Timber certifications explained: FSC vs. PEFC vs. GiB

Sustainability and traceability in timber are critical for responsible sourcing. Consumers and businesses want assurance that the wood they buy comes from well-managed forests, not illegal or unsustainable sources. Certification schemes provide this transparency, ensuring timber is harvested ethically and meets strict environmental standards.

In the UK, two leading global certification systems—Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)—help businesses demonstrate sustainable sourcing through chain of custody certification. For those wondering, what is the Forest Stewardship Council? FSC is a globally recognised system that ensures forests are managed responsibly, protecting ecosystems and communities. Both FSC and PEFC require rigorous auditing to track timber from forest to product, ensuring responsible forestry practices.

Alongside these, Grown in Britain (GiB) offers the only certification dedicated to British timber. Operating like the Red Tractor scheme for food, GiB ensures timber is locally sourced, legally harvested, and traceable throughout the supply chain. As demand for homegrown products grows, GiB certification provides clear assurance of UK provenance.

This article breaks down FSC, PEFC, and GiB, comparing their requirements and impact on sustainable forestry.

FSC – Forest Stewardship Council

What is the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC?

Founded in 1993, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a globally recognised sustainable forest certification system. It ensures forests are managed responsibly, balancing environmental, social, and economic interests. The FSC label, found on millions of products, verifies that timber comes from well-managed sources and meets strict sustainability standards.

What is the purpose of the forest stewardship council?

FSC was established to combat illegal logging, particularly of tropical hardwoods, and to promote ethical forestry. What the Forest Stewardship Council is set up to achieve is a future where forests are protected, biodiversity is maintained, and local communities benefit from responsible forestry practices. The FSC certification requirements are strict, covering zero deforestation, fair wages, and Indigenous rights protection. Every certified product undergoes a rigorous audit to verify compliance at each stage of the supply chain.

Challenges and impact in the UK

While FSC remains the gold standard for responsible forestry worldwide, its adoption in the UK has faced challenges. Some British growers have dropped FSC certification due to strong local demand for timber, making certification less necessary for their market. However, FSC’s influence remains significant, assuring businesses and consumers seeking sustainably sourced wood products.

By setting strict sustainable forest certification standards, FSC ensures forests are protected, biodiversity is preserved, and ethical practices are followed. For businesses and consumers committed to sustainability, understanding what the Forest Stewardship Council and its impact is essential when choosing certified timber products.

PEFC – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

What is PEFC?

Founded in 1999, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is a global alliance promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification. Unlike FSC, PEFC operates as an umbrella organisation, endorsing national certification systems that align with its sustainability standards. It is widely used across Europe and provides forest owners—large and small—with a way to prove responsible forestry practices.

How does PEFC compare to FSC?

Although PEFC and FSC share a common goal of promoting responsible forestry, their approaches differ. Some in the UK do not view PEFC as an equivalent alternative to FSC due to key distinctions:

• FSC has stricter certification requirements and five “controversial material” categories that PEFC lacks.
• PEFC focuses on national certification systems, whereas FSC applies a single global standard.
• FSC is often considered the more rigorous certification, particularly regarding supply chain traceability.

The controlled wood requirements

FSC imposes strict controls to prevent uncertified or high-risk timber from entering certified supply chains. The two fundamental rules are:

• The origin of the wood must be known. Timber must be sourced from verified, legal, and well-managed forests.
• The wood must not come from controversial sources, including:
  • Illegally harvested forests
  • Forests with human rights violations
  • High conservation value forests at risk
  • Natural forests converted to plantations
  • Genetically modified trees

PEFC, while promoting sustainability, does not have equivalent controlled wood requirements, making FSC the preferred choice for businesses prioritising rigorous supply chain oversight.

GiB – Grown in Britain

Founded in 2012, Grown in Britain (GiB) is a certification system designed to boost the use of homegrown timber and reduce reliance on imports. By promoting sustainable forest certification, GiB ensures that UK-grown timber is legally sourced and responsibly managed, aligning with the UK Forestry Standard.

Increasing GiB-certified woodland management is crucial, as only 59% of UK woodlands are currently managed. Greater adoption of the certification will drive demand for homegrown timber, helping to protect forests while supporting local economies.

What makes GiB unique?

Unlike other certifications, GiB is solely focused on UK provenance, ensuring that certified timber comes exclusively from British forests. However, its commitment to sustainability extends beyond timber—it also supports:

• Wildlife conservation
• Water management
• Air quality improvement
• Flood prevention

By choosing GiB-certified wood, businesses contribute to a healthier environment and a stronger domestic forestry industry.

GiB’s four key traceability elements

GiB certification provides a clear, independent assurance that timber is UK-grown and sustainably sourced. It is built on four essential traceability criteria:

1. UK provenance – Timber must be grown in the UK.
2. Legally felled – Wood must comply with UK forestry laws.
3. Managed to the UK Forestry Standard – Ensuring sustainable forestry practices.
4. Transparent traceability system – Wood can be tracked from its source to the final product.

Why the GiB logo matters

The GiB logo is the only mark that guarantees timber has been legally grown in the UK, in accordance with the UK Government’s Timber Procurement Policy and the UK Forestry Standard.

By displaying the GiB logo, businesses can:

• Prove their sustainability credentials with independent verification.
• Strengthen their brand by showing a commitment to responsible sourcing.
• Gain visibility through GiB’s promotional campaigns and searchable database.
• Open doors to new markets and key partners seeking Grown in Britain-certified products.

Joining the GiB certification programme is more than just a business decision—it’s a step toward securing the future of UK woodlands for generations to come.

Why certification matters & Made by Landmark’s role

At Made by Landmark, we believe that sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility. Certification plays a key role in ensuring that timber is sourced responsibly, protecting both forests and future generations. FSC, PEFC, and GiB all require a clear chain of custody, giving businesses and consumers confidence that wood products come from well-managed sources.

We are proud to be FSC-certified, ensuring we meet rigorous standards for responsible forestry. While we aren’t currently certified for PEFC or GiB, we can source timber from suppliers that hold these certifications, ensuring that we provide sustainable options whenever possible.

Our dedication to sustainability goes beyond certification. We carefully select materials that align with our values, balancing the needs of businesses and the environment. By choosing timber from responsibly managed forests, we help reduce environmental impact while supporting a thriving UK forestry industry. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re always looking for ways to enhance our commitment to responsible sourcing.

Final thoughts

FSC, PEFC, and GiB all play a vital role in ensuring that timber is sourced responsibly, supporting forests, communities, and ecosystems. While each certification has its own approach, they all share the same goal: promoting sustainable forest certification and responsible timber use.

Now that you know what the Forest Stewardship Council is, GiB, and PEFC, you can make more informed choices when sourcing timber. By choosing certified wood, businesses and consumers alike can contribute to a more sustainable future, protecting our forests for generations to come.

At Made by Landmark, we are committed to sustainability and proudly offer FSC-certified products, with access to PEFC and GiB-certified timber from trusted suppliers. Get in touch with us today to explore sustainable timber options for your next project.