Certifications That Matter: From FSC® to GREENGUARD in Digital Printing

Sustainability certifications help printers and material manufacturers back up their environmental claims, build trust, and meet client requirements for regulated or green-certified projects. But with so many acronyms out there — FSC®, PEFC, GREENGUARD, Cradle to Cradle, and more — it can be hard to know which ones really matter.

Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant sustainability certifications in digital print — and how they apply to print substrates, print materials, and the production process as a whole.

FSC® – Forest Stewardship Council

What it covers: Responsible forestry for paper- and wood-based substrates
Applies to: Paper, cardboard, fiberboards, and wood-based rigid media

• Ensures materials come from sustainably managed forests

• Tracks the supply chain from forest to final product

• Widely accepted in government and corporate tenders

Why it matters: Clients in retail, publishing, and packaging often require FSC®-certified materials for environmental and CSR reporting.

PEFC – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

What it covers: Sustainable forest management
Applies to: Similar materials as FSC®, often used in European markets

• Focuses on local forest ownership and smaller-scale certification

• Compatible with many EU environmental procurement policies

• Common in packaging and paperboard manufacturing

Why it matters: PEFC is especially strong in Europe and offers a widely respected alternative to FSC®.

GREENGUARD / UL GREENGUARD Gold

What it covers: Low chemical emissions for indoor air quality
Applies to: Digitally printable substrates, wallcoverings, textiles, and inks

• Ensures printed materials are safe for use in schools, healthcare, and homes

• Tests for VOCs and other harmful emissions

• GREENGUARD Gold is the most stringent level

Why it matters: Required for projects in education, healthcare, and LEED-certified buildings. Also a strong selling point for interior decor clients.

Cradle to Cradle Certified®

What it covers: Circular design and safe material chemistry
Applies to: Substrates, textiles, and certain inks or adhesives

• Evaluates materials across five criteria, including circularity and social fairness

• Encourages innovation in eco-design and responsible sourcing

• Becomes more relevant as circular economy principles grow in B2B print

Why it matters: Premium brands are beginning to request C2C-certified materials for packaging, fashion, and interiors.

Blue Angel (Blauer Engel)

What it covers: Environmental impact of print substrates and paper products
Applies to: Paper, boards, and eco-printing systems

• Germany’s most trusted eco-label — recognized across the EU

• Guarantees recycled content, responsible production, and low emissions

• Commonly used in public tenders and sustainability-focused clients

Why it matters: Essential in German and Northern European markets, especially for public or NGO projects.

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

What it covers: Chemical safety in textiles and soft signage materials
Applies to: Printable fabrics, soft signage, and display textiles

• Verifies that no harmful substances are used in production

• Accepted globally for textiles in fashion, retail, and interiors

• Works well with dye-sub and latex printing applications

Why it matters: Often required in fashion, trade show, or decor work involving printed fabrics.

How to Leverage Certifications in Your Print Business

• Label certified materials clearly — especially in client-facing specs or quotes

• Use substrate libraries like Substrate Bank to search and compare based on certification

• Promote certifications in your marketing — it builds trust and credibility

• Educate your team so they can confidently explain what each label means

Certifications aren’t just checkboxes — they’re a competitive advantage in an increasingly regulated and eco-conscious market.

Conclusion: Trust Is Printed on the Label

As clients demand more transparency and accountability, certified substrates and inks give you a way to deliver peace of mind — not just performance. Whether you’re printing signage, packaging, decor, or displays, the right certification turns your environmental efforts into verified value.

Because in today’s digital print industry, sustainability is more than a trend — it’s a promise. And certifications are how you prove it.