The new PEFC Label Generator

The new PEFC Label Generator, launched in 2021, produces PEFC logos and labels in line with the requirements of the 2020 PEFC Trademarks standard. But what does this mean?

The PEFC Trademarks standard provides the graphic requirements that govern the PEFC labels, as well as the rules for entities using the PEFC trademarks – from chain of custody certified companies, to forest owners and retailers. 

The PEFC Label Generator produces labels in line with these requirements, so everyone using this tool can be assured that the labels they produce are correct. The new Label Generator also provides information and guidance, to help you ensure you are using the labels correctly, whether that is on your certified products, or to help you promote your support of PEFC and sustainable forestry. 

Why are there two PEFC Label Generators?

You may have noticed there are two PEFC Label Generators, and there is a simple reason for this.

In early 2020, PEFC published two revised standards: the 2020 Chain of Custody standard and the 2020 PEFC Trademarks standard. These standards include new requirements regarding the use of the PEFC label. The new PEFC Label Generator produces labels in line with the graphic requirements of these 2020 standards. The original PEFC Label Generator produces labels in line with the previous standards. 

Chain of custody certified companies certified to the 2020 Chain of Custody standard should use the new Label Generator. If you are certified to the 2013 Chain of Custody standard, you should use the original Label Generator. If you are not sure which standard you are certified to, check your chain of custody certificate. 

Chain of custody certified companies can find out more about how to move to the 2020 Chain of Custody standard on our website, as well as what you need to do to access the new Label Generator.

Other trademarks users (forest owners, brand owners, etc.) should continue to use the original Label Generator until contacted by their national PEFC member or PEFC International and invited to use the new Label Generator. 

What is different with the new Label Generator?

There are some differences to the PEFC labels themselves, the most obvious one being the removal of the ‘TM’ from the PEFC logo. There is also a range of new label messages for the off-product label used for promotional purposes. 

The Label Generator itself is also very different, with a new look and new features. However, the creation of labels is still easy, with one simple and straightforward interface where you can customize the labels to your needs and download them.

An important difference is that you now create a product before creating labels for that product. When you create a new product, you will be asked a couple of questions. These questions ensure that you create labels suitable for the product. Once you have created a product, you can create many labels for that product. 

You can also invite your colleagues and consultants to your Label Generator account, enabling them to create labels, or download labels that you have created. This not only improves the efficiency of the label generation process (as you don’t have to ask us to create accounts), but also increases the security as each member has their own login details, and you have overview and control of their access rights.