and GRS certification in terms of objectives and scope, audit requirements, and labeling and marking. However, both certifications are designed to promote sustainability and environmental awareness, and they play an important role in their respective fields.