FSC mix 70: Understanding certification and responsible sourcing

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is one of the most widely recognised conservation organisations in the world. Specifically, the FSC works to promote sustainable forestry management, championing biodiversity alongside respect for local ecosystems and indigenous communities. At EcoChoice, we work closely with a number of FSC-certified forests, ensuring we can supply sustainably sourced timber to our clients across the UK. In this guide, we explain what FSC Mix 70 means, how it differs from FSC 100%, and when it may (or may not) be appropriate for a timber project.

A question we are frequently asked is what the different FSC labels mean, including FSC Mix 70. How is this different from standard 100% FSC timber, and which option is right for your project? Find out more in this guide.

Quick answer: what does FSC Mix 70 mean?

FSC Mix 70 means at least 70% of the material in the product is FSC-certified and/or reclaimed, with the remainder coming from FSC Controlled Wood sources.

FSC 100% means all of the wood comes from FSC-certified forests.

What is FSC Mix 70?

FSC Mix 70 means the product contains a minimum of 70% FSC-certified timber and/or reclaimed material. Reclaimed material refers to timber which has been recovered or recycled from previous use, which helps reduce demand for virgin resources.

The remaining percentage comes from non-FSC-certified sources which meet the FSC’s Controlled Wood requirements. These are known as ‘controlled sources’, and they are subject to strict risk assessments to ensure the timber is not illegally harvested, does not violate traditional or human rights, is not sourced from high conservation value forests, and is not derived from genetically modified trees. In other words, the non-certified portion is not “anything goes” — it is screened against FSC’s Controlled Wood risk requirements. As a result, FSC Mix 70 products still meet robust sustainability safeguards, even where the timber is not fully FSC certified.

FSC Mix labels: percentage system vs credit system

FSC Mix products can be produced under two different systems. Under the FSC percentage system, products labelled as FSC Mix 70 must meet the minimum 70% threshold described above. Under the FSC credit system, there is no fixed minimum FSC content within each individual product. Instead, FSC-certified and reclaimed inputs are tracked across production, and only a proportion of the final products can be sold or promoted as FSC certified, relative to the inputs used. This is why you will sometimes see FSC Mix products without a “70” claim — the label depends on how the chain of custody system is being operated.

Is FSC Mix 70 a Responsible Choice?

FSC Mix 70 is generally considered a responsible option where FSC 100% is not available, but it is not equivalent to FSC 100%. The remaining portion comes from Controlled Wood sources, which are risk-assessed, but they are not managed to the full FSC Forest Management standard. That being said, there are still very valid reasons for using FSC Mix 70.

One reason, for instance, is that there simply is not enough availability at FSC-certified woodlands. Rather than depleting a timber species or putting local wildlife at risk, FSC Mix 70 allows suppliers to source from other responsibly managed woodlands while still retaining that FSC label. This is particularly relevant in product categories where recycled fibre and mixed sourcing is common (for example, paper, packaging, or engineered wood products).

Another reason is cost. If customers cannot afford 100% FSC-certified timber products, FSC Mix 70 could be a smart, cost-effective alternative. This is better than choosing uncertified timber and helps more people jump on board the responsible forestry bandwagon, which is always a positive. In practice, FSC Mix can help increase overall demand for certified and responsibly controlled fibre — especially in sectors where 100% certified supply is constrained.

When should you choose FSC 100% instead?

For many solid timber products (especially hardwood boards), FSC 100% is the simplest and most robust option, because it provides full traceability to FSC-certified forest management.

If your project has strict sustainability requirements (e.g., public procurement, BREEAM, or corporate policies), FSC 100% is often preferred where available.

Does EcoChoice Stock FSC Mix 70?

At EcoChoice, we are all for the FSC’s different approaches to ensuring responsibly sourced timber products make their way into the market. That being said, we do not stock FSC Mix 70 timber. Why? In our product range, we focus on supplying solid timber from fully FSC-certified forests wherever possible.

While FSC Mix claims can exist in the market, we choose to prioritise FSC 100% and PEFC-certified sources for clear, consistent specifications on timber boards and sleepers.

From Oak to Ekki and Ipe to Iroko, all our timber is from responsibly managed woodlands.

To ensure we can maintain a constant supply, we also partner with woodlands certified by other reputable organisations, such as the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). This provides us with more options to source our timber, which is a must if we want to prevent overharvesting.

Buy FSC Timber at EcoChoice

If you are looking for 100% FSC-certified timber, you are in the right place. We supply FSC softwoods and hardwoods, and have an expert team ready to help you find the right species and product for your project. If you’d like help specifying FSC timber for decking, sleepers, cladding or structural use, our team can advise on the right material for performance, durability, and compliance.

To learn more or start an order of FSC-certified timber, contact our team today.