Certification guide
Compare toilet paper certifications and material claims
Understand what FSC labels, the EU Ecolabel and common material claims demonstrate, and what you still need to verify separately.
All practical details are collected clearly below.
A certification answers a defined question. It does not replace a comparison of fibre composition, production, packaging, transport, actual usage and waste. The overview below explains what common tissue-paper labels do and do not demonstrate.
FSC labels
| Label | What FSC says it means | What to check separately |
|---|---|---|
| FSC 100% | All forest-based material comes from FSC-certified forests. | Production, additives, packaging, transport and actual usage. |
| FSC Recycled | The forest-based material is recycled. | Quality, production, packaging and measured consumption. |
| FSC Mix | A mix of FSC-certified material, recycled material and/or FSC Controlled Wood. | The precise fibre mix and other product properties. |
Always check the complete label, product type and licence code. Source: Forest Stewardship Council: FSC labels.
EU Ecolabel for tissue paper
The criteria cover topics including emissions to water and air, energy use, fibre sourcing, restricted hazardous substances, waste management and finished-product requirements. Check the current criteria and validity directly at the European Commission.
What material claims do not prove automatically
Words such as bamboo, recycled, plastic-free or unbleached describe one characteristic. They do not automatically prove total environmental impact, working conditions, transport distance or suitability for your location. Request concrete specifications and avoid absolute comparisons without appropriate life-cycle evidence.
Six verification questions
- Which exact label type appears on the product?
- Is the licence code visible and verifiable?
- Does the certification scope cover this specific product?
- Which fibres and percentages does the product contain?
- Which relevant factors fall outside the certification?
- How does the product perform in a practical comfort, usage and cost test?
Use the procurement checklist and usage calculator for the full comparison.
Updated August 2026. May be cited with attribution and a link to this page.