prepare your Fsc label online
6 November 2007
Have you been struggling creating FSC product labels in the past? Did you find it difficult to get the code placed correctly on the label in the right font and size? Then you will probably love FSC’s new online platform for certified companies!
NEPCon has tested the new system. Although there is still room for improvement, we are impressed! It is a big step forward compared to the less user-friendly FSC Brandpack CD which certified clients received in the past.
All companies which are FSC Chain of Custody certified after 4th of October will automatically get access to the system, while companies certified before that date need to ask their certifier for access free of charge. The FSC Brandpack CD will continue to be available for companies without internet access.
How to use the on-line system
First-time users will need to generate a password and accept the usual “Terms and Conditions” before getting access to the system. If you fancy reading manuals, FSC has developed a 22 pages user guide to the system. It can be downloaded online here. However, if it is not the first time you sit behind a computer, you can probably manage without the guide and just go directly to www.brandpack.fsc.org. It is not that complicated!
 Creating an on-product label
You can create your own on-product label with a few mouse clicks. Just select label type, format, color and percentage if applicable. You can all the time see the result of your selections in the preview window. The system supports labels in multiple languages, so if you want a label in English, Russian and Chinese, then all it takes is a couple of clicks. When the label is right, you just have to select the file type and click download - and you have the file on your computer ready to include in any graphic layout. The labels are automatically saved under your profile, so you can edit them later and use them again, if needed.
Promotional use of the FSC trademarks
The site also provides on-line access to a number of FSC logo files as well as various documents and guides related to the use of the FSC trademark for promotional purposes. This is useful for companies using the FSC logo in sales materials, homepage etc. However, compared to the system for product labeling, we find this part of the site rather disappointing. We wonder why the FSC has not prepared this section in the same user-friendly way, so it would be possible to choose between different label types, off-product statements and languages.
Another drawback is that the system as such is only available in English. It will be complicated to use for companies without English-speaking staff.
Our overall conclusion is that the new system is a major step forward, but that it can be developed further especially related to promotional use of the FSC logo and supporting additional languages.
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