The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, released its "2016 Sustainability Report,"" showcasing the U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry's commitment to sustainability across the value chain, including progress toward achieving the "Better Practices, Better Planet 2020" sustainability goals.
For a detailed overview of the industry's progress, including the full report, a video of highlights and other materials, visit sustainability.afandpa.org.
"We are proud to represent companies that are committed to advancing their sustainability performance," says AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. "Their efforts led to the early achievement of the 'Better Practices, Better Planet 2020' goals to improve safety and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
"Sustainable manufacturing processes enable our industry to produce essential products that are widely used every day, while ensuring that the renewable resources used to make them will be plentiful for future generations," adds Mark Kowlzan, chairman and CEO of Packaging Corp. of American and chairman of the AF&PA board of directors.
Highlights from the report include"
- Greenhouse gas emissions from AF&PA member facilities were reduced by 16 percent, surpassing the 15 percent reduction goal ahead of schedule.
- The paper and wood products manufacturing industry uses combined heat and power technology to generate 97.6 percent of the electricity it produces on site.
- Pulp and paper mills self-generate, on average, about two-thirds of their energy needs from biomass and renewable fuels.
- Water used by mills for production of paper and wood products is reused ten times, on average.
- The safety incidence rate was improved by 40.8 percent, surpassing the 25 percent improvement goal. The industry's vision remains one of zero workplace injuries.
- Over 63 percent of paper consumed in the U.S. has been recovered for recycling for each of the past seven years, reaching a record 66.8 percent in 2015.
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