FSC® Certification

The FSC® label (Forest Stewardship Council) is an international standard for responsible forest management.

Wood bearing this label comes from forests that are sustainably managed, ensuring a balance between ecological, social, and economic interests.

Specifically, this means:

• Only wood from forests where responsible harvesting and replanting take place is used;
• Biodiversity and the natural balance of the forest are preserved;
• The rights and working conditions of workers and local communities are respected.

By choosing FSC®-certified wood, deforestation is counteracted and wood remains a renewable resource for future generations.

As a supplier of partition wall systems that include both aluminum and wooden profiles, we believe it is important that our products are responsibly produced. The FSC® label provides us and our customers with the assurance that the wood we use demonstrably comes from sustainably managed forests.

FSC® Certification (QbiQ SKH-COC-000634)

To supply FSC®-certified wood, companies must comply with the rules of the FSC® Chain of Custody (CoC) standard. This standard describes how wood remains separated and traceable throughout the entire chain – from forest to final product. Only in this way can the origin of the wood be guaranteed.

As a company, we are officially FSC® certified. This means that we:

• Comply with international FSC® standards for traceability and administration;
• Can clearly demonstrate the origin of our wood;
• Only engage FSC®-certified suppliers for our procurement.

Additionally, an independent audit is conducted annually by a recognized certification body. During this audit, it is assessed whether we still fully comply with the FSC® standard (FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1 Chain of Custody Certification). This ensures continued reliability and transparency for our customers.

In short, choosing FSC® means choosing quality with responsibility.

License number QbiQ: FSC® (C170369)

The Differences and Mainly Similarities Between FSC and PEFC

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

• Origin: Founded in 1993 by environmental organizations (including WWF), businesses, and social organizations.
• Operation: One global label with a uniform set of requirements for forest management.
• Focus: Stricter, often more detailed criteria. Especially known and recognized by NGOs, governments, and in the international market.
• Decision-making: In three “chambers” (environmental, social, economic), which vote together. None of the three may hold a majority.
• Recognition: Particularly strong in Western Europe and North America.

PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)

• Origin: Established in 1999 as an initiative from the forestry sector itself, mainly in Europe, because many forest owners found FSC too complex and expensive.
• Operation: Umbrella system that recognizes national certification systems (e.g., PEFC Netherlands, PEFC Germany, etc.).
• Focus: More tailored to private and smaller forest owners, with sometimes more practical rules.
• Decision-making: Recognition of national standards, provided they meet international PEFC guidelines.
• Recognition: The largest system worldwide (in terms of certified forest area), with strong presence in Europe and Asia.

Similarities

For most users, it makes little practical difference whether wood is FSC- or PEFC-certified:

• Both systems have slightly different approaches but aim for the same result: no illegal logging, protection of biodiversity, and fair treatment of people.
• Both ensure sustainability and traceability.
• Both are internationally recognized.
• Both are audited annually by independent certification bodies.

Because QbiQ Wall Systems can offer both FSC- and PEFC-certified wood, we can respond to the demands of different markets and customers, and both we and our clients have the assurance that the wood always comes from responsibly managed forests.