FSC™-CERTIFICATION FOR PACKAGING AND FILTERS
The importance of forests for a future worth living is becoming increasingly relevant in society. As a large company with social and global responsibility, it is important to Kärcher to make a positive contribution to the future of the world's forests. We have therefore decided to switch to FSC™-certified materials for the packaging and products we use that are based on wood wherever possible. Since 26.04.2024, Kärcher now has FSC multi-site certification (FSC™ C198871).
What does FSC™ stand for?
FSC™ - Forest Stewardship Council™ - stands for sustainable, responsible forestry - internationally.
Why it makes sense to look after our forests?
Forests are highly relevant for the future of the world in several respects: not only do they offer a high recreational value for many people, they also store CO2 and thus make a decisive contribution to combating climate change. I Forests are also home to a large number of animal and plant species, a biological diversity that is worth protecting.
Which products receive FSC™-certification?
A product, e.g. packaging marked with the FSC™ logo, has already undergone several stages of FSC™ certification: starting with the forestry operation, all processing companies through to the finished product must be FSC™-certified. This means that companies with FSC™ certification are ultimately able to trace the wood materials they use back to the forest from which the wood originates.
What does FSC™ look for in forestry companies?
Certification is awarded to forests that comply with social and ecological standards. In social terms, for example, the rights of indigenous populations are protected and illegal deforestation is prevented. From an ecological perspective, the protection of biodiversity in the forest plays a role, for example. For example, pesticides may only be used in exceptional cases. FSC™-certified forestry companies attach great importance to sustainability in the tree population, as FSC™-certified forests contain a maximum of 20% non-native tree species and 5% of the area is allowed to develop naturally. The trees that are replanted are also planted with climate-resilient species with foresight.
Who and what is FSC™-certified at Kärcher?
In addition to some of our production sites in Germany and Europe, the so-called multi-site certification also includes a large number of sales companies. We use FSC™-certified packaging material for the majority of our certified production sites. We are increasingly using FSC™-certified materials for the wood-based filter media for our appliances. We are now at the beginning of a path that we will continue to pursue: where possible and sensible, further packaging materials and filter media from the range are to be converted to FSC™-certified products. We are also aiming to include additional non-European production plants in our multi-site certification worldwide.
