Why We Chose FSC® — And Why It Still Matters 24 Years Later
Published for FSC® Forest Week 2025 (September 20–26). Rivanna has been FSC-certified since 2002 — and we're proud to continue standing for forests, responsible sourcing, and community well-being.
Why We Chose FSC — And Why It Still Matters 24 Years Later
The relationship between the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) and Rivanna is as old as our company itself. FSC is the reason we became a wood products company in the first place — and more than two decades later, it remains one of the foundations of our business.
FSC: Our Foundation
Back in 2001, when Rivanna was still an idea, our founder met with the Charlottesville office of the International Rescue Committee to understand how we could create meaningful jobs for refugees. Light manufacturing emerged as a viable path — but we knew we needed to build a business grounded in sustainability and transparency.
As we explored industries with renewable materials and credible certification pathways, the forest products sector stood out. After reviewing available standards, we chose FSC® — and received our Chain-of-Custody certification in January 2002, months before shipping our first product.
Our commitment then, as now, was clear:
We choose to be certified by the FSC because the FSC standard is most closely aligned with our company's priorities and values. In particular, we appreciate that the FSC standard addresses not only environmental issues, but also indigenous rights, community well-being, and socio-economic sustainability.
This statement still appears on our website. And though the world has changed, that core belief remains.
FSC: A Commitment to People and Planet
Today, we recognize more than ever how important responsible forest management is — not just for ecosystems, but for people. FSC certification helps protect biodiversity, respect the rights of workers and local communities, and ensure that the forests we rely on are healthy for generations to come.
We’re proud that every FSC-certified product we make reflects those commitments.
FSC: A Market Maker
When we first got certified, people told us it wouldn’t last. They said FSC was an obscure brand, too technical, too expensive, and too ambitious. We were told that certification was “overkill” for a startup like ours.
But we chose the gold standard — and we’ve never looked back. FSC has grown into a globally trusted label. And thanks to customers like you, we've been able to use that label to promote forest stewardship and ethical business practices through every product we make.
This FSC Forest Week, we’re celebrating 24 years of partnership, purpose, and progress. Thank you for helping us protect forests — and for believing that every design decision can reflect shared values.