Wood & Plant-Based
Wood
Renewable, biodegradable, and carbon-storing
Sustainably managed wood is renewable, biodegradable, and stores carbon throughout its lifetime. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures wood comes from responsibly managed forests that maintain biodiversity and community rights.
Sustainability benefits
- Renewable resource when sustainably managed
- Stores carbon throughout its lifetime
- Biodegradable at end of life
- Versatile — suitable for countless applications
Drawbacks to consider
- Deforestation risk with uncertified sources
- Can degrade with moisture if untreated
- Some treatments use toxic chemicals
What to look for
Always look for FSC certification. Avoid chemically treated wood for food contact. Hardwoods like oak and maple last longest.
How wood affects a product's score
Wood is a natural standard material, scoring 3/5 on materials. FSC certification boosts the score to 4/5. Wood is biodegradable, helping end-of-life scores. Durability varies by species — hardwoods score better than softwoods.
Scores are computed from four dimensions: materials, durability, end of life, and packaging. Each is scored 1–5 using transparent, open-source rules.