Product Certification for Environmental Sustainability Requirements

Certification of recycled, recyclable and high-performance materials and products

Scope of certification

Environmental sustainability certifications provide companies with voluntary tools to demonstrate the compliance of their products with applicable environmental requirements and, where applicable, with performance requirements defined by relevant standards.

These tools enable organizations to enhance their commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their products and to provide the market with objective evidence of declared sustainability characteristics and performance levels.

Characteristics subject to assessment

The assessments may include:

  • recycled content;
  • material recyclability;
  • water solubility;
  • specific performance requirements related to product applications (high-performance products), such as shopping bags for retail distribution, waste collection bags and reinforced polyester flat laminates;
  • by-products;
  • SRM (Secondary Raw Materials).


FSC® Chain of Custody Certification (FSC® CoC)

Scope of certification

FSC® Chain of Custody (CoC) certification enables materials to be traced throughout the supply chain, from the source to the finished product, ensuring that the material used originates from FSC® certified forests, controlled sources or recycled materials.

In addition to wood-based products, non-timber forest products may also be certified, such as berries, truffles and mushrooms, provided that they originate from certified forests.

Services, such as those related to tourism and sports activities, as well as natural elements such as wildlife, air and water, are currently not included within the scope of FSC® CoC certification.

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Ecosystem Services Verification

Scope of verification

Ecosystem services represent the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems, including those resulting from management activities aimed at maintaining or improving them.

These benefits include, for example:

  • conservation and restoration of natural habitats and biodiversity;
  • carbon regeneration and storage;
  • maintenance and improvement of water quality and water cycle regulation;
  • improvement of soil conditions;
  • conservation and enhancement of areas dedicated to recreational and tourism activities.

Organizations holding an FSC® forest management certification can demonstrate the positive impacts of their forest management activities on ecosystems through an extension of their certification.

CSI can issue FSC® forest management certifications and carry out verifications of the positive impacts of management activities on ecosystem services.

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PEFC Chain of Custody Certification (PEFC CoC) | Products from sustainable forest management

Scope of certification

PEFC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification enables companies and organizations to demonstrate that the products they sell originate from sustainably managed forests, controlled sources or recycled materials.

Wood-based products and non-timber forest products from certified supply chains can be included within the scope of certification.

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 Examination of the application and documentation sent by the Company, listed in the "Special rules" specific to the product to be certified. Any deficiencies and significant deviations from the requirements, found at this stage, will be communicated so that the appropriate changes can be introduced before the assessment visit is carried out. Upon request, CSI will appoint an inspector to visit the organisation to verify the conformity of the product, process or service. If the results of the visit include non-conformities or observations, a corrective action plan will be required to meet the requirements for the issue of the product certificate. After all the non-conformities that may have emerged from the assessment visit have been passed, and after the positive outcome of the laboratory tests, certification will be granted. The issue of the certificate will be followed by surveillance visits to verify that compliance is being maintained. The frequency of surveillance visits and laboratory tests, if any, is fixed by the special rules applicable. The certification shall have the validity defined in the specific special rules, on expiry the contract shall be deemed to be tacitly renewed unless terminated by one of the two contracting parties 4 (four) months before the expiry date. Tool to enhance the agri-food and forestry sectors, increasing market confidence... Tool to certify the capability of an organization to gain and maintain steadily, service standard declared to the public... Formal act of a third-party body that certify the conformity of the product technical reference documents, marketing deed to enhance and diversify the product... For years the training offered by IMQ group represented a point of reference for professional development and the update of freelance and employees. Second and third-party, inspections and testing: expert auditors capable to understand the situation of the company... CSI brand is valuable tool to enhance your brand and distinguish your products on the market, as an epitome of safety and quality. CSI brand assures that the product, before it reaches the market, has been subjected to all the needed test to verify the compliance to the standards’ requirements by a third-party body. CSI brand means also safeguard for the makers in terms of protection for damage caused by a defected product. Product certified by CSI are easily exportable, because of the relationship and the support of other European and international certification bodies.