Pulp

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 Paper Pulp?

MStafford — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 21:14:23 +0000

What is Paper Pulp?

MStafford Tue, 07/30/2024 - 17:14

Pulp is broken down plant fiber. It is the primary raw material used as the first step in the papermaking process. In addition to pulp being the basis for products like copy paper and cardboard boxes, this fascinating material is also found in:

Diapers
Menstrual products
Computer screens
Paint
Clothes

To create pulp, AF&PA member companies use 2 main inputs:

Wood from sustainably managed forests where trees are replanted
Recycled paper

How is Paper Pulp Made?

^{Image credit: Domtar}

The pulping process starts with what kind of input material is being used.

When using wood, the main goal of pulp production is to separate the cellulose fibers from the lignin. Cellulose fiber is the structural backbone of paper products. Lignin is a natural glue-like substance that holds the cellulose together.

Softwoods, like pine, and hardwoods like oak or ash are both used to make pulp. Softwood pulp has longer fibers and is used for products that need strength, like cardboard— what the industry refers to as containerboard, — or paper grocery bags.

Hardwood pulp has shorter, fatter fibers that add bulk to products. They also make something softer. This makes it good for things like toilet paper and paper towels.

When using recycled paper, papers that are recovered for reuse are mixed in a giant blender called a repulper. This helps separate the fibers so they can be washed, screened and turned into something new.

What Are the Main Types of Paper Pulp?

Pulp can be divided into 2 main groups based on how it was produced: Mechanical and chemical.

Mechanical Pulp

Sometimes called groundwood, this pulp is broken down manually. It goes through a physical grinding process of wood.

This process keeps the lignin in the pulp. Keeping lignin in the pulp means more pulp is produced. However, it also means there are more impurities in the final product.

This pulp is used for products like newspapers or magazines.

Chemical Pulp

This pulp is broken down using a variety of chemicals, referred to as “liquor.” More than 90% of these chemicals are reused.

Using chemicals allows the cellulose fibers to separate without losing their strength or length. A mixture of long and short fibers is used for products like high-quality printer paper and writing paper.

Leftover waste chemicals, called black liquor, can be burned as fuel to power the mill.

What is Specialty Pulp?

There are many types of specialty pulps.

Fluff Pulp: Fluff pulp is a highly purified pulp. This means the lignin is removed entirely, leaving only the cellulose fibers. This pulp is very absorbent and can be found in items like diapers and menstrual products.

Nanocellulose: This pulp can end up in your computer screen! Nanocellulose — which is just cellulose but smaller — dries thin, clear and flexible and can be used when making certain technology.

Cellulose fibers from pulp called Dissolving Pulp can even be converted into threads and end up in the fabric of your clothes or sheets.

Is the Paper Industry Producing Pulp Sustainably?

Our industry takes the environmental impact of pulp and paper production seriously. Sustainable practices are the foundation of our industry, including:

Sustainable forest best management practices
Responsible wood sourcing
Paper recycling
Emissions reductions
Water management

AF&PA member companies set 5 sustainability goals for 2030 to help advance sustainable products for a sustainable future.

Learn more about the paper industry's commitment to sustainability

Find out how the paper industry is sustainable

Dive into facts about the paper industry's energy use

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Pulp

Why the EU Needs to Reconsider Their Deforestation Law

SManger — Wed, 29 May 2024 18:50:01 +0000

Why the EU Needs to Reconsider Their Deforestation Law

SManger Wed, 05/29/2024 - 14:50

Key Things to Know About How EUDR Affects the U.S. Pulp and Paper Industry

The European Union (EU) issued a new law in 2023 called the European Union Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR). The law is part of the comprehensive EU Green Deal.

EUDR aims to curb deforestation and forest degradation that could be linked to the import or export of certain commodities in the EU. We support what the EU is trying to achieve with their anti-deforestation law.

We have a long history of sustainable forest management. We also have a track record of success in environmental stewardship.

The U.S. pulp and paper industry is not linked to global deforestation and forest degradation.

However, as with all laws and regulations, details matter. EUDR, as currently written, imposes some unachievable requirements that create significant technical barriers, which risks trade between the EU and the U.S.

Let’s explore why the anti-deforestation law puts the U.S. pulp and paper industry at risk. We explain:

How a company complies with the law
Why the U.S. pulp paper industry does not contribute to deforestation and forest degradation
The complexity and impractical nature of the traceability requirement
Why the traceability requirement would disrupt trade
A workable solution to avoid trade disruptions

Download the EUDR Explainer Handout

What is the EU’s Deforestation Law?

The European Union Deforestation-Free Products Regulation went into effect in June of 2023. The law aims to fight global deforestation and forest degradation by regulating certain products entering or leaving the EU market.

This law is unprecedented because of the requirements it imposes to comply with the law.

It requires EU importers and exporters to prove their agricultural products are:

Deforestation and forest degradation-free after 2020
In compliance with country laws
Supported by a mandatory Due Diligence Statement and extensive accompanying data

Is Paper Included in EUDR?

60%

the amount of specialty pulp supply the U.S. ships to the EU

Yes. Wood and products made with wood fiber from trees are included in the law. For our industry, that includes:

Materials used to make a final product like pulp, printing paper, and packaging materials used to make items like cardboard boxes, cereal boxes and shoe boxes.
Final products like books, paper towels, diapers or medicine boxes.

U.S. forest product exports to the EU are valued at over $3.5 billion. The U.S. ships about 60% of the EU’s supply of specialty pulp that’s used to make things like diapers, menstrual and incontinence products.

^{Photo credit: Domtar}

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How Does a Company Comply with EUDR?

The EU’s deforestation law has multiple requirements companies must comply with. There are 3 key conditions to put products in or out of the EU marketplace:

Proof the products do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation.
Product production follows the laws of the country where they are produced. That includes complying with:
1. Environmental protection regulations
2. Land-use rights
3. Forest management rules
4. Labor laws
5. Tax laws
6. Human rights laws
Every shipment is accompanied by a due diligence statement which includes comprehensive information:
1. Product trade name, description, name(s) of tree species, and quantity.
2. Geolocation of all plots of land from which the product originates, with time and date range of production.
3. Contact details of supplier and client d. Upload all data through an EU Central Information System

Companies and producers must comply starting December 30, 2024. Those not in compliance can be fined and have their products seized.

The U.S. Pulp and Paper Industry Does Not Contribute to Global Deforestation and Forest Degradation

1/3

of the U.S.
is forested

1 Billion +

trees are planted
each year in the U.S.

For 30 years

net forest area has
increased steadily

The U.S. pulp and paper industry is not linked to global deforestation and forest degradation.

Today, U.S. forests are stable, healthy and growing:

1/3 of the U.S. is forested.
More than 1 billion trees are planted each year.
The net forest area in the U.S. has increased steadily in the past 30 years.

Our industry is committed to sustainable forest management best practices including:

Forest certification programs to provide standards, guidelines and structure for sustainable forest management.
Fiber sourcing programs that are third-party verified and are recognized globally.

Additionally, AF&PA members adhere to sustainable fiber procurement principles as a condition of membership. Procurement is how our members get the wood they need to make the products we rely on

These principles assure the suppliers our members source wood from are committed to sustainable forest management and harvesting practices.

We also have a 2030 sustainability goal to advance more resilient U.S. forests. It’s part of our Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future initiative.

Our goal furthers our efforts by enhancing the diverse values forests provide. Things like water, carbon, biodiversity, recreation and forest products.

We’re doing this through:

Supporting conservation and restoration programs and initiatives
Engaging in partnerships and investing in research, outreach and education
Promoting sustainable forest management practices
Committing to increased supply chain transparency regarding responsible sourcing.

As part of Better Practices, Better Planet 2030, AF&PA members will also continue their commitment to procure wood fiber through certified sourcing.

Check Out an Award-Winning Member Forestry Project

Explore How Managed Forests Store Carbon

Dive Into our 2020 Forestry Goal Achievements

The EU’s Deforestation Law is Concerning for the U.S. Pulp and Paper Industry

What’s concerning for our industry is how EUDR will be implemented, especially EUDR’s strict geolocation traceability requirements. This requirement could pose technical trade barriers for U.S. companies based on our complex supply chain and fiber flow process.

Let’s break down the traceability requirement and why U.S. producers cannot currently comply with it.

What is the EUDR Traceability Requirement?

The EU’s deforestation law requires producers to trace each product shipment back to the specific real estate plots of land that is or could be linked to the shipment. That means providing the exact geographic location coordinates like those from a GPS.

In addition, each exporter must identify and provide contact information from the supply chain associated with each shipment. This is part of their due diligence obligations.

This may sound good in theory, but pulp and paper supply chains are complex.

Understanding How U.S. Pulp and Paper Supply Chains Work

40%

of wood input comes from leftover materials

In the U.S., more than half of forest land is owned and managed by an estimated 10.6 million private forest owners. These private forests provide about 90% of the wood to make forest products.

Our industry uses multiple wood inputs from these:

About 40% comes from leftover materials from a sawmill or forest residue. Forest residue includes branches, stumps, bark and more that are left over after a thinning or harvest.
About 60% comes from solid wood harvests.

Our use of leftover materials and forest residues is one of the ways we’re helping advance the circular economy.

The wood inputs used to make a single batch of pulp at a mill can come from multiple sources. This is called a fiber flow.

That’s because wood and wood chips mix throughout the supply chain including:

Initial storage of a log or leftover material
Chipping process at a saw, chip or pulp and paper mill
Chip pile at a pulp and paper mill
Pulping process
Paper machine

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U.S. Pulp and Paper Mills Cannot Comply with EUDR’s Unrealistic Traceability Requirement

No current

technology to trace fiber flow

The EUDR’s strict geolocation and traceability requirements pose significant challenges because of our industry’s complex supply chains.

The leftover materials from sawmills and forest residues our industry uses are regularly blended multiple times throughout the production process.

This makes tracing each individual wood chip from the original forest plot of land to a final product effectively impossible.

Additionally, the technology needed to trace our fiber flow to comply with this requirement does not currently exist.

The unachievable traceability requirement could cause major trade disruptions between the EU and the U.S.

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Trade Consequences of EUDR’s Traceability Requirement

The EU relies on pulp and paper imports from the U.S. We export around $3.5 billion worth of products to EU countries.

We also supply about 60% of the specialty pulp EU manufacturers use to make diapers, menstrual and incontinence products. The U.S. supplies 85% of the specialty pulp used globally.

EU manufacturers would not receive the supply of specialty pulp needed if U.S. pulp and paper manufacturers cannot overcome the technical barriers of the traceability requirement.

This would cause significant trade disruptions between the U.S. and the EU and disrupt the EU marketplace.

Developing a Workable Solution for the Challenges EUDR Poses to the U.S. Pulp and Paper Industry

We encourage the European Commission to consider the challenges EUDR poses for the U.S. pulp and paper industry to avoid major trade disruptions.

The U.S. pulp and paper industry is a responsible steward of our planet’s resources. We have long history of sustainable forest management and innovation.

The U.S. pulp and paper industry is not linked to global deforestation and forest degradation.

We are a strong proponent of international efforts to suppress deforestation and forest degradation. This is why we need to be considered a “low-risk” country.

That’s why we need a realistic solution that recognizes U.S. sustainable forestry management and will enable our producers to comply with the intent of the EU deforestation-free regulation without disrupting trade between the EU and the U.S.

We are not alone in our concerns with the implementation of EUDR:

The U.S. Congress has weighed in multiple times through bipartisan letters from both chambers:
- Members of the U.S. Senate urged the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to engage with the European Commission to gain clarity around the regulation’s requirements.
- Members of the U.S. House sent a letter to USTR.
The U.S. government called for a delay in a joint letter.
Multiple EU members called for a delay in implementation.
Other key members of the U.S. forest products industry value chain have asked the European Commission to delay the implementation.

We believe in balanced and achievable regulations. We welcome the opportunity to work together with EU regulators and other stakeholders in the implementation of EUDR.

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National Forest Products Week Celebrates Industry's Sustainability Leadership

CCozort — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:32:18 +0000

National Forest Products Week Celebrates Industry's Sustainability Leadership

CCozort Mon, 10/16/2023 - 13:32

The 63rd Annual Event Celebrates the People Who Make Essential and Sustainable Paper and Wood Products

CONTACT: Tim Ebner / Clara Cozort
(202) 463-2436, comm@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is celebrating the 63rd annual National Forest Products Week.

Throughout this week, AF&PA will highlight the industry’s sustainability leadership and paper recycling achievements within the circular economy.

The forest products industry is also among the largest manufacturing industries in America.

“During National Forest Products Week, we recognize the 925,000 people from the forest products industry who make sustainable products for a more sustainable future,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “These are people who make innovative paper and wood products, made from renewable resources and used by millions of Americans daily.”

The forest products industry makes sustainable products like:

The paper and wood products industry is committed to sustainability success and resource efficiency throughout the production process. Industry innovations are also creating more sustainable and recyclable products, like paper padded mailers and pizza boxes.

AF&PA is proud to work with the Paper and Packaging Caucus on our mutual goal of securing a more sustainable future.

“AF&PA recognizes the support of the Paper and Packaging Caucus including our co-chairs: Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA), Senator John Boozman (R–AR) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D–MI). This bipartisan caucus focuses on finding policy solutions to support our industry’s long-term sustainability achievements,” Brock said.

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

International Paper Taking Action to Address Period Poverty

JTiralla — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 02:22:22 +0000

International Paper Taking Action to Address Period Poverty

JTiralla Thu, 11/17/2022 - 21:22

Across the globe, more than 500 million women and girls are affected by period poverty. This is the lack of access to adequate menstrual health management supplies like pads and tampons. While it’s easy to imagine this issue in developing countries, millions of women and girls in the United States deal with the issue every day.

“Until I was aware of the extent of this issue, I thought it was a concern in developing countries, but the reality is that women and girls in our own backyard lack access to the products that they need,” said Dr. Alissa Campbell Shaw, senior manager, Global Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement, International Paper.

Approximately 3.5 million girls in the U.S. have missed school due to lack of access to period products¹. Not having access to period products impacts academic performance. It also has negative social and emotional impacts².

“As a woman and a mother to daughters, this issue really hit home! Young women are missing school and feeling ashamed because of a natural and normal function in their bodies,” said Dr. Shaw. “If they miss one week of school every month of the school year, then they can easily fall behind in their academics, which has long-term implications for their future.”

To help address this issue, International Paper is collaborating with their employees and industry partners to supply essential products to communities. In her role, Dr. Shaw helps make this collaboration possible.

“I creatively use all the resources that International Paper has available, such as our employee volunteers, our products and funding, to help the company make a positive impact in the world,” said Dr. Shaw. “My team empowers our employees to have an impact in their communities and brings awareness to issues such as hunger, illiteracy, and access to health supplies. We also support people who need help the most by providing basic needs.”

International Paper's efforts to fight period poverty won a 2022 AF&PA Sustainability Award in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In 2021, 13 International Paper facilities hosted volunteer packing events with employees to provide nearly 5,000 period care kits to their communities. This year, they’re set to distribute 5 times that number with support from 45 facilities across the U.S. and around the world.

“I am continually in awe of the care and enthusiasm of our employees around the globe to give back to their communities. Their generosity of spirit inspires me,” said Dr. Shaw.

International Paper is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products including pulp. Pulp is a renewable material used in essential products around the world including diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness. IP’s pulp is used to make more than 100 billion feminine care pads each year that are distributed globally.

“As a leading producer of pulp, we are dedicated to using our products to improve the lives of the communities where our team members live and work,” said Dr. Shaw. “Partnering with our customers to alleviate period poverty is rooted in the belief that all girls and women should have access the products we create every day.”

Dr. Shaw said it's easy for people to take action to address period poverty:

Learn more and spread the word to others to help #EndPeriodPoverty
Volunteer to conduct a product supply drive
Help pack period care supplies for distribution
Support legislation that helps provide access to menstrual care products

“At International Paper, we are working to build a better future for people, the planet and our company,” said Dr. Shaw. “I am inspired by the company’s Vision 2030 goals. By working together, we will improve the lives of 100 million people by 2030!”

1. 1000 U.S. females, 16-24 y.o Research Now ‘17 & U.S. 2016 Census
2. 2551 U.S. women, 16-29 y.o., MSL ‘19

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Pulp

Diversity and Collaboration Build Value for Paper Industry

JTiralla — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 13:40:31 +0000

Diversity and Collaboration Build Value for Paper Industry

JTiralla Fri, 09/23/2022 - 09:40

The products the paper and wood products industry manufactures are used in households across the United States every day. And this is a responsibility the industry takes very seriously.

“Consumers expect the right quality, at the right value, with the right care for the environment. Every day. Being able to work in an industry that does that is exciting, challenging, and inspirational,” said Rafael Garcia, Vice President – Environmental Stewardship Strategy, Consumer Products Group at Georgia-Pacific.

Garcia said his job relies on collaboration.

“I am trying to bring in the right knowledge and points of view in the Environmental Stewardship space that our business needs to accelerate innovation efforts to differentiate our existing products and deliver new solutions to meet customer and consumer needs,” Garcia said. “An important part of this is to create more value while using fewer resources.”

Garcia has had multiple roles in the industry throughout his career, from business development and supply chain to brand leadership and consumer knowledge. Each of these roles helped him develop as a leader.

Garcia also draws on his Hispanic heritage in his work.

“Bringing my unique experience and individual point of view helps me in my job. Being Hispanic is one of the things that shapes my overall thinking and approach,” said Garcia. “Encouraging and leveraging diversity of thought and backgrounds is something that can create value for organizations.”

Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder of the value of diversity, Garcia said.

“Each one of us is an important part of our family, our community and our workplace. We make those things richer by bringing our distinctive perspectives and backgrounds to each engagement,” he said.

Garcia’s advice is to be willing to learn.

“Learning never stops … so be flexible and willing to take some risks. Employees who are contribution-motivated, seek growth and challenge, and find meaning in work that utilizes their abilities will create more value for society, and have more fulfilling careers,” he said.

Making Change for the Better with Nonwoven Materials

SManger — Fri, 20 May 2022 14:09:30 +0000

Making Change for the Better with Nonwoven Materials

SManger Fri, 05/20/2022 - 10:09

Innovation for Hong Wilcoxon can come at any time of day.

Wilcoxon is up early to ensure quality control as a quality manager at Domtar’s Engineered Absorbent Materials (EAM) facility in Jesup, Georgia. It’s really an around-the-clock operation.

“My typical day starts at the pre-shift meeting at 6:45 a.m. with the incoming shift operators, maintenance, and area managers to discuss safety, quality, and any production issues,” she explained. “Then, I go to the lab to see if there are any quality issues that happened during the night shift.”

After that, Wilcoxon normally works on quality data trending, project follow-up with cross-functional teams, employee training, and meeting with suppliers or customers.

The work involves many people working together in close collaboration. And it’s work that puts safety and sustainability in clear focus.

“To help ensure our products are safe and sustainable, I start with our supply chain by working with suppliers to develop quality standards for the materials used in our products,” Wilcoxon said.

One example is the innovative nonwoven materials used in essential items like adult and feminine hygiene, medical pads, food packaging, animal care and even in construction materials for highways.

To make this material, Wilcoxon said there are two key steps. First is breaking down wood pulp into short fibers, then bonding those fibers together.

“First, we break down the wood pulp into short fibers, then the air stream will carry these cotton-like fluff fibers to a collector screen. We can also incorporate superabsorbent polymer [or SAP] during the process to provide extra absorbency,” Wilcoxon explained. “The second step is to bond the web with different methods, either latex, thermal or hydrogen bonding, or using more than one of these bonding methods, also known as multi-bonding.”

The finished products are more sustainable, as are the manufacturing processes.

“I think the innovation will focus on sustainability to make it greener,” Wilcoxon said. “During the years we invested a lot into upgrading our machinery and capacity, to help modernize our plant to become more efficient and environmentally friendly.”

Wilcoxon said it takes teamwork, collaboration, and a robust quality management system to develop this and other innovative products. It’s what she calls a “zero defect” culture.

“As quality manager, another aspect to ensure the product safety and sustainability is to push this quality culture through the entire organization,” Wilcoxon explained. “By using statistical tools to centerline the process, continuous improvement tools to reduce the waste, and training, we embrace the philosophy of ‘change for the better.’”

National Forest Products Week Shines a Spotlight on People in the Forest Products Industry

CCozort — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:39:02 +0000

National Forest Products Week Shines a Spotlight on People in the Forest Products Industry

CCozort Mon, 10/18/2021 - 08:39

This is the 61st anniversary of the week-long celebration from October 17-23

CONTACT: Tim Ebner
(202) 463-2587, comm@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement in celebration of the 61st anniversary of National Forest Products Week (October 17-23).

“During National Forest Products Week, we recognize and celebrate our people – the approximately 950,000 individuals who make up the forest products industry and produce essential products, sustainably made.

“Our strength as an industry comes from our people. They bring undeniable value to communities, big and small, and are highly effective champions at sharing the good news of the sustainability of our forests and how to recycle paper and packaging products.

“The forest products industry is contributing to a more sustainable future. AF&PA member companies and their employees make products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative—Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future.

“This initiative includes goals to advance more resilient U.S. forests and a circular value chain through the production of renewable and recyclable products. It also includes goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, focus on worker safety, and advance sustainable water management throughout manufacturing operations. Throughout National Forest Products Week we celebrate this work and shine a light on the people who are stewards of our forests, communities and our planet.”

For more information about AF&PA and the products our member companies make, visit afandpa.org/forestproductsweek. And follow us at @ForestandPaper and join the conversation with #ForestProductsWeek for real-time news on National Forest Products Week.

How the Paper and Wood Products Industry Offers Opportunity

CCozort — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 19:07:37 +0000

How the Paper and Wood Products Industry Offers Opportunity

CCozort Mon, 02/22/2021 - 14:07

It’s all too common for peoples’ minds to wander to life’s “what if's” or the “what could have been.”

But for Tony Murphy, Manufacturing Excellence Lead at International Paper, his decision to enter a pulp and paper career was a decision he'd never look back on or rethink.

Murphy grew up in the pulp and paper town of New Bern, North Carolina, but he had very little knowledge of the industry. His exploration into the pulp and paper industry started as a high school senior looking to further his education at North Carolina State University.

“I found that a pulp and paper degree offered many lucrative career opportunities. I was surprised to learn that this degree provided the highest starting salary out of all other degrees at NC State,” said Murphy.

At his job, Murphy notes there are endless opportunities for a variety of work – no two days are quite the same in his day-to-day job.

“You don’t always know what the day will bring when you come to work. You could be working with operations to troubleshoot process breaks, identifying areas for cost reduction, running trials, or working to develop new engineers and interns for the industry,” he said.

When asked what the industry means to Murphy and his family, he replies “opportunity.”

"Doing more with less. It not only makes sense from an environmental standpoint, but it makes good financial sense. Both our shareholders and customers demand it of us," he said. "Also, because trees are a renewable resource, I see our scientists continuing to expand the products that are made from them to help us in our everyday lives."

In Murphy’s 25 years of service, he’s noticed many changes in the pulp and paper industry and can see the industry's future.

"The industry is definitely more diverse from when I started 25 years ago. It has been great to see the industry evolve to include more people of color and women,” he says. “I believe diversity in the workforce helps to drive the best possible solutions in the workplace."

Explore the Essential Products and Work of the Pulp and Paper Industry

superuser — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 18:18:05 +0000

Explore the Essential Products and Work of the Pulp and Paper Industry

superuser Mon, 08/17/2020 - 14:18

“It’s a rewarding job to know that people depend on the products that you make.”

Paper products are intertwined into our everyday life, and they remain essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These are products that millions of Americans rely on. Things like toilet paper, paper towels and tissue products, as well as corrugated boxes that help protect and ship products, such as food and medical supplies.

The men and women of the paper and wood products industry know they’re working for a common purpose—to serve communities near and far. Hear from pulp and paperworkers in a video, which highlights the essential nature of the job.

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