FSC Unveils €6.7 Million EU LIFE FIBRA Project to Support Circular Fibre Value Chains
EU-funded FIBRA project will explore recycling, circular business models, alternative fibre sources and traceability across eight European countries.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has announced the launch of the FSC EU LIFE FIBRA project, backed by €6.7 million in funding, including €4 million provided through the EU LIFE programme, in collaboration with a broad consortium of project partners.
The funding will support work on improving the efficient and responsible use of fibre-based materials across Europe while building on the existing FSC certification framework. The project will explore strengthening FSC's recycling solutions, supporting circular business models such as reuse, repair and take-back systems, assessing the potential role of agricultural waste streams within the FSC system, and assisting companies and public buyers in making more responsible material choices.
The initiative builds on FSC's existing standards and certification systems while supporting its mission of promoting responsible forest stewardship in response to changing market requirements.
Subhra Bhattacharjee, Director General of FSC, said:
"As the way we use materials changes, FSC is evolving with it. This project will define our role in a future market, from the way materials are sourced to the way they are kept in circulation over time."
Growing Demand for Renewable Fibres
FSC has promoted forest regeneration for more than 30 years and introduced the FSC RECYCLED label 15 years ago to support recycling initiatives.
According to FSC, demand for renewable materials continues to increase across Europe as industries including packaging, construction, furniture and others seek alternatives to fossil-based resources to reduce carbon emissions and support climate objectives.
The organisation states that relying solely on virgin forest resources is not considered a sustainable long-term solution. At the same time, companies are adapting to evolving EU sustainability legislation, including requirements related to resource efficiency, circularity and traceability.
The EU LIFE programme funding enables FSC to expand its work in developing structured approaches to these challenges.
Focus Areas of the FSC EU LIFE FIBRA Project
FSC stated that its current systems are primarily designed for linear supply chains and do not fully address circular material flows.
The project will develop and pilot tools, guidance and verification approaches across four areas:
- Exploring potential circular business models within FSC Chain of Custody, including piloting a Circular Economy reporting module.
- Supporting increased use of recycled materials through market guidance and public procurement support.
- Assessing the potential integration of alternative fibre sources, including agricultural residues from certified sources, into FSC-certified supply chains.
- Exploring cascading use of fibres through improved traceability and digital integration.
According to FSC, these activities are intended to align with its existing certification system while providing practical support for companies responding to changing market and regulatory requirements.
Loa Dalgaard Worm, Global Lead of the FSC Circularity Hub, said:
“This funding allows us to scale work that we have been laying the groundwork for over the past three years. It is important to me that we develop solutions that are fit for market demand and deliver real impact on the ground, without reinventing what FSC stands for: ensuring that the true value of forests for nature, the economy, and society is recognized.”
The project will be implemented across Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Italy and France, with participation from organisations representing industry, academia and civil society.
The project consortium includes FSC International, FSC Denmark, FSC Sweden, FSC Finland, FSC Germany, FSC Netherlands, FSC Italy, FSC France, Aarhus University, University of Southern Denmark, Circle Economy, ECOS, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and Ellen MacArthur Foundation.