Building Trust with Environmental Labels: How Certification Drives Sustainable Packaging Choices

As global demand for sustainability grows, consumer trust in environmental claims on packaging has become a decisive factor. With more brands moving away from plastic, fiber-based materials are emerging as a leading choice. However, to establish fiber-based packaging as truly sustainable, it needs verifiable traceability from forest to shelf. This means ensuring that the virgin fibers used come from responsibly managed forests.

Consumers, wary of "greenwashing," are increasingly demanding transparency and proof of sustainability. This is where 'chain of custody' (CoC) certification steps in. CoC certification provides reliable information about the sources of forest-based products, confirming that materials are responsibly sourced, recycled, or obtained from controlled, sustainable sources.

Labels and logos serve as more than just verification tools—they’re crucial markers in an evolving industry. Studies indicate that up to 90% of consumers desire clear, on-pack information about a product’s environmental credentials, and logos have shown to be more reassuring than recommendations from media or social circles.

The globally recognized PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) logo, for instance, signals that a brand is committed to sustainable practices. Behind this label lies a significant promise: that the packaging originates from responsibly managed forests and contributes to a sustainable future.

Sustainable packaging is more than a trend—it's a movement powered by consumer demand, strengthened by regulations, and supported by independent certifications. Organizations like PEFC are building a network of trust, enabling manufacturers and retailers to collaborate in the journey toward a greener planet.