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AF&PA

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 20, 2019 (Press Release) -American Forest & Paper Association President (AF&PA) and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding Congressional passage of domestic spending legislation. Passed by the House and Senate, the bill includes language clearly stating Congress’ intent for long-term federal regulatory policy reflecting the carbon neutrality of forest-based biomass.

“Congress should be applauded for continued recognition of the need to foster U.S. manufacturing growth through federal biomass policy that appropriately reflects the paper and wood product industry’s use of carbon-neutral biomass for energy production. Clear public policy on biomass carbon neutrality will level the playing field to help our manufacturers compete globally and support future economic growth and job creation. That’s a winning combination and action our industry has sought for more than nine years. Moreover, implementation of clear policy will support the use of carbon neutral biomass as a fuel source for our mills, which provides significant greenhouse gas reduction benefits to the environment.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online atafandpa.orgor follow us on Twitter@ForestandPaper.

AF&PA applauds congressional action for continued recognition of biomass carbon neutrality

Posted in: Environment 12/23/2019 - 15:18

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 20, 2019 (Press Release) -American Forest & Paper Association President (AF&PA) and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding Congressional passage of domestic spending legislation. Passed by the House and Senate, the bill includes language clearly stating Congress’ intent for long-term federal regulatory policy reflecting the carbon neutrality of forest-based biomass.

“Congress should be applauded for continued recognition of the need to foster U.S. manufacturing growth through federal biomass policy that appropriately reflects the paper and wood product industry’s use of carbon-neutral biomass for energy production. Clear public policy on biomass carbon neutrality will level the playing field to help our manufacturers compete globally and support future economic growth and job creation. That’s a winning combination and action our industry has sought for more than nine years. Moreover, implementation of clear policy will support the use of carbon neutral biomass as a fuel source for our mills, which provides significant greenhouse gas reduction benefits to the environment.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online atafandpa.orgor follow us on Twitter@ForestandPaper.

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 20, 2019 (Press Release) -American Forest & Paper Association President (AF&PA) and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding Congressional passage of domestic spending legislation. Passed by the House and Senate, the bill includes language clearly stating Congress’ intent for long-term federal regulatory policy reflecting the carbon neutrality of forest-based biomass.

“Congress should be applauded for continued recognition of the need to foster U.S. manufacturing growth through federal biomass policy that appropriately reflects the paper and wood product industry’s use of carbon-neutral biomass for energy production. Clear public policy on biomass carbon neutrality will level the playing field to help our manufacturers compete globally and support future economic growth and job creation. That’s a winning combination and action our industry has sought for more than nine years. Moreover, implementation of clear policy will support the use of carbon neutral biomass as a fuel source for our mills, which provides significant greenhouse gas reduction benefits to the environment.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online atafandpa.orgor follow us on Twitter@ForestandPaper.

AF&PA applauds congressional action for continued recognition of biomass carbon neutrality

Posted in: Bio-Insight 12/23/2019 - 15:18

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 20, 2019 (Press Release) -American Forest & Paper Association President (AF&PA) and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding Congressional passage of domestic spending legislation. Passed by the House and Senate, the bill includes language clearly stating Congress’ intent for long-term federal regulatory policy reflecting the carbon neutrality of forest-based biomass.

“Congress should be applauded for continued recognition of the need to foster U.S. manufacturing growth through federal biomass policy that appropriately reflects the paper and wood product industry’s use of carbon-neutral biomass for energy production. Clear public policy on biomass carbon neutrality will level the playing field to help our manufacturers compete globally and support future economic growth and job creation. That’s a winning combination and action our industry has sought for more than nine years. Moreover, implementation of clear policy will support the use of carbon neutral biomass as a fuel source for our mills, which provides significant greenhouse gas reduction benefits to the environment.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online atafandpa.orgor follow us on Twitter@ForestandPaper.

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 22, 2019 (Press Release) -American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement in support of Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Debbie Stabenow’s (D-MI) “Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education (RECYCLE) Act of 2019” (S. 2941).

“The RECYCLE Act will educate consumers on the right ways to recycle and is one of the best ways we can increase the quantity and quality of paper in the recycling stream. We are thankful for the collaborative work Senators Portman, Stabenow, Collins, Young and Wyden have undertaken to engage stakeholders on this important legislation and are eager to work with all parties to move this bill forward.

“Our industry has achieved record-setting paper recovery rates for recycling, but we also recognize the U.S. recycling system is faced with challenges that begin at the bin. Providing grants to fund recycling education programs is a positive step in working to dispel recycling myths, discourage ‘wishcycling’ and arm consumers with the resources they need to contribute to a U.S. recycling success story.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states.

AF&PA supports Senators Rob Portman and Debbie Stabenow’s RECYCLE Act of 2019

Posted in: Environment 11/25/2019 - 11:48

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 22, 2019 (Press Release) -American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement in support of Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Debbie Stabenow’s (D-MI) “Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education (RECYCLE) Act of 2019” (S. 2941).

“The RECYCLE Act will educate consumers on the right ways to recycle and is one of the best ways we can increase the quantity and quality of paper in the recycling stream. We are thankful for the collaborative work Senators Portman, Stabenow, Collins, Young and Wyden have undertaken to engage stakeholders on this important legislation and are eager to work with all parties to move this bill forward.

“Our industry has achieved record-setting paper recovery rates for recycling, but we also recognize the U.S. recycling system is faced with challenges that begin at the bin. Providing grants to fund recycling education programs is a positive step in working to dispel recycling myths, discourage ‘wishcycling’ and arm consumers with the resources they need to contribute to a U.S. recycling success story.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states.

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 21, 2019 (Press Release) -American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final Risk Management Plan rule, announced by EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on November 21.

“Our manufacturers are committed to providing a safe workplace for employees and the communities around their facilities as demonstrated by AF&PA’s Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability initiative. We thank the EPA for supporting our industry’s ability to further this work by taking steps to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce environmental impact and enhance safety – all of which will go a long way toward protecting our workers and safeguarding the public.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states.

AF&PA supports EPA’s final Risk Management Plan rule

Posted in: Mills 11/22/2019 - 08:18

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 21, 2019 (Press Release) -American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final Risk Management Plan rule, announced by EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on November 21.

“Our manufacturers are committed to providing a safe workplace for employees and the communities around their facilities as demonstrated by AF&PA’s Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability initiative. We thank the EPA for supporting our industry’s ability to further this work by taking steps to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce environmental impact and enhance safety – all of which will go a long way toward protecting our workers and safeguarding the public.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states.

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 15, 2019 (Press Release) -American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for bringing together recycling stakeholders, decision makers and government officials to celebrate recycling and identify solutions for a stronger domestic recycling system. Brock attended the second annual America Recycles Summit, hosted by the EPA at its DC-based headquarters on Friday.

“Successful outcomes result from partnership and collaboration. That’s why the EPA deserves a round of applause for bringing together recycling stakeholders, decision makers and government officials to celebrate recycling successes, learn from each other and address the challenges before us. For our part, as an industry we are working to remove confusion about what is recyclable – pizza boxes, for example, which are recyclable.

“Paper and paper-based product manufacturers have a long history of applying sustainable business practices to innovate and adapt to market demands to drive future successes. Take the U.S. paper recovery for recycling rate. In 2018, industry and consumer commitment to increasing the quality and quantity of paper recovered for recycling contributed to a record high 68.1 percent rate. The paper recovery rate has met or exceeded 63 percent for the past decade

“That’s called progress, and we’re eager to share how we achieved it, learn from others and work together to advance the use of all recovered materials to manufacture a wide range of renewable products, create jobs, protect the environment and improve the quality of life for all Americans.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states.

AF&PA applauds EPA for moving to Identify solutions for stronger domestic recycling system

Posted in: Environment 11/18/2019 - 10:20

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 15, 2019 (Press Release) -American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for bringing together recycling stakeholders, decision makers and government officials to celebrate recycling and identify solutions for a stronger domestic recycling system. Brock attended the second annual America Recycles Summit, hosted by the EPA at its DC-based headquarters on Friday.

“Successful outcomes result from partnership and collaboration. That’s why the EPA deserves a round of applause for bringing together recycling stakeholders, decision makers and government officials to celebrate recycling successes, learn from each other and address the challenges before us. For our part, as an industry we are working to remove confusion about what is recyclable – pizza boxes, for example, which are recyclable.

“Paper and paper-based product manufacturers have a long history of applying sustainable business practices to innovate and adapt to market demands to drive future successes. Take the U.S. paper recovery for recycling rate. In 2018, industry and consumer commitment to increasing the quality and quantity of paper recovered for recycling contributed to a record high 68.1 percent rate. The paper recovery rate has met or exceeded 63 percent for the past decade

“That’s called progress, and we’re eager to share how we achieved it, learn from others and work together to advance the use of all recovered materials to manufacture a wide range of renewable products, create jobs, protect the environment and improve the quality of life for all Americans.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states.

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 12, 2019 (Press Release) -The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) presented its 2019 Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 Sustainability Awards at AF&PA’s annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 8 in Bluffton, South Carolina.

“The winning projects further our industry’s sustainability record and contribute toward achieving the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 goals,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “We are proud to recognize these outstanding examples of sustainability leadership.”

2019 AF&PA Sustainability Award Winners

Leadership in Sustainability – Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Large Company)

Resolute Forest Products: Concrete Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Leadership in Sustainability – Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Small Company)

Seaman Paper Company of Massachusetts, Inc.: Let There Be (LED) Light

Leadership in Sustainability – Safety

WestRock: Hopewell Recovery Boiler Life Changing Event Elimination Project

Leadership in Sustainability – Sustainable Forest Management

Domtar: Promoting Sustainable Forest Management for Landowners

Leadership in Sustainability – Water

Green Bay Packaging: Water Reduction Achievements at Green Bay Mill

Innovation in Sustainability

WestRock: EnShield Natural Kraft

The 2019 AF&PA Sustainability Award winners were selected by a judging panel of sustainability experts from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University; GreenBlue; Quad Packaging; Two Sides; and the U.S. Department of Energy.

AF&PA’s annual awards are designed to recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry and are given based on the merit of entries received across multiple categories.

Projects that support progress toward the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals qualify for recognition in the “Leadership” category, which has five subcategories that correspond to the goals: Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Paper Recovery for Recycling, Safety, Sustainable Forest Management and Water. The “Innovation in Sustainability” award is reserved for projects that merit recognition for their contribution to sustainable business practices, not one of the goals specifically.

AF&PA’s 2018 Sustainability Report showed that the U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry has made significant, measurable progress toward achieving its Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals.

AF&PA announces winners of sustainability award 2019 at its annual meeting in Bluffton, SC

Posted in: Mills 11/15/2019 - 02:45

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 12, 2019 (Press Release) -The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) presented its 2019 Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 Sustainability Awards at AF&PA’s annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 8 in Bluffton, South Carolina.

“The winning projects further our industry’s sustainability record and contribute toward achieving the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 goals,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “We are proud to recognize these outstanding examples of sustainability leadership.”

2019 AF&PA Sustainability Award Winners

Leadership in Sustainability – Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Large Company)

Resolute Forest Products: Concrete Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Leadership in Sustainability – Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Small Company)

Seaman Paper Company of Massachusetts, Inc.: Let There Be (LED) Light

Leadership in Sustainability – Safety

WestRock: Hopewell Recovery Boiler Life Changing Event Elimination Project

Leadership in Sustainability – Sustainable Forest Management

Domtar: Promoting Sustainable Forest Management for Landowners

Leadership in Sustainability – Water

Green Bay Packaging: Water Reduction Achievements at Green Bay Mill

Innovation in Sustainability

WestRock: EnShield Natural Kraft

The 2019 AF&PA Sustainability Award winners were selected by a judging panel of sustainability experts from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University; GreenBlue; Quad Packaging; Two Sides; and the U.S. Department of Energy.

AF&PA’s annual awards are designed to recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry and are given based on the merit of entries received across multiple categories.

Projects that support progress toward the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals qualify for recognition in the “Leadership” category, which has five subcategories that correspond to the goals: Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Paper Recovery for Recycling, Safety, Sustainable Forest Management and Water. The “Innovation in Sustainability” award is reserved for projects that merit recognition for their contribution to sustainable business practices, not one of the goals specifically.

AF&PA’s 2018 Sustainability Report showed that the U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry has made significant, measurable progress toward achieving its Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals.

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 12, 2019 (Press Release) -The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) recognized Seaman Paper Company of Massachusetts, Inc. with a 2019 AF&PA Leadership in Sustainability Award for Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction for their Let There Be (LED) Light Program. The award was presented at AF&PA’s annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 9 in Bluffton, South Carolina.

“Seaman Paper improved their energy efficiency while driving down costs and improving lighting quality, which can further improve production quality as well as safety in their facilities,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock.

Seaman Paper reduced their electricity consumption by over 1.2 million kilowatt hours per year by switching a significant portion of their lighting over to LED. The lightweight papers and decorative packaging supplier used energy conservation incentives provided by their utility to replace existing lighting with LED or specify LED lighting in their converting plants and warehouses in northcentral Massachusetts. Cost savings from the project offset payment to the utility and are now accrued by Seaman Paper. In addition, the project improved lighting in the facilities, promoting safety.

“We thank AF&PA for recognizing our Let There Be (LED) Light Program,” said Seaman Paper CEO George Jones. “This program greatly improved our company’s energy efficiency and is appreciated by our stockholders, employees and customers.”

The 2019 AF&PA Sustainability Award winners were selected by a judging panel of sustainability experts from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University; GreenBlue; Quad Packaging; Two Sides; and the U.S. Department of Energy.

AF&PA’s annual awards are designed to recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry and are given based on the merit of entries received across multiple categories.

Projects that support progress toward the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals qualify for recognition in the “Leadership” category, which has five subcategories that correspond to the goals: Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Paper Recovery for Recycling, Safety, Sustainable Forest Management and Water. The “Innovation in Sustainability” award is reserved for projects that merit recognition for their contribution to sustainable business practices, not one of the goals specifically.

AF&PA’s 2018 Sustainability Report showed that the U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry has made significant, measurable progress toward achieving its Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals. For more information, visit afandpa.org/sustainability.

Seaman Paper of Massachusetts wins 2019 AF&PA Sustainability Award for Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Posted in: Bio-Insight 11/13/2019 - 18:07