Label Lookup: Wood and Paper Products

When you're scouring lumber yards for wood or office supply shops for paper, how can you distinguish truly eco-friendly claims from those that can't be counted on? Check out the list of claims below or in our iPhone app, available here. Learn what they mean, if there are standards behind them, and if and how they are verified.

or four leaves is the highest rating;
or zero leaves is the lowest and means the label has no meaning and is not reliable.

• American Tree Farm System (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim fails to meet comprehensive performance-based environmental standards.

  Description: The American Tree Farm System does not protect old growth forest or require efforts to help the recovery of imperiled wildlife or plant species. Water quality protections are not meaningful, clear cutting is not restricted and Tree Farm does not adequately limit the use of herbicides and other chemicals.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Biodiversity; forest conservation; forest aesthetics; air quality; water quality; sustainable enterprise; maintenance of historical, archeological, geological, biological, and ecological sites

  Verification process: While the standard includes some independent third-party verification, the scope and rigor of the auditing process is in question.

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process is not open and consensus-based.

  Claims seen on these product types: Forest

  Managing organization: American Forest Foundation

  Learn more: American Forest Foundation, Don't Buy SFI

  
  
• Cradle to Cradle (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is a mix of third-party certification and second-party verification, addresses multiple issues, and meets rigorous standards, but standards were developed without broad public participation.

  Description: Cradle to Cradle certification requires manufacturer's achievement in multiple areas. Manufacturers must use materials that are safe for human health and the environment across their life cycles; design products and systems for material reutilization, such as recycling or composting; use renewable energy; make efficient use of water; use water of maximum quality for production; and develop company strategies for social responsibility.

  Certified products: Cradle to Cradle certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Safety of materials, material re-utilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, social responsibility

  Verification process: Claim is second-party verified but requires certification by the Forest Stewardship Council or a third-party certifier, or adherence to U.S. Department of Agriculture standards.

  Standards development process: Standards were developed without broad stakeholder participation.

  Claims seen on these product types: Building products cleaning, cosmetics / personal care, forest products / paper, household appliances, machinery and equipment, textiles, transportation, electronics, food

  Managing organization: Cradle to Cradle

  Learn more: Cradle to Cradle, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• CSA Sustainable Forest Management (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is third-party verified and standards were developed with stakeholder input, but fails to provide comprehensive environmental standards.

  Description: Certification provides very weak protection for forest ecosystems, water quality and imperiled species, no protection for old growth forests and allows both clear-cutting and herbicide use. The CSA label does provide credible chain-of-custody monitoring and stakeholder consultation during standards development. Product mark may be used for products that include a minimum of 70% wood from CSA-certified forests.

  Certified products: CSA-certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Cultural/indigenous/minority rights, biodiversity, forests, soil

  Verification process: Conformity with CSA Sustainable Forest Management standard is verified by an independent third-party organization following ISO17021 Management system certification. Verifiers are accredited.

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process included broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Canadian Standards Association

  Learn more: Canadian Standards Association, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is a third-party verified, addresses multiple issues, and meets rigorous science-based standards that were developed through a multi-stakeholder process.

  Description: Requires well-managed forestry practices, including the preservation of habitat and watersheds through less-intensive harvesting, reduction of streamside erosion, and avoidance of synthetic pesticides except where strictly monitored. It prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms and limits use of plantations but allows restricted clear-cutting. FSC Chain of Custody certification ensures that products have met FSC standards from raw materials through processing, transformation, manufacturing, and distribution.

  Certified products: FSC-certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Housing/living conditions, human rights, work safety, biodiversity, forests

  Verification process: Conformity with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification standard is verified by an independent third-party organization.

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process included broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Forest Stewardship Council

  Learn more: Forest Stewardship Council, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• Rainforest Alliance Certified (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is a third-party verified, addresses multiple issues, meets rigorous and science-based standards developed through a multi-stakeholder process.

  Description: Used in conjunction with FSC logo, standards require well-managed forestry practices, including the preservation of habitat and watersheds through less-intensive harvesting, reduction of streamside erosion, and avoidance of synthetic pesticides except where strictly monitored. They prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and limits use of plantations. They allow restricted use of clear-cutting. Certification ensures that products have met FSC standards from raw materials through processing, transformation, manufacturing, and distribution.

  Certified products: Rainforest Alliance certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Housing/living conditions, human rights, work safety, biodiversity, forests

  Verification process: Rainforest Alliance is an FSC certifier and conformity with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification standard is verified by an independent organization (third party).

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process included broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Rainforest Alliance

  Learn more: Rainforest Alliance, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• SCS Certified (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is a third-party verified, addresses multiple issues, meets rigorous and science-based standards developed through a multi-stakeholder process.

  Description: Used in conjunction with FSC logo, standards require well-managed forestry practices, including the preservation of habitat and watersheds through less-intensive harvesting, reduction of streamside erosion, and avoidance of synthetic pesticides except where strictly monitored. They prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and limits use of plantations. They allow restricted use of clear-cutting. Certification ensures that products have met FSC standards from raw materials through processing, transformation, manufacturing, and distribution.

  Certified products: SCS/FSC certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Housing/living conditions, human rights, work safety, biodiversity, forests

  Verification process: Scientific Certification Systems is an FSC certifier and conformity with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification standard is verified by an independent organization (third party).

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process included broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Scientific Certification Systems

  Learn more: Scientific Certification Systems, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• SFI Certified Chain of Custody (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim fails to provide comprehensive environmental standards and standards were not set in an open and consensus-based process.

  Description: Certification indicates that manufacturer meets a subset of SFI Standards that do not include the sustainable land-management objectives. The SFI standard allows for use of clear-cutting and herbicide use, does not protect old growth forest, and provides weak protections for water quality and imperiled species.

  Certified products: SFI-certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: forests

  Verification process: Conformity is subject to third-party verification following ISO 17011 Accreditation, ISO 19011 QMS and EMS auditing (and auditor qualifications), and ISO Guide 65 Product Certification

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process was not open or consensus-based.

  Claims seen on these product types: Building products, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc.

  Learn more: Don't Buy SFI, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc., Ecolabel Index

  
  
• SFI Certified Fiber Sourcing (more info) ↓

  Rating explained:  Claim fails to provide comprehensive environmental standards and standards were not set in an open and consensus-based process.

  Description: Certification indicates that some or all of a product's fiber content is from SFI-certified forests. The SFI standard allows for use of clear-cutting and herbicide use, does not protect old growth forest, and provides weak protections for water quality and imperiled species.

  Certified products: Find SFI-certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: forests

  Verification process: Third party verification following ISO 17011 Accreditation, ISO 19011 QMS and EMS auditing (and auditor qualifications), ISO Guide 65 Product Certification

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process was not open or consensus-based.

  Claims seen on these product types: Building products, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Sustainable Forestry Initiative

  Learn more: Don't Buy SFI, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Ecolabel Index

Paper

• Biodegradable (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There are no specific standards for the biodegradable claim and no organization or entity verifying manufacturers' use of the claim. However, the Federal Trade Commission has issued general guidelines on how the term should be used.

  Description: According to Federal Trade Commission guidance, a biodegradable product's materials should break down and return to nature within a reasonably short time when exposed to air, moisture, bacteria, or other organisms after customary disposal.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Whether a material breaks down and returns to nature when exposed to air, sun, moisture, bacteria or other organisms

  Verification process: FTC guidelines provide some meaning for this label, but there is no way to assess conformity and there is no verification process

  Standards development process: There are no specific standards for the biodegradable claim. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued general guidelines on how the term should be used.

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, bath, eye care, fragrances, hair care, makeup, moisturizer, shaving, skin care, sunscreens, office paper, tissue, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Federal Trade Commission

  Learn more: Federal Trade Comission

  
  
• Cradle to Cradle (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is a mix of third- and second-party verification, addresses multiple issues, and meets rigorous standards, but standards were developed without broad public participation.

  Description: Cradle to Cradle certification requires manufacturer's achievement in multiple areas. Manufacturers must use materials that are safe for human health and the environment across their life cycles; design products and systems for material reutilization, such as recycling or composting; use renewable energy; make efficient use of water; use water of maximum quality for production; and develop company strategies for social responsibility.

  Certified products: Cradle to Cradle certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Safety of materials, material re-utilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, social responsibility

  Verification process: Claim is second-party verified but requires certification by the Forest Stewardship Council or a third-party certifier, or adherence to U.S. Department of Agriculture standards.

  Standards development process: Standards were developed without broad stakeholder participation.

  Claims seen on these product types: Building products, cleaning, cosmetics / personal care, forest products / paper, household appliances, machinery and equipment, textiles, transportation, electronics, food

  Managing organization: Cradle to Cradle

  Learn more: Cradle to Cradle, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• CSA Sustainable Forest Management (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is third-party verified and standards were developed with stakeholder input, but fails to provide comprehensive environmental standards.

  Description: Certification provides very weak protection for forest ecosystems, water quality and imperiled species, no protection for old growth forests and allows both clear-cutting and herbicide use. The CSA label does provide credible chain-of-custody monitoring and stakeholder consultation during standards development. Product mark may be used for products that include a minimum of 70% wood from CSA-certified forests.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Cultural / indigenous / minority rights; biodiversity, forests, soil

  Verification process: Conformity with CSA Sustainable Forest Management's standard is verified by an independent organization (third party) following ISO17021 Management system certification. Verifiers are accredited.

  Standards development process: Not open and consensus-based

  Claims seen on these product types: Forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Canadian Standards Association

  Learn more: Canadian Standards Association, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• Earth Smart (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for this claim and no organization verifying manufacturers who use it.

  Description: This claim implies the product and/or packaging has some benefit for the environment.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Unclear

  Verification process: Not defined. There are no standards for this label, so there is no way to assess conformity. The company or manufacturer decides whether to use this claim.

  Standards development process: Unclear

  Claims seen on these product types: Office paper, tissue, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: There is no managing organization.

  Learn more: Greenerchoices.org

  
  
• EcoLogo (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is third-party verified, addresses multiple issues and is based on detailed standards developed with broad public paraticipation.

  Description: EcoLogoTM is a third-party certified program approved by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) as a Type I Label, according to the ISO 14024 Standard. EcoLogo standards endeavor to address multiple environmental attributes related to both human health and environmental impacts across the life cycle of a product or service.

  Certified products: EcoLogo certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Biodiversity, carbon/GHG emissions, carbon/GHG offsets, bioaccumulating and toxic chemicals, energy: production/sources, energy:use/efficiency, forests, GMOs, health and safety of materials, natural resources, pesticides/herbicides/fungicides, recycling, soil, toxins, waste, wastewater/sewage, water quality, water use

  Verification process: Following a successful third-party audit of the product, EcoLogo certification can be claimed and the product can bear the EcoLogo mark.

  Standards development process: EcoLogo standards are developed with broad stakeholder input and are designed so that only the top 20% of products available on the market can achieve certification.

  Claims seen on these product types: Building products cleaning, cosmetics / personal care, electronics, energy, forest products / paper, machinery and equipment

  Managing organization: EcoLogo

  Learn more: EcoLogo, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: FTC and EPA have indicated that this claim cannot be used in labeling. There is no organization verifying manufacturers who use the claim.

  Description: Indicates paper was bleached with a chlorine derivative, such as chlorine dioxide, instead of chlorine gas. This process reduces emissions but still produces dioxins, furans and other organochlorines as byproducts. FTC and EPA have indicated that the ECF claim cannot be used in labeling.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Chlorine pollution

  Verification process: There is no verifcation process for this claim.

  Standards development process: There is no standards devlopment process for this claim.

  Claims seen on these product types: office paper, tissue, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: No managing association.

  Learn more: Chlorine Free Products Association

  
  
• Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is a third-party verified, addresses multiple issues, meets rigorous and science-based standards developed through a multi-stakeholder process.

  Description: Standards require well-managed forestry practices, including the preservation of habitat and watersheds through less-intensive harvesting, reduction of streamside erosion, and avoidance of synthetic pesticides except where strictly monitored. They prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and limits use of plantations. They allow restricted use of clear-cutting. Certification ensures that products have met FSC standards from raw materials through processing, transformation, manufacturing, and distribution.

  Certified products: FSC-certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Housing/living conditions, human rights, work safety, biodiversity, forests

  Verification process: Conformity with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification standard is verified by an independent organization (third party).

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process included broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Forest Stewardship Council

  Learn more: Forest Stewardship Council, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• Green Seal (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is third-party verified according to ISO Guide 65 Product Certification, addresses multiple issues, and meets science-based standards developed through a multi-stakeholder process.

  Description: Label mandates certain levels of postconsumer recycled materials and prohibits the use of chlorine for bleaching or de-inking

  Certified products: Find Green Seal certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Cultural/indigenous/minority rights, human rights, labor relations/human resource policies, training and education, work safety, worker health conditions, biodiversity, carbon/GHG emissions, bioaccumulation and chemical toxicity, energy: production/sources, energy: use/efficiency, forests, health and safety of materials, natural resources, recycling, soil, toxins, waste, water quality, water use

  Verification process: Second party verification following ISO Guide 65 Product Certification

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process included broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Food, building products, cleaning, cosmetics / personal care, forest products / paper, household appliances, machinery and equipment, paints, tourism

  Managing organization: Green Seal,

  Learn more: Green Seal, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• Hypoallergenic (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There is no official definition for this claim and no organization verifying manufacturers who use it.

  Description: There is no government or official definition for this term.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Allergic reactions

  Verification process: There is no organization behind this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Standards development process: There are no federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term. Manufacturers of cosmetics labeled hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation to FDA.

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby products, bath, feminine hygiene, fragrances, hair care, makeup, oral hygiene, skin care, sunscreens, tissue

  Managing organization: None

  Learn more: Greener Choices

  
  
• Processed Chlorine Free (PCF) (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is a third-party verified, addresses multiple issues, meets rigorous and science-based standards developed through a multi-stakeholder process.

  Description: Reserved for recycled-content paper, the PCF certification indicates that paper has not been re-bleached with chlorine-containing compounds, which result in the release of carcinogenic dioxin into the environment. A minimum of 30 percent post-consumer content is required. The certification also considers energy and water consumption as well as emissions of heat-trapping pollutants. All fiber must be FSC chain-of-custody certified.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Chlorine pollution, energy conservation, water conservation, reduction of heat-trapping pollutants, financial sustainability, social responsibility, waste reduction, public information, environmental policy, mill process, forestry, environmental risk management

  Verification process: Third-party auditing firm reports on all findings and manufacturer may comply at three different levels of performance: SI, TCF, PCF.

  Standards development process: Open and consensus-based. The ecolabel is reviewed and updated biannually, every 2 years, is controlled by an independent Advisory Council and based on the top 10% of performers in a given industry.

  Claims seen on these product types: food packaging, tissue, office paper, newsprint, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Chlorine Free Products Association

  Learn more: Chlorine Free Products Association, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• Rainforest Alliance Certified (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is third-party verified, addresses multiple issues, meets rigorous and science-based standards developed through a multi-stakeholder process.

  Description: Used in conjunction with FSC logo, standards require well-managed forestry practices, including the preservation of habitat and watersheds through less-intensive harvesting, reduction of streamside erosion, and avoidance of synthetic pesticides except where strictly monitored. They prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and limits use of plantations. They allow restricted use of clear-cutting. Certification ensures that products have met FSC standards from raw materials through processing, transformation, manufacturing, and distribution.

  Certified products: Rainforest Alliance certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: Housing/living conditions, human rights, work safety, biodiversity, forests

  Verification process: Rainforest Alliance is an FSC certifier and conformity with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification standard is verified by an independent organization (third party).

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process included broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Rainforest Alliance

  Learn more: Rainforest Alliance, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• Recyclable (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: There are no specific standards for this claim nor any organization verifying manufacturers' use of the claim. However, the FTC has issued general guidelines on how the term should be used.

  Description: The Federal Trade Commission has stated that "a product or package can be marketed as 'recyclable' if it can be separated and collected from household and commercial trash for reuse, or to make another product or package, through an established recycling program."

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Waste reduction, recycling

  Verification process: There is no organization behind this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product. FTC guidelines provide some meaning for this label, but there is no way to assess conformity and there is no verification process.

  Standards development process: There are no standards for this claim.

  Claims seen on these product types: Office paper, tissue, plastics, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: There is no managing organization.

  Learn more: Greener Choices

  
  
• SCS Certified Recycled Content (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Single-issue claim is third-party verified as meeting science-based standards developed through a multi-stakeholder process.

  Description: Label relates to the percentage of pulp derived from consumer-recycled paper waste. Standards require that manufacturers seek the highest percentage possible to maximize efficient reuse of paper.

  Certified products: SCS Certified Products--Recycled Content

  Issues addressed by this claim: Worksafety, worker health conditions, material health and safety, recycling, waste

  Verification process: Third-party verification following ISO 17011 Accreditation, ISO 17021 Management system certification, ISO 19011 QMS and EMS auditing (and auditor qualifications), ISO Guide 65 Product Certification

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process included broad stakeholder input.

  Claims seen on these product types: Building products, forest products / paper cleaning, cosmetics / personal care, household appliances, retail goods, textiles, waste management and recycling, food

  Managing organization: Scientific Certification Systems

  Learn more: Scientific Certification Systems, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• SFI Certified Content (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim fails to provide comprehensive environmental standards and standards were not set in an open and consensus-based process.

  Description: Certification indicates that manufacturer meets a subset of SFI Standards that do not include the sustainable land-management objectives. The SFI standard allows for use of clear-cutting and herbicide use, does not protect old growth forest, and provides weak protections for water quality and imperiled species.

  Certified products: SFI-certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: forests

  Verification process: Conformity is subject to third-party verification following ISO 17011 Accreditation, ISO 19011 QMS and EMS auditing (and auditor qualifications), and ISO Guide 65 Product Certification

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process was not open or consensus-based.

  Claims seen on these product types: Building Products, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc.

  Learn more: Don't Buy SFI, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc., Ecolabel Index

  
  
• SFI Certified Fiber Sourcing (more info) ↓

  Rating explained:  Claim fails to provide comprehensive environmental standards and standards were not set in an open and consensus-based process.

  Description: Certification indicates that some or all of a product's fiber content is from SFI-certified forests. The SFI standard allows for use of clear-cutting and herbicide use, does not protect old growth forest, and provides weak protections for water quality and imperiled species.

  Certified products: Find SFI-certified products

  Issues addressed by this claim: forests

  Verification process: Third party verification following ISO 17011 Accreditation, ISO 19011 QMS and EMS auditing (and auditor qualifications), ISO Guide 65 Product Certification

  Standards development process: Standard-setting process was not open or consensus-based.

  Claims seen on these product types: Building products, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Sustainable Forestry InitiativeSustainable Forestry Initiative, Ecolabel Index

  Learn more: Don't Buy SFI,

  
  
• Sustainability Index (SI) (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained: Claim is a third-party verified, addresses multiple issues, meets rigorous and science-based standards developed through a multi-stakeholder process but products bearing the label may still cause environmental degradation from use of chlorine, high energy/water consumption, and/or high output of heat-trapping pollutants.

  Description: The Sustainability Index requires a chain of custody for all raw materials (all fiber must be FSC certified) and measures the impact of the paper manufacturing process on the environment. Once the audit is complete, the product is given Sustainability Index ranking with a maximum score of 1350 points. The lower the index number the higher the amount of chlorine, the more energy and water consumed and the greater the emissions of heat-trapping pollutants. Because the SI label may be applied regardless of score, it is strictly an indicator of relative use of chlorine, energy water and GHG emissions. The PCF and TCF labels are much to be preferred when purchasing.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Chlorine pollution, energy conservation, water conservation, reduction of heat-trapping pollutants, financial sustainability, social responsibility, waste reduction, public information, environmental policy, mill process, forestry, environmental risk management

  Verification process: Third-party auditing firm reports on all findings and manufacturer may comply at three different levels of performance: SI, TCF, PCF.

  Standards development process: Open and consensus-based. The ecolabel is reviewed and updated biannually, every 2 years, is controlled by an independent Advisory Council and based on the top 10% of performers in a given industry.

  Claims seen on these product types: food packaging, tissue, office paper, newsprint, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Chlorine Free Products Association

  Learn more: Chlorine Free Products Association

  
  
• Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) (more info) ↓

  

  Rating explained:Claim is a third-party verified, addresses multiple issues, meets rigorous and science-based standards developed through a multi-stakeholder process.

  Description: Reserved for virgin-fiber papers, the TCF certification indicates paper does not use pulp produced with chlorine or chlorine-containing compounds as bleaching agents. The certification also considers energy and water consumption as well as emissions of heat-trapping pollutants. All fiber must be FSC chain-of-custody certified.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Chlorine pollution, energy conservation, water conservation, reduction of heat-trapping pollutants, financial sustainability, social responsibility, waste reduction, public information, environmental policy, mill process, forestry, environmental risk management

  Verification process: Third-party auditing firm reports on all findings and manufacturer may comply at three different levels of performance: SI, TCF, PCF.

  Standards development process: Open and consensus-based. The ecolabel is reviewed and updated biannually, every 2 years, is controlled by an independent Advisory Council and based on the top 10% of performers in a given industry.

  Claims seen on these product types: food packaging, tissue, office paper, newsprint, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: Chlorine Free Products Association

  Learn more: Chlorine Free Products Association, Ecolabel Index

  
  
• Unscented (more info) ↓

  Rating explained: Claim is not meaningful and may even be misleading.

  Description: This is a general claim that may imply that the product does not have any odor or scent. However, products labeled "unscented" may contain fragrances that are used to cover up the chemical smell of other ingredients in the product.

  Certified products:

  Issues addressed by this claim: Scents, fragrances, allergic responses

  Verification process: There is no organization that verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.

  Standards development process: There are no standards for this term.

  Claims seen on these product types: Baby, fragrances, sunscreen, forest products / paper

  Managing organization: There is no managing organization.

  Learn more: Greener Choices