At The Bernard Group, believe great design shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet. We’re constantly developing and evolving our production to provide eco-friendly solutions that don’t compromise on quality. One such solution? Our Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC®) Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification.
For marketing concepts and retail fixtures, these sustainably-sourced materials prove that how you build is just as important as what you build.
Key Takeaways:
- The Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC®) sets the standard for responsible forest management, ensuring that wood products are harvested in a way that protects biodiversity, prevents deforestation, and supports local communities.
- As a Chain of Custody (CoC) certified manufacturer, The Bernard Group acts as a “verified paper/wood trail tracker”, monitoring sustainable materials through every stage of production.
- This certification allows clients to swap conventional materials for eco-friendly alternatives (like FSC wood), providing retail environments that are built responsibly.
What is FSC® Certification?
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to responsible forest management. FSC sets the “gold standard” for wood products, ensuring they are managed in an environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner.
By choosing FSC-certified materials, you ensure your project does not contribute to:
- Deforestation or habitat destruction
- The loss of biodiversity
- The exploitation of local communities or forest workers
The Importance of Chain of Custody (Coc)
There are different levels of certification, but the Chain of Custody (Coc) is what sets The Bernard Group apart as a manufacturer.
While Forest Management Certification applies to the land itself, CoC Certification is for companies like us. It acts as a “verified tracker”, monitoring FSC-certified materials from the forest, through the mill, and through our manufacturing building, right until it reaches your retail floor. This tracking ensures that the wood you paid for hasn’t been swapped or diluted with non-certified timber during production.
- Forest Management Certification: Awarded to forest land managers who adhere to the FSC’s Principles and Criteria, demonstrating sustainable forestry practices.
- Chain of Custody (COC) Certification: Granted to suppliers and manufacturers (like The Bernard Group) who can track FSC certified materials from the forest to the end product, ensuring the integrity of the sustainable wood throughout the production process.
Hint: Did someone say eco alternatives? We’ve got eight of them: Sustainable Signage: 7 Substrates for Eco-Friendly Printing.
Advantages of Choosing FSC Wood
When it comes to FSC wood, the biggest advantage is knowing that the material you’re using is provided by forest management and harvesting techniques that maintain the quality and productivity of the land.
Another advantage? FSC certified wood can be used as a direct replacement for conventionally harvested wood. In other words, there’s no difference aesthetically, thus making it as versatile as ever.
And because nearly every wood product that’s used commercially is available with FSC certification, your design playing field just got a whole lot wider. Think beyond solid lumber to sheet stock like MDF or particle board, plus decorative face veneers on furniture. It really can be used for any project.
Hint: Did you know we’re carbon neutral, too? Here’s how we did it: Sustainable Printing: The Bernard Group’s Carbon Neutral Program.
The Bernard Group’s Commitment to FSC and Sustainable Practices
As an eco-friendly company, it’s crucial we walk the talk when it comes to sustainable material offerings. It’s what our customers have come to expect, after all – we know our clients are actively seeking these types of products.
“FSC and other certifications are definitely moving up on the importance list for our clients,” said The Bernard Group Millwork Manager Jeremy Olson. “For us to remain viable into the future, it’s imperative we understand our impact on the environment.”
And as for being carbon neutral, FSC Coc Certified and other eco-friendly materials, we find our conscious customers truly care about the big picture when it comes to world-class retail environments.
“The decision to transition to certified wood from non-certified wood is usually an easy one for most of our clients,” said Olson. “All of our suppliers are Chain of Custody certified, allowing us to procure certified products for our production and client needs.”
It’s those increasing needs that prove eco is the only way to go. “It gives us a great feeling knowing we’re doing our part to encourage sustainable and regenerative practices in our production processes and our industry,” said Olson.
Hint: Ready to achieve your own Green Goals? Let’s discuss how our Environmental Management System Drives Sustainability.