Sustainable Sourcing: How to Choose Better Labels, Cards, and Tags
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Understanding the value of sustainably sourced paper products
Choosing paper products made from responsibly harvested materials is a powerful way to support sustainability in packaging and branding. For labels, cards, and tags, this often means sourcing from forests managed with long-term environmental health in mind.
One of the most recognized standards in responsible sourcing is Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification. Products with the FSC label are made from paper that meets strict environmental, social, and economic guidelines. Whether you’re shipping packages, printing thank-you cards, or labeling inventory, the paper you choose helps tell your sustainability story.
In this article, we’ll break down what sustainable sourcing really means, why FSC certification matters, and how to easily identify Avery eco-friendly labels, cards, and tags. You’ll also discover practical tips for choosing responsibly sourced products and how those choices can benefit both your brand and the environment.
What is sustainable sourcing?
Sustainable sourcing means selecting raw materials, like paper, that are harvested in ways that protect ecosystems, support ethical labor, and reduce environmental harm. In packaging and printed materials, this means using paper that comes from forests managed for long-term health rather than short-term gain. You can learn more about eco-friendly packaging from our helpful article.
When paper is responsibly sourced, it helps reduce deforestation and supports sustainable forestry. This ensures forests can continue to regenerate, provide wildlife habitats, and contribute to cleaner air and water. It also means that local communities and workers are treated fairly throughout the supply chain.
FSC certification plays a key role in verifying these practices. FSC-certified paper products meet strict standards for environmental protection, ethical sourcing, and economic sustainability. By choosing FSC-certified paper, businesses help promote responsible forest management around the world.
What FSC certification means for you
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) awards certification to paper products that meet rigorous standards for responsible forestry. This independent organization verifies that the materials come from forests managed with care for the environment, workers, and local communities. Choosing FSC-certified labels, cards, or tags means you’re selecting paper that’s been transparently sourced—from forest to final product. These practices support natural forest regeneration, fair labor conditions, and long-term sustainability.
In short, FSC certification is your assurance that the paper you use is truly sustainable, not just in name, but in practice. It’s one of the most trusted indicators of responsible sourcing available today.
What you gain from choosing FSC-certified materials
Switching to FSC-certified paper products offers more than just environmental benefits, it strengthens your brand. It shows your customers that you care about how your products are made and where your materials come from.
Consumers are increasingly looking for brands that take sustainability seriously. In fact, recent studies show that over 60% of shoppers consider sustainability when making a purchase. When your products are packaged, labeled, or promoted using FSC-certified materials, you’re showing customers that your brand is committed to responsible sourcing. It’s a visible, tangible way to communicate your values, and it builds trust.
Beyond meeting expectations, choosing eco-friendly packaging materials also enhances your brand’s eco-conscious image. Whether you’re a small business or a large retailer, demonstrating accountability in your sourcing choices can set you apart in a competitive market. It shows you care not only about quality but about doing what’s right for the planet. Discover other ways your business can be more environmentally friendly in our informative article.
How responsible sourcing helps your business
As mentioned earlier, today’s consumers are more likely to seek out brands that take responsibility for how their products are made. By choosing sustainably sourced materials, your business signals a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility. It’s a clear, visible way to align your brand with values that matter to your audience.
Sourcing paper responsibly doesn’t just meet expectations, it elevates your brand’s eco-conscious image. Whether you’re selling online, in stores, or at local markets, customers are more likely to support businesses that demonstrate sustainability and transparency. Using certified labels, tags, or cards can help reinforce trust and loyalty with both new and returning buyers.
Responsible sourcing also gives your brand a competitive edge. In a crowded marketplace, even small sustainability decisions, like switching to FSC-certified packaging, can set you apart from businesses still using generic materials. It adds a layer of purpose to your products that goes beyond appearance or function.
Finally, sustainable choices support long-term business success. Choosing responsibly sourced materials now can help future-proof your operations as environmental regulations evolve and consumer expectations continue to rise. It’s not just a feel-good decision, it’s a strategic one that can drive both impact and growth.
Sustainably-sourced Avery products that make a difference
Labels: A sustainable option for shipping, branding, and organizing.
Avery FSC®-certified labels (FSC®-C007276), like the Kraft Brown Round Labels (22818) and TrueBlock® Shipping Labels (5816 and 5815), are made with responsibly sourced paper and recycling-compatible adhesives. These labels deliver dependable performance while helping reduce your environmental footprint.
Cards: Sustainably sourced materials for business cards, greeting cards, and more.
Avery FSC®-certified cards are made with responsibly sourced or recycled materials and offer clean print quality for both inkjet and laser printers. Options like Printable Business Cards (5881 and 28311)and Postcards (8387 and 5689) provide versatile, sustainable solutions for a variety of uses.
Tags: A better choice for product labeling, gifting, and retail packaging.
From Rectangular Tags (22802) to decorative options like Scallop Round (80511), Scalloped (22848), and Square Tags (80513), Avery offers a variety of FSC-certified tags made with responsibly sourced paper. Each one is designed to print beautifully while aligning with your sustainability values.
How to find FSC-certified Avery labels, cards, and tags
If you’ve been wondering where to buy FSC-certified labels, Avery.com makes it easy to filter for responsibly sourced paper products. The quick answer is to simply choose a product category and use the “Eco-Friendly Features” filters. However, if you’re not as familiar with Avery.com, the steps below break down exactly how to filter for FSC-certified paper products (i.e., products with responsibly-sourced paper.) These steps show how to find sustainably sourced paper labels specifically, but you can use the same method to find FSC-certified cards and tags as well.
Hover over “All Products” on the Avery.com main menu to open the product category menu you desire.
Choose the “In-Store Pack” option for the category you chose.
Scroll down past product categories until you see drop lists for product features.
Open the “Eco-Friendly Features” filters and click “Paper Sourced Responsibly.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about sustainability
What is the difference between sustainable and recycled paper?
Sustainable paper is made from virgin fiber sourced from forests that are managed in an environmentally and socially responsible way—often certified by organizations like FSC®. This ensures long-term forest health and ethical sourcing practices.
Recycled paper is made from post-consumer or pre-consumer waste. It’s also eco-friendly, as it reduces the demand for virgin materials and helps divert paper waste from landfills. Both options support sustainability in different, complementary ways.
Why is FSC certification important?
FSC certification ensures that paper products are sourced through ethical, environmentally sound practices. It protects forests, supports fair labor, and promotes biodiversity.
Are Avery products eco-friendly?
Yes, many Avery products are designed with sustainability in mind, and we are also continually working to expand our line of eco-conscious products. This includes options made with recycled materials, paper sourced from responsibly managed forests, and recycling-friendly adhesives.
How can my business benefit from using eco-friendly products?
Using eco-friendly materials like FSC-certified paper can improve your brand’s reputation, meet consumer demand for responsible sourcing, and contribute to broader environmental goals. It’s a smart, sustainable choice that can build long-term trust with your customers.
Bring purpose to your packaging with sustainably sourced labels, cards, and tags
Making the switch to FSC®-certified labels, cards, and tags is a simple but impactful way to support sustainable sourcing. Every responsibly sourced product you choose helps reduce environmental impact, protect forests, and promote ethical practices throughout the supply chain.
Whether you’re packaging products, designing custom tags, or printing thank-you cards, choosing sustainably sourced paper shows your commitment to thoughtful, eco-conscious business practices. It’s a small change that can make a big difference—for your brand, your customers, and the planet. For even more ways to create with intention, check out these eco-friendly packaging ideas.
Want more ideas for sourcing responsibly? Check out our YouTube channel for tips and tutorials, or follow us on Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest for sustainable inspiration all year long.
