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Environment

WASHINGTON, DC, June 22, 2020 (Press Release) -Over 115 health experts from eighteen countries signed onto a statement today assuring retailers and consumers that reusables are safe during COVID-19, pushing back on claims by the plastic industry. Among the health experts endorsing the statement is Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Senior Lecturer Dr. Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail from the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The health experts — joined by Greenpeace USA and UPSTREAM, both members of the Break Free From Plastic movement — emphasise that disposable products are not inherently safer than reusables and that reusable systems can be utilised safely during the pandemic by employing basic hygiene.

“Public health must include maintaining the cleanliness of our home, the Earth,” said Dr. Mark Miller, former director of research at the National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty International Center. “The promotion of unnecessary single-use plastics to decrease exposure to the coronavirus negatively impacts the environment, water systems, and potential food supply compared to the safe use of reusable bags, containers, and utensils.”

The statement endorsed by scientists, academics, doctors, and specialists in public health and food packaging safety around the world, notes that household disinfectants have been proven effective at disinfecting hard surfaces, such as reusables. The statement follows several temporary pauses on plastic bans across the world and increased bans on reusables by shops amid COVID-19.

“It’s been shocking to witness the plastic industry take advantage of the pandemic to promote throwaway plastics and scare people away from reusable bags and other items,” said Greenpeace USA Global Project Leader Graham Forbes. “It is crucial for businesses, and governments to know that as they reopen, reusable systems can be deployed safely to protect both our environment and workers and customers. To keep people safe and protect our planet, we should listen to the best available science instead of underhanded marketing from the plastic industry.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the plastic industry has worked to boost profits and demonise reusables. Pauses on plastic bans followed a significant PR push from the plastics industry, using older industry-funded research to claim that reusables are more dangerous than disposables during COVID-19.

“Over the past few months, there’s been a lot of conflicting information about how the virus is spread, but we now know that surfaces are not the main way we’re exposed,” said Matt Prindiville, CEO of UPSTREAM – a non-profit sparking innovative solutions to plastic pollution. “Plastic harms our health along the entire supply chain. Fortunately, COVID is easily destroyed by proper washing, so restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses can still serve us using reusable items in ways that protect health without harming the environment.”

Health experts joined by Greenpeace USA and UPSTREAM defend safety of reusables during COVID-19 pandemic

Posted in: Environment 06/23/2020 - 07:33

WASHINGTON, DC, June 22, 2020 (Press Release) -Over 115 health experts from eighteen countries signed onto a statement today assuring retailers and consumers that reusables are safe during COVID-19, pushing back on claims by the plastic industry. Among the health experts endorsing the statement is Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Senior Lecturer Dr. Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail from the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The health experts — joined by Greenpeace USA and UPSTREAM, both members of the Break Free From Plastic movement — emphasise that disposable products are not inherently safer than reusables and that reusable systems can be utilised safely during the pandemic by employing basic hygiene.

“Public health must include maintaining the cleanliness of our home, the Earth,” said Dr. Mark Miller, former director of research at the National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty International Center. “The promotion of unnecessary single-use plastics to decrease exposure to the coronavirus negatively impacts the environment, water systems, and potential food supply compared to the safe use of reusable bags, containers, and utensils.”

The statement endorsed by scientists, academics, doctors, and specialists in public health and food packaging safety around the world, notes that household disinfectants have been proven effective at disinfecting hard surfaces, such as reusables. The statement follows several temporary pauses on plastic bans across the world and increased bans on reusables by shops amid COVID-19.

“It’s been shocking to witness the plastic industry take advantage of the pandemic to promote throwaway plastics and scare people away from reusable bags and other items,” said Greenpeace USA Global Project Leader Graham Forbes. “It is crucial for businesses, and governments to know that as they reopen, reusable systems can be deployed safely to protect both our environment and workers and customers. To keep people safe and protect our planet, we should listen to the best available science instead of underhanded marketing from the plastic industry.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the plastic industry has worked to boost profits and demonise reusables. Pauses on plastic bans followed a significant PR push from the plastics industry, using older industry-funded research to claim that reusables are more dangerous than disposables during COVID-19.

“Over the past few months, there’s been a lot of conflicting information about how the virus is spread, but we now know that surfaces are not the main way we’re exposed,” said Matt Prindiville, CEO of UPSTREAM – a non-profit sparking innovative solutions to plastic pollution. “Plastic harms our health along the entire supply chain. Fortunately, COVID is easily destroyed by proper washing, so restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses can still serve us using reusable items in ways that protect health without harming the environment.”

Read more

VERONA, Italy , June 23, 2020 (Press Release) -Water consumption halved in 6 years; CO2 emissions fall by a fifth; pulp sourced exclusively from certified forests; Fedrigoni produces sustainable special papers

The self-adhesive labels sector has seen a 46% reduction in water consumption over the last six years, on a like-for-like basis; the paper and securities sector has seen a 15% reduction of waste water, and a reduction of 13% in the use of thermal energy (-9% of electric energy) thanks to significant investments in the installation of natural gas-powered turbine cogeneration plants in major factories. Since 2014 all pulp has been FSC certified, from forests that are protected by international treaties guaranteeing their sustainability in environmental, social and economic terms.

These numbers demonstrate that Fedrigoni, the leading Italian company in Europe for the production of paper for packaging, self-adhesive labels, printing and banknotes and securities, has maintained its commitment to making production processes more efficient, reducing consumption and improving its environmental impact in a sustainable way. These results are excellent in themselves, but even more so when looked at in the context of the continuous improvement plan that was launched 25 years ago to ensure quality, environmental sustainability, security and health. Data are included in the 2019 environment and security report that was published alongside the financial statements.

Since 2014, CO2 emissions have also fallen by 20% in the production of labels and self-adhesive labels (pressure sensitive labels), where a water-based silicone coating process is applied without the use of organic solvents. The use of chemical oxygen has fallen by 23% and waste generation has fallen by 14% (with 10% in the paper and securities sector). The company has also adopted labels and voluntary certification that confirm the environmental and safety specifications of its products.

But for Fedrigoni sustainability also means focusing on its employees and clients by providing healthy working environments and safe products through continuous investments. Compared to the previous year, 2019 saw a 7.5% fall in the average duration of injuries in the workplace in different plants, and the frequency and severity of accidents fell by 37% and 42% respectively, thanks also to specific organisational, management, training and information initiatives.

“We have been committed to social responsibility, in all situations and with all people for many years,” states Marco Nespolo, CEO of Fedrigoni, “and this commitment will be further reinforced and accelerated with a major multi-annual plan for investment, and the implementation of measures aimed at achieving some very specific objectives: to reduce our impact on the environment, to develop products that are real alternatives to plastic, to raise awareness about sustainability and to promote a culture that always puts the individual at the centre.”

“During the production and finishing processes of all our papers we only use the safest raw and ancillary materials,” continues the CEO, “materials that are low-impact, sustainably sourced and traceable. We also apply the best economies of scale to reduce and optimise energy and water consumption, as well as waste management, favouring suppliers who adopt the same principles. Our efforts are aimed at fostering a circular economy and sustainable growth through products that are as environmentally sound and safe as possible throughout their life cycles. We must also not forget the focus we place on art and culture, which we promote with our Fondazione Fedrigoni Fabriano activities.”

This is the direction the launch of the new range of Symbol Card ECO recycled papers is taking. There are two types of paper available, made with either 50% or 100% recycled fibre, and they are the result of a sustainable product innovation strategy. Symbol Card ECO is characterised by a double blade coating on one side for a satin finish and an uncoated side, ensuring good results even with large block printing, so that it can be adapted to different kinds of printing and processing applications. Both papers are available in different densities and in both long and short grain, making it the perfect product for covers, postcards and invitations, as well as packaging such as cases, boxes and hang tags.

One of Fedrigoni Group’s social responsibility activities is their commitment to providing training and information on recycling themes and the circular economy to the business community. This is the objective of “Recycled Tool”, a clear, concise guide to recycled papers and their function, from processes and the raw materials used to make them to their graphic performance, from their many applications to their environmental sustainability.

Fedrigoni publishes Environment and Safety report alongside Financial Statements 2019

Posted in: Environment 06/23/2020 - 06:29

VERONA, Italy , June 23, 2020 (Press Release) -Water consumption halved in 6 years; CO2 emissions fall by a fifth; pulp sourced exclusively from certified forests; Fedrigoni produces sustainable special papers

The self-adhesive labels sector has seen a 46% reduction in water consumption over the last six years, on a like-for-like basis; the paper and securities sector has seen a 15% reduction of waste water, and a reduction of 13% in the use of thermal energy (-9% of electric energy) thanks to significant investments in the installation of natural gas-powered turbine cogeneration plants in major factories. Since 2014 all pulp has been FSC certified, from forests that are protected by international treaties guaranteeing their sustainability in environmental, social and economic terms.

These numbers demonstrate that Fedrigoni, the leading Italian company in Europe for the production of paper for packaging, self-adhesive labels, printing and banknotes and securities, has maintained its commitment to making production processes more efficient, reducing consumption and improving its environmental impact in a sustainable way. These results are excellent in themselves, but even more so when looked at in the context of the continuous improvement plan that was launched 25 years ago to ensure quality, environmental sustainability, security and health. Data are included in the 2019 environment and security report that was published alongside the financial statements.

Since 2014, CO2 emissions have also fallen by 20% in the production of labels and self-adhesive labels (pressure sensitive labels), where a water-based silicone coating process is applied without the use of organic solvents. The use of chemical oxygen has fallen by 23% and waste generation has fallen by 14% (with 10% in the paper and securities sector). The company has also adopted labels and voluntary certification that confirm the environmental and safety specifications of its products.

But for Fedrigoni sustainability also means focusing on its employees and clients by providing healthy working environments and safe products through continuous investments. Compared to the previous year, 2019 saw a 7.5% fall in the average duration of injuries in the workplace in different plants, and the frequency and severity of accidents fell by 37% and 42% respectively, thanks also to specific organisational, management, training and information initiatives.

“We have been committed to social responsibility, in all situations and with all people for many years,” states Marco Nespolo, CEO of Fedrigoni, “and this commitment will be further reinforced and accelerated with a major multi-annual plan for investment, and the implementation of measures aimed at achieving some very specific objectives: to reduce our impact on the environment, to develop products that are real alternatives to plastic, to raise awareness about sustainability and to promote a culture that always puts the individual at the centre.”

“During the production and finishing processes of all our papers we only use the safest raw and ancillary materials,” continues the CEO, “materials that are low-impact, sustainably sourced and traceable. We also apply the best economies of scale to reduce and optimise energy and water consumption, as well as waste management, favouring suppliers who adopt the same principles. Our efforts are aimed at fostering a circular economy and sustainable growth through products that are as environmentally sound and safe as possible throughout their life cycles. We must also not forget the focus we place on art and culture, which we promote with our Fondazione Fedrigoni Fabriano activities.”

This is the direction the launch of the new range of Symbol Card ECO recycled papers is taking. There are two types of paper available, made with either 50% or 100% recycled fibre, and they are the result of a sustainable product innovation strategy. Symbol Card ECO is characterised by a double blade coating on one side for a satin finish and an uncoated side, ensuring good results even with large block printing, so that it can be adapted to different kinds of printing and processing applications. Both papers are available in different densities and in both long and short grain, making it the perfect product for covers, postcards and invitations, as well as packaging such as cases, boxes and hang tags.

One of Fedrigoni Group’s social responsibility activities is their commitment to providing training and information on recycling themes and the circular economy to the business community. This is the objective of “Recycled Tool”, a clear, concise guide to recycled papers and their function, from processes and the raw materials used to make them to their graphic performance, from their many applications to their environmental sustainability.

Read more

ESPOO, Finland, June 23, 2020 (Press Release) -The project engineering for Metsä Fibre’s bioproduct mill project in Kemi, Finland will start at the beginning of August 2020. This means the detailed engineering of the mill’s technology, civil construction, MEI installations and commissioning, as well as preparation for the project’s construction phase. The engineering work will be carried out in cooperation with the selected four main implementation partners: Valmet, ABB, AFRY and Fimpec.

Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, has signed preliminary contracts that are conditional for the investment decision. Contract with Valmet covers the main equipment and automation of the mill and with ABB the electrical systems. The preliminary contract with AFRY includes project management and engineering services, and the preliminary agreement with Fimpec covers the construction services of the mill. From the beginning of August, more than 400 people, including around 50 Metsä Group employees, will be working in the project engineering organisation. Up until now, around 40 Metsä Group and Botnia Mill Service employees have been involved in the bioproduct mill’s pre-engineering.

“The Kemi bioproduct mill project is proceeding as planned and according the schedule, we will start project engineering at the beginning of August. This is an important step towards the investment decision and construction of the mill. For example, the project organisation expand as required,” says Jari-Pekka Johansson, Project Director at Metsä Fibre.

Prerequisites for the EUR 1,5 billion investment decision are estimated to be fulfilled in the autumn of 2020 after the environmental permit process is completed. In addition to the environmental permit process, the bioproduct mill project is currently being progressed through financing negotiations and the development of the logistics needed for the new mill. Second-phase preparatory work is already ongoing in the mill area in Kemi to ensure the smooth start of the construction phase of the bioproduct mill immediately after the investment decision has been made. The second-phase preparatory work in the mill area includes for example test pilings.

During the construction phase, the bioproduct mill’s employment impact is estimated to be nearly 10,000 person-years, of which more than half would be carried out in Kemi. The number of individual employees working in the mill area over the entire construction phase is estimated to rise to around 15,000. The planning of the new bioproduct mill is based on a high degree of environmental, energy and material efficiency. If implemented, the mill will be built using the best available techniques (BAT) and even more advanced techniques, such as the sulphuric acid plant and the bark gasification. The bioproduct mill will not use any fossil fuels at all, and its electricity self-sufficiency rate will be 250%. This would further strengthen Metsä Group’s major position as an electricity producer using renewable domestic raw materials.

If implemented, the Kemi bioproduct mill will produce around 1.5 million tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp a year, as well as many other bioproducts. The investment would secure current 250 jobs in the Kemi mill area. Through its direct value chain, the bioproduct mill would employ around 2,500 people in Finland, which is 1,500 people more than with the current Kemi pulp mill. The bioproduct mill’s annual use of pulpwood, mainly procured from Finland, will be around 7.6 million cubic metres per year, which is 4.5 million cubic metres more than the existing pulp mill uses annually.

Metsä Fibre

Metsä Fibre is a leading producer of bioproducts, biochemicals and bioenergy. Metsä Fibre is the world’s leading producer of bleached softwood pulp and a major producer of sawn timber. Currently employing approximately 1,300 people, the company’s sales in 2019 totalled EUR 2.2 billion. Metsä Fibre is part of Metsä Group.

Metsä Group

Metsä Group is a forerunner in sustainable bioeconomy utilising renewable wood from sustainably managed northern forests. Metsä Group focuses on wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, fresh fibre paperboards and tissue and greaseproof papers.

In 2019, Metsä Group’s sales totalled EUR 5.5 billion, and it employs approximately 9,300 people. Metsäliitto Cooperative is the parent company of Metsä Group and is owned by approximately 103,000 Finnish forest owners.

Metsä Fibre to start project engineering for its bioproduct mill at beginning of August 2020 in Kemi, Finland

Posted in: Environment 06/23/2020 - 05:19

ESPOO, Finland, June 23, 2020 (Press Release) -The project engineering for Metsä Fibre’s bioproduct mill project in Kemi, Finland will start at the beginning of August 2020. This means the detailed engineering of the mill’s technology, civil construction, MEI installations and commissioning, as well as preparation for the project’s construction phase. The engineering work will be carried out in cooperation with the selected four main implementation partners: Valmet, ABB, AFRY and Fimpec.

Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, has signed preliminary contracts that are conditional for the investment decision. Contract with Valmet covers the main equipment and automation of the mill and with ABB the electrical systems. The preliminary contract with AFRY includes project management and engineering services, and the preliminary agreement with Fimpec covers the construction services of the mill. From the beginning of August, more than 400 people, including around 50 Metsä Group employees, will be working in the project engineering organisation. Up until now, around 40 Metsä Group and Botnia Mill Service employees have been involved in the bioproduct mill’s pre-engineering.

“The Kemi bioproduct mill project is proceeding as planned and according the schedule, we will start project engineering at the beginning of August. This is an important step towards the investment decision and construction of the mill. For example, the project organisation expand as required,” says Jari-Pekka Johansson, Project Director at Metsä Fibre.

Prerequisites for the EUR 1,5 billion investment decision are estimated to be fulfilled in the autumn of 2020 after the environmental permit process is completed. In addition to the environmental permit process, the bioproduct mill project is currently being progressed through financing negotiations and the development of the logistics needed for the new mill. Second-phase preparatory work is already ongoing in the mill area in Kemi to ensure the smooth start of the construction phase of the bioproduct mill immediately after the investment decision has been made. The second-phase preparatory work in the mill area includes for example test pilings.

During the construction phase, the bioproduct mill’s employment impact is estimated to be nearly 10,000 person-years, of which more than half would be carried out in Kemi. The number of individual employees working in the mill area over the entire construction phase is estimated to rise to around 15,000. The planning of the new bioproduct mill is based on a high degree of environmental, energy and material efficiency. If implemented, the mill will be built using the best available techniques (BAT) and even more advanced techniques, such as the sulphuric acid plant and the bark gasification. The bioproduct mill will not use any fossil fuels at all, and its electricity self-sufficiency rate will be 250%. This would further strengthen Metsä Group’s major position as an electricity producer using renewable domestic raw materials.

If implemented, the Kemi bioproduct mill will produce around 1.5 million tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp a year, as well as many other bioproducts. The investment would secure current 250 jobs in the Kemi mill area. Through its direct value chain, the bioproduct mill would employ around 2,500 people in Finland, which is 1,500 people more than with the current Kemi pulp mill. The bioproduct mill’s annual use of pulpwood, mainly procured from Finland, will be around 7.6 million cubic metres per year, which is 4.5 million cubic metres more than the existing pulp mill uses annually.

Metsä Fibre

Metsä Fibre is a leading producer of bioproducts, biochemicals and bioenergy. Metsä Fibre is the world’s leading producer of bleached softwood pulp and a major producer of sawn timber. Currently employing approximately 1,300 people, the company’s sales in 2019 totalled EUR 2.2 billion. Metsä Fibre is part of Metsä Group.

Metsä Group

Metsä Group is a forerunner in sustainable bioeconomy utilising renewable wood from sustainably managed northern forests. Metsä Group focuses on wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, fresh fibre paperboards and tissue and greaseproof papers.

In 2019, Metsä Group’s sales totalled EUR 5.5 billion, and it employs approximately 9,300 people. Metsäliitto Cooperative is the parent company of Metsä Group and is owned by approximately 103,000 Finnish forest owners.

Read more

TOKYO, June 23, 2020 (Press Release) -Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (President: Toru Nozawa; Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo; hereinafter "the Company") has developed a strawless paper pack for school milk, NP-PAK-mini School POP (hereinafter "the Product"), and will be released in September 2020.

The Product is paper container which satisfies strong market demand of strawless paper pack for school milk. Thanks to easy-opening mechanism in paper pack, children/students can easily open and drink it without using straws.

Characteristics of the Product

【Improvement of functions】

  1. Easier to open

Different from regular gable containers for milk and juice, gap in the roof of mini-cartons for school milk is narrow, which makes it difficult to put fingers inside. The bottom part of roof is designed to put fingers inside easily when opening the Product.

  1. Improvement of pouring and drinking

The slope of pouring outlet is adjusted by unique ruled line and liquid inside can be poured smoothly to drink.

  1. Able to use straw as usual

Straw hole remains as it is and be able to use straw during the period of children's growth or for other reasons.

【Versatility】

  • Conventional filling machines can use the Product

Existing filling machines* with minor adjustment can use the Product, and there is no need to install new filling machine to use the Product at the factory. No additional arrangement for packaging line, etc is required.

※Applicable filling machines: UP-MC240, UPN-ME160, UPN-ME80 (universal mini)

  • Background of the Product development

In a growing trend toward plastic free world after G20's announcement, plastic straw is shown as a symbol of marine plastic waste. Under the business environment that management guidelines take SDGs into consideration, companies in a wide variety of industries are under pressure to take action. In addition to the product launch of our paper straw to lead the plastic free movement, we propose "paper packs with no straw" strongly demanded by market as a solution to reduce plastic waste through product development in a different point of view.

The number of paper packs used for school milk in Japan is approximately 1.4 billion packs per year. Assuming the weight of each straw is 0.5g, about 700 tons of plastic resin per year are used.

For example, reduction of 10 million pieces of straws for school milk would result in reducing consumption of about 5 tons of plastic resin, equivalent to approximately 500,000 PET bottles, depending on specifications of straws.

Under the slogan "Let Paper do what it can do", we offer a wide variety of products that are made from wood, a renewable resource,and add new functions to recyclable paper products.We continue to work toward expanding the use of paper in the future.

 

Nippon Paper Industries develops strawless paper pack for school milk

Posted in: Environment 06/23/2020 - 04:51

TOKYO, June 23, 2020 (Press Release) -Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (President: Toru Nozawa; Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo; hereinafter "the Company") has developed a strawless paper pack for school milk, NP-PAK-mini School POP (hereinafter "the Product"), and will be released in September 2020.

The Product is paper container which satisfies strong market demand of strawless paper pack for school milk. Thanks to easy-opening mechanism in paper pack, children/students can easily open and drink it without using straws.

Characteristics of the Product

【Improvement of functions】

  1. Easier to open

Different from regular gable containers for milk and juice, gap in the roof of mini-cartons for school milk is narrow, which makes it difficult to put fingers inside. The bottom part of roof is designed to put fingers inside easily when opening the Product.

  1. Improvement of pouring and drinking

The slope of pouring outlet is adjusted by unique ruled line and liquid inside can be poured smoothly to drink.

  1. Able to use straw as usual

Straw hole remains as it is and be able to use straw during the period of children's growth or for other reasons.

【Versatility】

  • Conventional filling machines can use the Product

Existing filling machines* with minor adjustment can use the Product, and there is no need to install new filling machine to use the Product at the factory. No additional arrangement for packaging line, etc is required.

※Applicable filling machines: UP-MC240, UPN-ME160, UPN-ME80 (universal mini)

  • Background of the Product development

In a growing trend toward plastic free world after G20's announcement, plastic straw is shown as a symbol of marine plastic waste. Under the business environment that management guidelines take SDGs into consideration, companies in a wide variety of industries are under pressure to take action. In addition to the product launch of our paper straw to lead the plastic free movement, we propose "paper packs with no straw" strongly demanded by market as a solution to reduce plastic waste through product development in a different point of view.

The number of paper packs used for school milk in Japan is approximately 1.4 billion packs per year. Assuming the weight of each straw is 0.5g, about 700 tons of plastic resin per year are used.

For example, reduction of 10 million pieces of straws for school milk would result in reducing consumption of about 5 tons of plastic resin, equivalent to approximately 500,000 PET bottles, depending on specifications of straws.

Under the slogan "Let Paper do what it can do", we offer a wide variety of products that are made from wood, a renewable resource,and add new functions to recyclable paper products.We continue to work toward expanding the use of paper in the future.

 
Read more

WASHINGTON, DC, June 18, 2020 (Press Release) -Today, theAmerican Forest Foundation(AFF) announcedWestRock, a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, through its WestRock Foundation, has committed to supporting family forest owners addressing climate change by investing in the development of the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP), a new program created by AFF andThe Nature Conservancy(TNC).

Families and individuals own the largest portion – 38 percent – of the forestland across the United States, more than the federal government or forest industry. These families support the resources and benefits Americans count on from forests – wildlife habitat, clean water, wood supplies and carbon sequestration – and have an opportunity to further enhance those benefits through increased sustainable forest management and improved practices. 

 “WestRock’s sustainability platform is built on our commitment to people and communities, to our customers and to a better planet,” said Kevin Hudson, WestRock Foundation board member and Senior Vice President, Forest & Recycle Fibers, WestRock. “The Family Forest Carbon Program provides an avenue to address these three key areas by improving the health of our forests and wood fiber supply, tackling climate change and supporting the communities in which we source our wood fiber. We are excited to work with AFF and TNC who are leading the way on conservation innovation here in the U.S.”

“Family forest owners want to do what’s right by their land, yet these individuals often hit roadblocks, such as cost, when it comes to taking action to improve their forests in ways that make a meaningful impact,” said Tom Martin, President and CEO of AFF.  “WestRock’s leadership and Foundation investment to help develop this program will open the door for forest owners to be part of a solution needed for our planet.”

TheFamily Forest Carbon Programis a new approach to climate change mitigation that more readily opens carbon markets to small family forest owners. Carbon markets have traditionally been cost prohibitive to small forest holdings, those between 20 and 1,000 acres, and complex to navigate. The Family Forest Carbon Program provides a path to participation, simplifying the process and reducing cost, providing technical assistance and creating incentives for family forest owners to adopt enhanced management practices. This will help landowners maximize sustainable forest practices that can further reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and improve the productivity of their lands, ultimately keeping working forests as forests.

The WestRock Foundation’s investment will enable expansion of the Family Forest Carbon Program in Pennsylvania where it is currently being piloted. It will also support further scientific development of the program’s carbon accounting methodology, which is being validated byVerra, the non-profit organization that oversees the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).  This development and validation is a critical step in the advancement of the pilot into broader availability for landowners.

Companies interested in learning how they can be a part of this effort should visit, theFamily Forest Carbon Program webpage.

American Forest Foundation welcomes WestRock Foundation as a Family Forest Carbon Program Partner

Posted in: Environment 06/22/2020 - 17:13

WASHINGTON, DC, June 18, 2020 (Press Release) -Today, theAmerican Forest Foundation(AFF) announcedWestRock, a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, through its WestRock Foundation, has committed to supporting family forest owners addressing climate change by investing in the development of the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP), a new program created by AFF andThe Nature Conservancy(TNC).

Families and individuals own the largest portion – 38 percent – of the forestland across the United States, more than the federal government or forest industry. These families support the resources and benefits Americans count on from forests – wildlife habitat, clean water, wood supplies and carbon sequestration – and have an opportunity to further enhance those benefits through increased sustainable forest management and improved practices. 

 “WestRock’s sustainability platform is built on our commitment to people and communities, to our customers and to a better planet,” said Kevin Hudson, WestRock Foundation board member and Senior Vice President, Forest & Recycle Fibers, WestRock. “The Family Forest Carbon Program provides an avenue to address these three key areas by improving the health of our forests and wood fiber supply, tackling climate change and supporting the communities in which we source our wood fiber. We are excited to work with AFF and TNC who are leading the way on conservation innovation here in the U.S.”

“Family forest owners want to do what’s right by their land, yet these individuals often hit roadblocks, such as cost, when it comes to taking action to improve their forests in ways that make a meaningful impact,” said Tom Martin, President and CEO of AFF.  “WestRock’s leadership and Foundation investment to help develop this program will open the door for forest owners to be part of a solution needed for our planet.”

TheFamily Forest Carbon Programis a new approach to climate change mitigation that more readily opens carbon markets to small family forest owners. Carbon markets have traditionally been cost prohibitive to small forest holdings, those between 20 and 1,000 acres, and complex to navigate. The Family Forest Carbon Program provides a path to participation, simplifying the process and reducing cost, providing technical assistance and creating incentives for family forest owners to adopt enhanced management practices. This will help landowners maximize sustainable forest practices that can further reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and improve the productivity of their lands, ultimately keeping working forests as forests.

The WestRock Foundation’s investment will enable expansion of the Family Forest Carbon Program in Pennsylvania where it is currently being piloted. It will also support further scientific development of the program’s carbon accounting methodology, which is being validated byVerra, the non-profit organization that oversees the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).  This development and validation is a critical step in the advancement of the pilot into broader availability for landowners.

Companies interested in learning how they can be a part of this effort should visit, theFamily Forest Carbon Program webpage.

Read more

ATLANTA, June 22, 2020 (PRNewswire) -Veritiv announced today it will begin shipment of work safe partitions built from corrugated material. Cost-effective, easy-to-set-up and environmentally friendly, these partitions give business and academic environments a safe and simple way to help protect employees, customers and students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardboard and corrugated material has been used to deliver medications, food, clothing and necessary supplies to the doorsteps of consumers around the globe. Now, corrugated board will assist with a safer return to the workplace or classroom as these partitions encourage social distancing and provide a physical, yet removable, barrier.

Customers can order as few as six partitions or as many as several thousand, depending upon the need. This scale in ordering makes the partition perfect for small businesses with a handful of employees, large enterprises and academic institutions. In addition, this partition can be set up by any employee, no need for expensive installations. Inserted between desks, manufacturing lines or to create temporary gating for queues, the partitions can be customized to include company logos, personalized messaging and information in your language of choice. As such, the corrugated partitions not only serve as a physical barrier to help aid in social distancing but are also an effective communication tool sharing specific information important to business owners or school administrators.

"As we live and work through COVID-19, we're pleased to provide this tool to our customers to help everyone return to a new-normal," said Lloyd Kennedy, director of category and strategy, Veritiv. "I, like so many, have eagerly awaited the delivery of 'the box' to arrive on my doorstep bringing needed supplies. Now, this everyday material can be leveraged in allowing us all to return to our schools or offices. It is amazing to think that something so seemingly simple can play such a different role in our new daily lives."

Veritiv has a long-standing history providing innovative solutions to solve the toughest challenges in product packaging and fulfillment. As a packaging leader, Veritiv sources corrugated materials from global manufacturers to deliver packaging and now, partition needs.

Shipment of work safe partitions is only one of the ways that Veritiv has provided essential support during the COVID-19 crisis. Veritiv's response includes:

  • Across North America, Veritiv delivered personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectant supplies to healthcare workers at more than 4,000 hospitals and healthcare facilities, including more than 110,000 orders to healthcare heroes on the frontlines.
  • Veritiv's global sourcing capability enabled us to distribute approximately 800 million gloves since January 2020 to support our customers and their essential operations.
  • During the past three months, Veritiv's nationwide fleet has travelled an average of two million miles per month to deliver essential goods.
  • Veritiv has distributed more than 500,000 gallons of sanitizer and 600,000 gallons of soap to our customers since the beginning of the year to protect their workers.

About Veritiv

Veritiv Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta and a Fortune 500® company, is a leading North American business-to-business distributor of packaging, facility solutions, print and publishing products and services; and also a provider of logistics and supply chain management solutions. Serving customers in a wide range of industries, Veritiv has distribution centers throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and team members helping shape the success of its customers.

Veritiv to begin shipment of work safe partitions built from corrugated material to businesses and schools

Posted in: Environment 06/22/2020 - 12:06

ATLANTA, June 22, 2020 (PRNewswire) -Veritiv announced today it will begin shipment of work safe partitions built from corrugated material. Cost-effective, easy-to-set-up and environmentally friendly, these partitions give business and academic environments a safe and simple way to help protect employees, customers and students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardboard and corrugated material has been used to deliver medications, food, clothing and necessary supplies to the doorsteps of consumers around the globe. Now, corrugated board will assist with a safer return to the workplace or classroom as these partitions encourage social distancing and provide a physical, yet removable, barrier.

Customers can order as few as six partitions or as many as several thousand, depending upon the need. This scale in ordering makes the partition perfect for small businesses with a handful of employees, large enterprises and academic institutions. In addition, this partition can be set up by any employee, no need for expensive installations. Inserted between desks, manufacturing lines or to create temporary gating for queues, the partitions can be customized to include company logos, personalized messaging and information in your language of choice. As such, the corrugated partitions not only serve as a physical barrier to help aid in social distancing but are also an effective communication tool sharing specific information important to business owners or school administrators.

"As we live and work through COVID-19, we're pleased to provide this tool to our customers to help everyone return to a new-normal," said Lloyd Kennedy, director of category and strategy, Veritiv. "I, like so many, have eagerly awaited the delivery of 'the box' to arrive on my doorstep bringing needed supplies. Now, this everyday material can be leveraged in allowing us all to return to our schools or offices. It is amazing to think that something so seemingly simple can play such a different role in our new daily lives."

Veritiv has a long-standing history providing innovative solutions to solve the toughest challenges in product packaging and fulfillment. As a packaging leader, Veritiv sources corrugated materials from global manufacturers to deliver packaging and now, partition needs.

Shipment of work safe partitions is only one of the ways that Veritiv has provided essential support during the COVID-19 crisis. Veritiv's response includes:

  • Across North America, Veritiv delivered personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectant supplies to healthcare workers at more than 4,000 hospitals and healthcare facilities, including more than 110,000 orders to healthcare heroes on the frontlines.
  • Veritiv's global sourcing capability enabled us to distribute approximately 800 million gloves since January 2020 to support our customers and their essential operations.
  • During the past three months, Veritiv's nationwide fleet has travelled an average of two million miles per month to deliver essential goods.
  • Veritiv has distributed more than 500,000 gallons of sanitizer and 600,000 gallons of soap to our customers since the beginning of the year to protect their workers.

About Veritiv

Veritiv Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta and a Fortune 500® company, is a leading North American business-to-business distributor of packaging, facility solutions, print and publishing products and services; and also a provider of logistics and supply chain management solutions. Serving customers in a wide range of industries, Veritiv has distribution centers throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and team members helping shape the success of its customers.

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ESPOO, Finland, June 22, 2020 (Press Release) -According to the LOHAS2020 study, a growing number of consumers are considering the consequences of their consumption behaviour. Up to two out of three Finnish consumers would like to have more information on which packaging would be the best choice for both the environment and the shelf life of the product.

“This was the third LOHAS consumer survey to address packaging issues extensively. Compared to previous studies conducted in 2011 and 2014, a lifestyle that supports both personal health and sustainable development has become an increasingly important factor in driving consumer behaviour. The coronavirus pandemic has probably further increased consumers' understanding of the core benefits of packaging,” says Virpi Korhonen from Sense N Insight.

Packaging has a significant impact on perceived sustainability image of the product. Half of LOHAS heavy consumers said they felt guilty about buying products whose packaging they considered harmful to the environment. Of the low-carbon products, paperboard was considered a modern, safe and ecological alternative.

“Two thirds of respondents consider packaging recyclability important in their purchasing decisions. 85% of LOHAS heavy consumers prefer packages that clearly show the producer and origin of the product. Packaging professionals have a significant role to play both in bringing more sustainable alternatives the market and in informing and educating consumers,” comments Leena Yliniemi, Metsä Board's Product Management Director.

Metsä Board, part of the Metsä Group, participated in the LOHAS2020 survey conducted in Finland in February. The study was conducted among one thousand Finnish consumers, whose relationship to packaging was examined through their lifestyle related to personal well-being and sustainability. LOHAS is an acronym for “Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability”. 17% of Finns belong to the LOHAS heavy group and 28% to the LOHAS medium group. These groups emphasise LOHAS values in their daily consumption behaviour.

Metsä Board

Metsä Board is a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and forerunner in sustainability. We produce premium lightweight folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners for consumer goods packaging as well as retail-ready and food service applications. We work together with our customers on a global scale to innovate solutions for better consumer experiences with less environmental impact. The pure fresh fibres Metsä Board uses are a renewable resource, traceable to origin in sustainably managed northern forests. We aim for completely fossil free mills and raw materials by 2030.

The global sales network of Metsä Board supports customers worldwide, including brand owners, retailers, converters and merchants. In 2019, the company’s sales totalled EUR 1.9 billion, and it has approximately 2,400 employees. Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

Metsä Group

Metsä Group is a forerunner in sustainable bioeconomy utilising renewable wood from sustainably managed northern forests. Metsä Group focuses on wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, fresh fibre paperboards and tissue and greaseproof papers.

In 2019, Metsä Group’s sales totalled EUR 5.5 billion, and it employs approximately 9,300 people. Metsäliitto Cooperative is the parent company of Metsä Group and is owned by approximately 103,000 Finnish forest owners.

 

Metsä Board participates in LOHAS2020 study of ecological packaging material as important factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions

Posted in: Environment 06/22/2020 - 09:24

ESPOO, Finland, June 22, 2020 (Press Release) -According to the LOHAS2020 study, a growing number of consumers are considering the consequences of their consumption behaviour. Up to two out of three Finnish consumers would like to have more information on which packaging would be the best choice for both the environment and the shelf life of the product.

“This was the third LOHAS consumer survey to address packaging issues extensively. Compared to previous studies conducted in 2011 and 2014, a lifestyle that supports both personal health and sustainable development has become an increasingly important factor in driving consumer behaviour. The coronavirus pandemic has probably further increased consumers' understanding of the core benefits of packaging,” says Virpi Korhonen from Sense N Insight.

Packaging has a significant impact on perceived sustainability image of the product. Half of LOHAS heavy consumers said they felt guilty about buying products whose packaging they considered harmful to the environment. Of the low-carbon products, paperboard was considered a modern, safe and ecological alternative.

“Two thirds of respondents consider packaging recyclability important in their purchasing decisions. 85% of LOHAS heavy consumers prefer packages that clearly show the producer and origin of the product. Packaging professionals have a significant role to play both in bringing more sustainable alternatives the market and in informing and educating consumers,” comments Leena Yliniemi, Metsä Board's Product Management Director.

Metsä Board, part of the Metsä Group, participated in the LOHAS2020 survey conducted in Finland in February. The study was conducted among one thousand Finnish consumers, whose relationship to packaging was examined through their lifestyle related to personal well-being and sustainability. LOHAS is an acronym for “Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability”. 17% of Finns belong to the LOHAS heavy group and 28% to the LOHAS medium group. These groups emphasise LOHAS values in their daily consumption behaviour.

Metsä Board

Metsä Board is a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and forerunner in sustainability. We produce premium lightweight folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners for consumer goods packaging as well as retail-ready and food service applications. We work together with our customers on a global scale to innovate solutions for better consumer experiences with less environmental impact. The pure fresh fibres Metsä Board uses are a renewable resource, traceable to origin in sustainably managed northern forests. We aim for completely fossil free mills and raw materials by 2030.

The global sales network of Metsä Board supports customers worldwide, including brand owners, retailers, converters and merchants. In 2019, the company’s sales totalled EUR 1.9 billion, and it has approximately 2,400 employees. Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

Metsä Group

Metsä Group is a forerunner in sustainable bioeconomy utilising renewable wood from sustainably managed northern forests. Metsä Group focuses on wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, fresh fibre paperboards and tissue and greaseproof papers.

In 2019, Metsä Group’s sales totalled EUR 5.5 billion, and it employs approximately 9,300 people. Metsäliitto Cooperative is the parent company of Metsä Group and is owned by approximately 103,000 Finnish forest owners.

 
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WELLINGTON, New Zealand , June 22, 2020 (Press Release) -The Forest Owners Association says New Zealand’s carbon zero goal is seriously in doubt after a statement by the Minister of Agriculture, Damien O’Connor, that the government would ‘need to step in’ if new forest planting increased to more than 40,000 hectares a year.

Some farming groups want the government to restrict forest planting.

The Vice-President of the Forest Owners Association, Grant Dodson, says if the government gives in to the anti-tree campaign, then New Zealand will fail to achieve a carbon neutral economy by 2050.  This goal is enshrined in the Zero Carbon Act.

“In 2018, the Productivity Commission set out scenarios for getting to zero carbon.  They all involved reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  They also accepted the need to expand the plantation forestry area to sequester large volumes of carbon that would still be emitted.”

“The Commission estimated between 2.1 and 2.8 million hectares of planting was necessary to get to zero.”

“The simple maths is that at least an extra 70,000 hectares a year on average needs to be planted over the next 30 years.  But Damien O’Connor has told the Primary Production Select Committee that he will stop this yearly level of planting well short of what is required.  If you restrict planting to 40,000 hectares a year, then you are at least 30,000 hectares in carbon deficit.”

Grant Dodson says planting this winter, which has just started, is likely to be well up on the new planting area last year of 22,000 hectares.

“That’s because New Zealanders are investing in forests, mostly farmers on their own land.”

“It’s a pretty fundamental right to decide what business you conduct on your own farm.  I know of many farmers who strongly believe that it’s their right to farm stock or trees or both, without the government telling them what to do.”

“We’ve got Shane Jones telling us that we have to divert our logs from overseas exports to sell them more cheaply to local sawmills.  Now his colleague in government wants to stop us planting more trees.”

“Neither minister is informed by any examination of the issues and there’s been no meaningful consultation.  It looks like both ministers are driven by noisy lobby groups who want to get special deals.”

Grant Dodson says he takes issue with the expression that forestry is taking over ‘productive’ land.

“Forestry is productive too.  The average returns per hectare per year from forestry are well above those from hill country farming.  And farmers are increasingly questioning the economics of continuing to rely on a farm income.”

“There are farmers who worry about the greater frequency of severe droughts in some east coast regions.  They know there are more stringent controls over their stock water discharge coming.  Synthetic food is getting cheaper all the time.  And overseas governments are re-erecting trade protection walls for their food industries after COVID-19.”

“For these farmers, forestry is a more secure option in the long term. As it is for all sorts of New Zealand investors.  The government should not be arbitrarily thwarting those opportunities, nor jeopardising the fight against climate change.”

 

New Zealand Forest Owners Association warns against attempt by agriculture groups to restrict forest planting

Posted in: Environment 06/22/2020 - 01:06

WELLINGTON, New Zealand , June 22, 2020 (Press Release) -The Forest Owners Association says New Zealand’s carbon zero goal is seriously in doubt after a statement by the Minister of Agriculture, Damien O’Connor, that the government would ‘need to step in’ if new forest planting increased to more than 40,000 hectares a year.

Some farming groups want the government to restrict forest planting.

The Vice-President of the Forest Owners Association, Grant Dodson, says if the government gives in to the anti-tree campaign, then New Zealand will fail to achieve a carbon neutral economy by 2050.  This goal is enshrined in the Zero Carbon Act.

“In 2018, the Productivity Commission set out scenarios for getting to zero carbon.  They all involved reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  They also accepted the need to expand the plantation forestry area to sequester large volumes of carbon that would still be emitted.”

“The Commission estimated between 2.1 and 2.8 million hectares of planting was necessary to get to zero.”

“The simple maths is that at least an extra 70,000 hectares a year on average needs to be planted over the next 30 years.  But Damien O’Connor has told the Primary Production Select Committee that he will stop this yearly level of planting well short of what is required.  If you restrict planting to 40,000 hectares a year, then you are at least 30,000 hectares in carbon deficit.”

Grant Dodson says planting this winter, which has just started, is likely to be well up on the new planting area last year of 22,000 hectares.

“That’s because New Zealanders are investing in forests, mostly farmers on their own land.”

“It’s a pretty fundamental right to decide what business you conduct on your own farm.  I know of many farmers who strongly believe that it’s their right to farm stock or trees or both, without the government telling them what to do.”

“We’ve got Shane Jones telling us that we have to divert our logs from overseas exports to sell them more cheaply to local sawmills.  Now his colleague in government wants to stop us planting more trees.”

“Neither minister is informed by any examination of the issues and there’s been no meaningful consultation.  It looks like both ministers are driven by noisy lobby groups who want to get special deals.”

Grant Dodson says he takes issue with the expression that forestry is taking over ‘productive’ land.

“Forestry is productive too.  The average returns per hectare per year from forestry are well above those from hill country farming.  And farmers are increasingly questioning the economics of continuing to rely on a farm income.”

“There are farmers who worry about the greater frequency of severe droughts in some east coast regions.  They know there are more stringent controls over their stock water discharge coming.  Synthetic food is getting cheaper all the time.  And overseas governments are re-erecting trade protection walls for their food industries after COVID-19.”

“For these farmers, forestry is a more secure option in the long term. As it is for all sorts of New Zealand investors.  The government should not be arbitrarily thwarting those opportunities, nor jeopardising the fight against climate change.”

 
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