Forest Stewardship Council®
Our Promise to the Planet: Hallmark Australia & the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)
For us at Hallmark Australia, greeting cards go beyond paper and ink, they carry moments of love, connection and celebration. However, we recognise that our business relies on the natural world. To continue sharing moments of joy, we must also protect the environment that provides the raw materials for our products.
That is why we are proud to partner with the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) to ensure the paper and wood materials we use are sourced to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.
What is the Forest Stewardship Council®?
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is a global not-for-profit organisation that sets the standard for responsible forest management worldwide. FSC certification ensures forests are managed in a way that protects nature, supports communities, and sustains economic viability. Hallmark is proud to be an FSC Promotional Licence Holder (FSC®N004022)
When you see the FSC label on Hallmark products, you can be confident the materials come from responsibly managed forests that safeguard wildlife and respect the rights of workers, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities.
The Three Pillars of FSC® Certification
FSC® certification is unique because it balances three interconnected goals. By choosing FSC® certified materials, Hallmark Australia supports:
Environmental Responsibility
Forests are managed to protect water quality, prevent soil erosion and preserve old growth trees. Harvesting is carefully controlled to ensure ecosystems and wildlife habitats remain healthy.
Social Responsibility
Forestry is about people as much as it is about trees. FSC® standards protect the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities, ensure fair wages and safe working conditions, and respect the social wellbeing of forest dependent communities.
Economic Viability
By creating demand for responsibly sourced wood and paper, FSC® certification provides forest owners with an incentive to manage their land sustainably rather than clearing it for agriculture or development.
Supporting responsible forest management
As a leader in the greeting card industry, Hallmark Australia understands the impact of our footprint. Millions of Australians send cards each year for birthdays, holidays and anniversaries, and we feel a strong responsibility to ensure these moments of connection do not come at the expense of the planet.
By prioritising FSC certified materials, Hallmark Australia actively supports the following outcomes:
Healthy, resilient forests
Forests are managed to protect biodiversity, water resources, and high conservation values, with harvesting carefully controlled to sustain ecosystem health. By prioritising FSC-certified materials, we are actively helping to combat deforestation, prevent illegal logging, and protect vital wildlife habitats.
Respect for people and communities
Forestry is about people as much as it is about trees. FSC standards uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, promote safe and fair working conditions, and support the long-term wellbeing of people connected to forests.
Climate and long-term sustainability
FSC certification supports forest management that maintains and enhances carbon stocks, helping forests act as vital carbon sinks. It also strengthens the economic viability of responsible forestry by creating demand for certified products, supporting forest managers to keep forests standing for the long term.
Look for the Label
You will notice the FSC® logo on an increasing number of Hallmark products. This label assures you that the product has been made using wood or paper from responsibly managed forests.
Our Journey Towards a Sustainable Future
While we are proud of our partnership with the FSC®, we recognise that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We continue to review our supply chain and work towards increasing the proportion of FSC® certified products across our range.
We are committed to transparency and to making responsible choices that help ensure the world's forests remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.
Next time you pick up a Hallmark card to write a heartfelt message, look for the FSC® logo. It's a small symbol with a big impact — helping you celebrate life's moments while protecting our planet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hallmark's Sustainability
Are all Hallmark greeting cards FSC® certified?
Most Hallmark greeting cards sold in Australia and New Zealand are FSC® certified. We work closely with our global supply chain to ensure the majority of our paper products — including cards, gift wrap and stationery — carry the FSC® "tick tree" logo, indicating they come from responsibly managed forests.
How do I know if my Hallmark card is recyclable?
The majority of our cards are 100% recyclable through standard Australian kerbside yellow lid bins. Cards featuring heavy glitter, plastic embellishments or musical components should have these elements removed before recycling. Always check the back of the card for recycling symbols and disposal guidance.
What is the difference between "Recycled" and "FSC® Certified"?
Recycled paper uses post consumer waste to create new products. FSC® certified paper ensures that when virgin fibres are used, they are sourced from responsibly managed forests that protect biodiversity and Indigenous rights. Hallmark uses a combination of both to balance quality and environmental impact.
Is Hallmark Australia reducing plastic in its packaging?
Yes. We are actively working to remove or replace single use plastics across our product ranges. This includes transitioning to recyclable, paper based packaging for boxed cards and reducing plastic cellophane wrapping wherever possible to help protect our oceans and waterways.
Does FSC® certification apply to Hallmark gift bags and wrapping paper?
Yes. Our commitment to sustainable forestry extends beyond greeting cards. Look for the FSC® logo on the base of our gift bags and on the inner core of our wrapping paper rolls.
How does Hallmark support the Australian environment?
In addition to global sourcing standards, Hallmark Australia focuses on reducing our local footprint through efficient distribution and responsible waste management practices. Choosing FSC certified products helps support responsible forest management practices that reduce pressure on forests, protect biodiversity and contribute to climate resilience in Australia and around the world.
How do Hallmark's FSC certified products support recycled content?
Many of our cards are certified FSC Mix, which means they are manufactured with a combination of FSC certified virgin fibre (sourced from responsibly managed forests that protect biodiversity and Indigenous rights), controlled sources and/or recycled wood or fibre. The inclusion of recycled materials in our products reduces pressure on our forests by using pre-consumer and post-consumer waste to create new products.
Still have questions?
Our friendly Customer Care team is here to help. We typically respond within one business day.