Sustainability

Call for Applications to U.S. Blue Sky Awards

JTiralla — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 22:21:48 +0000

Call for Applications to U.S. Blue Sky Awards

JTiralla Mon, 11/18/2024 - 17:21

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is now accepting applications for the U.S. segment of the Blue Sky Awards.

The Blue Sky Awards recognize students, young researchers and young professionals who are passionate about clean manufacturing, sustainable forestry and forest products, and the forest bioeconomy.

The 2024-2025 theme is: Time for the forest-based sector to showcase its innovative solutions for forest products, wood bioindustry and forest conservation, management, and restoration.

“The Blue Sky Awards is a fantastic opportunity to spark innovations that will help further sustainability and circular economy advancement in our industry,” said Heidi Brock, ICFPA President and President and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association. “I continue to be impressed by the projects we see from the Blue Sky Award applicants. I am excited to see how the next generation of our industry is working to solve challenges and expand opportunities.”

The international award program, in its 5th edition, now offers 2 categories:

The Blue Sky Young Researchers Innovation Award competition is open to students and researchers who are:
- 30 years or younger on September 19, 2024
- Carrying out research and innovation projects relevant to forestry and the forest products industry
- Have links to academia, public or private research centers, and/or corporate research and innovation departments

The Blue Sky PRO Young Professionals Innovation Award competition is open to researchers and professionals who are:
- 35 years or younger on September 19, 2024
- Carrying out research and innovation projects relevant to forestry and the forest products industry
- Have links to private research centers and/or corporate research and innovation departments

A panel of judges, including representatives from industry, research and academia, will select up to 2 finalists for the U.S. competition. Applicants will be judged on their research and development, and potential impact across the forest-sector value chain.

Up to 2 U.S. candidates will be nominated to the international Blue Sky Award competition, which is sponsored by the International Council of Forest & Paper Associations (ICFPA). The ICFPA represents 18 pulp, paper, wood and fiber-based associations that encompass 28 countries.

The top 3 international finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their projects at the ICFPA CEO Roundtable in May 2025 in New York City.

The top international finalist will receive $1,500.
The second and third place international finalists will receive $750 and $500, respectively.
Travel and accommodation expenses for the 3 international finalists will be covered to present at the ICFPA CEO Roundtable.

The deadline for submissions for the U.S. Blue Sky Awards is December 9, 2024. Applications must include a short CV, summary of the project and a letter of support.

Blue Sky Award program details, full application criteria and online application form are available at afandpa.org/BlueSky.

Press Release

Sustainability

AF&PA Announces 2024 Award-Winning Sustainability Projects

Astolt — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:14:39 +0000

AF&PA Announces 2024 Award-Winning Sustainability Projects

Astolt Fri, 11/08/2024 - 11:14

6 Member Companies Recognized for Outstanding Initiatives in Sustainability, Innovation and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today announced its Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 Sustainability Award winners. The awards recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing.

“Sustainability is foundational for our members and our awards program reflect that,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “These award-winning projects demonstrate sustainability leadership and innovation in action. We are proud to recognize real-world examples of how our forest and paper industry sustainability goals come to life.”

AF&PA CONGRATULATES THE FOLLOWING WINNERS:

Leadership in Sustainability – Circular Value Chain

Clearwater Paper: Optimizing SBS paperboard to better support a Circular Economy

Leadership in Sustainability – Water Management

Domtar: Making a Splash with Water Conservation

Leadership in Sustainability – Greenhouse Gas Reductions

Green Bay Packaging: Greenhouse Gas Reduction - Green Bay Mill Project

Leadership in Sustainability – Resilient U.S. Forests

International Paper:  International Paper and The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Forestland Stewards Partnership  

Innovation in Sustainability 

Sonoco: EnviroFlex Paper ULT 2.0

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

DS Smith: DS Smith Packaging Lebanon Indiana Interpreters Program

Visit afandpa.org/priorities/sustainability/sustainability-awards for videos of these award-winning projects.    

“I commend this year’s winners for their creativity in implementing new strategies that will make our paper industry stronger,” said Howard Coker, AF&PA Board Chair and President and CEO of Sonoco Products Company. “These awards truly embody our Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 goals – both the progress we have made to date and what we are striving to achieve in the future.”

Better Practices, Better Planet is one of the longest standing sustainability initiatives for a U.S. manufacturing industry. Since 1998, it was required that AF&PA members commit to environment, health and safety (EHS) principles. In 2011, AF&PA launched Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals. Having met or achieved most of the goals for 2020, AF&PA is now in its second generation of sustainability goals: Better Practices, Better Planet 2030.

The sustainability award winners demonstrate the industry’s long-held commitment to improving practices that advance sustainable products for a sustainable future. The 2024 Sustainability Award winners were selected by a diverse judging panel of sustainability experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, GreenBlue, Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology, Clemson University, Resources for the Future and the National Association of Manufacturers. 

Press Release

Sustainability

Clearwater Paper Invests $23 Million in New Tissue Converting Line

Astolt — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:52:15 +0000

Clearwater Paper Invests $23 Million in New Tissue Converting Line

Astolt Wed, 10/30/2024 - 14:52

Clearwater Paper

Clearwater Paper is investing $23 million in a new, state-of-the-art facial tissue converting line in Shelby, North Carolina.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clearwaterpaper_we-are-proud-to-announce-that-cl…

Industry Priorities

Sustainability

Economic Impact

Green Bay Packaging Sponsors Playground in Wisconsin

Astolt — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:48:19 +0000

Green Bay Packaging Sponsors Playground in Wisconsin

Astolt Wed, 10/30/2024 - 14:48

Green Bay Packaging

Green Bay Packaging sponsored the development of an all-inclusive playground at Bay Beach Amusement Park in Wisconsin.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/green-bay-packaging_the-sun-shone-brightly-at-th…

Industry Priorities

Sustainability

Clearwater Paper Sponsors Trail Clean-up

SManger — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:10:56 +0000

Clearwater Paper Sponsors Trail Clean-up

SManger Wed, 10/30/2024 - 13:10

Clearwater Paper

Clearwater Paper sponsors part of the Spokane River Centennial Trail. Part of their Spokane team cleaned litter on their sponsored mile on Earth Day.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clearwaterpaper_in-honor-of-earth-day-members-fr…

Industry Priorities

Sustainability

Energy & Environment

National Forest Products Week Highlights Industry's Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

CCozort — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 22:19:13 +0000

National Forest Products Week Highlights Industry's Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

CCozort Sun, 10/20/2024 - 18:19

The 64th Annual Event Celebrates the Paper and Wood Products Industry

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is celebrating the 64th annual National Forest Products Week.

Throughout the week, AF&PA will highlight innovations in the paper and wood products industry that are driving our sustainability goals.

Paper and wood products are an essential part of daily life. Our industry is committed to delivering essential, sustainable products made from renewable and recyclable resources.

“During National Forest Products Week, we celebrate and honor those who make the forest products industry possible,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. "As one of the largest manufacturing industries in America, we are guided by sustainability principles that help ensure the health of forests for decades to come.”

Our members continue to make strides towards sustainability goals and are working on outstanding innovations. Learn more about:

In 2011, AF&PA became one of the first manufacturing sectors to set measurable sustainability goals—and we’re not stopping there. After exceeding many of our Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 goals, we launched our second generation of goals and are now focused on our 2030 initiative.

Importantly, AF&PA is proud to collaborate with the congressional Paper and Packaging Caucus to achieve a sustainable future.

“AF&PA is grateful for the support of the Paper and Packaging Caucus, including co-chairs Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA), Senator John Boozman (R-AR), and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Your leadership and encouragement help assist millions of Americans who depend on our industry.”

Follow along on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram, and share our stories during National Forest Products Week using the hashtag #ForestProductsWeek.

What is Sustainable Forestry?

SManger — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:18:07 +0000

What is Sustainable Forestry?

SManger Thu, 09/19/2024 - 13:18

Registered Foresters from Across the U.S. Explain Sustainable Forest Management

Key Takeaways

Sustainable forestry means caring for and managing forests so we have them now and in the future. Foresters work closely with landowners to manage their land and replant trees. This is the first blog in our forest management series. View part 2, "What are Forest Management Practices?" and part 3, "What is Biodiversity?"

In this blog series, we interviewed registered foresters about sustainable forestry practices.

You’ll hear from these registered foresters:

Neal Carson, Timber and Forestry Manager, Packaging Corporation of America in Tennessee
John F. McAlpine, President, Kingwood Forestry Services in Arkansas
Carolyn Mulligan, District Manager, American Forest Management in Virginia
Cierra L.S. Ward, Forestry Manager, Resource Management Services in North Carolina

In this series, we’ll explore:

The meaning of sustainable forestry
Sustainable forest management techniques and best practices
The connection between forest management and biodiversity

What is Sustainable Forestry?

Sustainability means something is sustained or managed over time so the resource isn’t depleted.

When applied to forests, sustainable forestry means caring for and managing forests so we have them now and in the future.

The Foresters Take:

Neal Carson

"Sustainable forestry involves the management of today’s forests to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future."

John F. McAlpine

"Sustainable forestry ensures that the forest is healthy for future generations. And it provides all the other benefits from the forest such as clean water, clean air, and habitat for all."

Cierra L.S. Ward

"Sustainable forestry means trees today, trees tomorrow, trees forever."

What is a Managed Forest?

In the U.S., many work together to carefully manage forests so they are healthy for years to come. This includes landowners, foresters, engineers and scientists. These forests are managed or working forests.

When it comes to managed forests, landowners and foresters think long term. They work together to plant and replant generations of trees and healthy forests.

The Foresters Take:

Neal Carson

"All activities within the managed forest are done to help maintain the health and productivity of the managed forest ecosystem."

Carolyn Mulligan

"A well-managed forest is a healthy forest. It’s a forest that has benefitted from the expertise of people skilled in making good management decisions based on the goals of the landowner."

Cierra L.S. Ward

"Foresters make plans to replant areas that are harvested well ahead of the first tree being cut down."

Interested in Learning More About Sustainable Forestry?

Want to learn more about sustainable forest management in the U.S.? You can:

Take a virtual forest tour to see how managed forests operate with Georgia-Pacific.
Learn about International Paper’s work to enhance bird habitats in working forests.
Watch “Diary of a Working Forest: Replanting” by Washington’s Working Forests.
Learn about your state’s Forest Action Plan.
Contact your state’s forestry association or Department of Forestry.

Update in Brief

Marketplace Sustainability

Industry Voices

Sustainable Forestry

Sustainability

AF&PA-AWC Statement on DC Circuit Court Boiler MACT Decision

CCozort — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:42:39 +0000

AF&PA-AWC Statement on DC Circuit Court Boiler MACT Decision

CCozort Tue, 09/03/2024 - 14:42

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock and American Wood Council (AWC) President and CEO Jackson Morrill released the following statement regarding today’s DC Circuit Court’s decision on Boiler MACT.

“We are pleased the Court affirmed EPA’s (and our) position that the already stringent air pollution limits for industrial boilers satisfy the requirements of the Clean Air Act. The forest products industry has invested roughly a billion dollars to reduce boiler emissions and welcomes the regulatory certainty to make sustainable forest products in the U.S. while supporting high paying manufacturing jobs.

In addition, we welcome the Court’s common sense decision instructing EPA to only apply recently tightened new source limits to boilers built after 2020. This will provide mills with the information needed to comply when installing new boilers.”  

Press Release

Sustainability

Paperboard Packaging Alliance Reveals 2024 Student Design Challenge Finalists

CCozort — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:58:34 +0000

Paperboard Packaging Alliance Reveals 2024 Student Design Challenge Finalists

CCozort Thu, 08/15/2024 - 14:58

Students from California State Polytechnic University, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, and Rochester Institute of Technology named as finalists

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Paperboard Packaging Alliance (PPA) today announced the finalists of its 2024 Student Design Challenge, an annual competition in which university students apply their talent and design skills to innovate, creative approaches to paper-based packaging in response to real-world customer needs and marketing scenarios. PPA is a joint initiative between the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC).

This year's Design Challenge tasked students with creating sustainable paperboard packaging for a fresh produce product that is typically not packaged in paper-based packaging.

Student design projects from the following schools were named as finalists:

Grovey Garlic – Rochester Institute of Technology
Lively Roots – California State Polytechnic University
SPUDS Potatoes – Pennsylvania College of Art and Design

“Through the Student Design Challenge, students all across the country get to exercise their creativity and apply their knowledge of sustainable design at the same time,” said Heidi Brock, AF&PA CEO.

“Each year, we are impressed by every submission from the next generation of sustainability leaders. The challenge also gives participants real-world experience. Many Student Design Challenge participants have pursued careers in packaging design.”

The winner will be announced at the PPC’s Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference from September 30 - October 2 in Atlanta, Georgia. Each team will present their designs and showcase their prototype to current industry professionals, ultimately supporting the goal of engaging the next generation.

One of this year’s judges, Kelly Fellner, is a former Student Design Challenge winner who now works full-time in packaging design.

"The Student Design Challenge serves as a launching pad for students who see that the paperboard packaging industry has a bright future," said Ben Markens, President of PPC.

"It not only showcases the creativity of aspiring designers, but the inherent sustainability of paper-based packaging. We’re looking forward to learning about all of the finalists’ exciting designs in Atlanta this fall."

For more information visit: paperboardpackaging.org.

About the Paperboard Packaging Alliance

The Paperboard Packaging Alliance (PPA) is a joint initiative of the American Forest & Paper Association and the Paperboard Packaging Council. The mission is to promote the benefits of paperboard packaging to influence preference for these materials in packaging design and selection. PPA is a proud supporter of collegiate packaging and design programs across the U.S. and Canada, donating thousands of dollars in scholarships, materials, and classroom resources each year. Alliance membership includes companies representing the full range of mills and converters engaged in the production of paperboard packaging. Additional information about PPA can be found at www.paperboardpackaging.org.

About the Paperboard Packaging Council

For 95 years, the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) has served as the premier North American association for converters of paperboard packaging and their suppliers. PPC works to grow, promote, and protect the paperboard packaging industry while providing its members with resources and tools to compete successfully in the marketplace. For more information, visit www.paperbox.org.  

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Sustainability

Packaging

American Forest & Paper Association President And CEO Heidi Brock Elected ICFPA President

CCozort — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 16:20:46 +0000

American Forest & Paper Association President And CEO Heidi Brock Elected ICFPA President

CCozort Fri, 07/26/2024 - 12:20

July 25, 2024 (ROME, ITA) – The International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) has announced Ms. Heidi Brock, President and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), as its new President. Joining her in leadership is Mr. José Carlos da Fonseca Junior, Director of International Relations of The Brazilian Tree (Ibá), who has been appointed as ICFPA Vice President. Ms. Brock and Mr. Fonseca will serve for a two-year mandate.

The ICFPA leadership election was held during ICFPA’s Annual Meeting, which saw participation from delegates across 12 national forest and paper associations representing 26 countries worldwide.

ICFPA’s Annual Meeting also coincided with the 27th Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO 27) and 9th World Forestry Week– bringing together high-level representatives, heads of forest services, government officials and partner organizations to identify emerging policy and technical guidance, seek solutions, and advise on future strategy and action.

Ms. Heidi Brock previously served as ICFPA Vice President from 2022 to 2024. She succeeds Mr. Jori Ringman, Director General of the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi), who previously held the ICFPA Presidency.

Since joining AF&PA in 2019, Ms. Brock has spearheaded a strategic vision to strengthen advocacy efforts and boost membership. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she prioritized workplace safety and ensured manufacturers could maintain essential product delivery. Under her leadership, AF&PA launched an award-winning website and received 3 ASAE Silver Awards for promoting the forest products industry. Recognized as one of Washington’s 500 Most Influential People in 2022 and 2023, Brock also received the 2023 John H. Graham IV Association Executive Award from the Boy Scouts of America, National Capital Area Council.

“The ICFPA is a leading voice for the global forest sector with a long-standing commitment to advancing sustainability.

Our industry and the sustainable products we manufacture are essential to the world and critical to the circular economy. Through innovation and collaboration, we make meaningful impact that adds up to a better planet,” said Ms. Brock. “I look forward to working alongside José Carlos da Fonseca Junior and ICFPA’s members as we continue to advance our collective sustainability leadership into the future. I also want to recognize the steadfast leadership of Jori Ringman who reinforced the value of ICFPA membership as a collaborative organization in our efforts to address important global policy conversations and deepen partnerships,” added Brock.

Ambassador José Carlos da Fonseca Junior had been a career diplomat in the Brazilian Foreign Service for nearly four decades before joining IBÁ, the Brazilian Tree Industry, in early 2019. Since December 2021, Ambassador Fonseca has also become the CEO of Empapel, the Brazilian Association of Paper Packaging, while remaining responsible for overseeing international and advocacy activities for IBÁ, both in Brazil and abroad. Moreover, he has recently been elected to chair the ACSFI/FAO (Advisory Committee on Sustainable Forest-based Industry, a Statutory body within FAO). His leadership focuses on advocating for sustainable practices within Brazil and globally.

"It is an honor to examine and discuss best practices, challenges and opportunity for the global forest-based sector.

“This is an important platform to highlight forestry and forest-based industry on the global stage. I look forward to supporting Heidi Brock and the ICFPA in its commitment to advancing the work in this sector, which represents the large-scale bioeconomy, recognized as a business model that harmonizes development with environmental preservation, generating and sharing wealth, and having a significant positive social impact,” said Fonseca.

"That a European association held the helm of the ICFPA for the past two years was timely. It allowed our group to be responsive to regulatory challenges, notably originating from the EU, which increasingly have impacts beyond national borders,” highlighted outgoing ICFPA President Mr. Jori Ringman. “The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) proudly represents our sector as 'manufacturers of sustainable and circular materials'. This is who we are in essence, and Heidi will be a fantastic ambassador for all the people behind the paper and wood products we use every day,” added Mr. Ringman.

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The ICFPA serves as a forum of global dialogue, coordination and co-operation. Currently, the ICFPA represents 16 pulp, paper, wood and fibre-based associations that encompass 27 countries, including many of the top pulp, paper and wood producers around the world.

Press Release

Sustainability