Biomass Energy

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Is the Paper Industry Cutting Down Trees for Biomass Energy?

No. We use the leftover parts of the tree that could otherwise go to landfills to create biomass energy. Things like bark, branches and liquid bioenergy extracted from wood chips while manufacturing pulp for paper products.

The paper and wood products industry then uses every part of the tree possible in our manufacturing process, so nothing goes to waste.

From the log to create lumber and other wood products, to the leftover chips that are used in pulp and paper products.

The log goes on to create products like lumber, furniture, paper and packaging. Anything remaining is converted to biomass energy used to power the mills.

Where Does the Paper Industry Get Trees for Products?

90%

of wood is sourced from private, sustainably managed working forests

The paper industry uses trees from healthy, managed working forests where harvesting of trees is permitted. We source our trees from two types of working forests:

Private Working Forests
Public Working Forests

The vast majority of our country’s working forests are on private land. These are owned by individuals, families, small and large businesses. Many of these forests have been in families for generations.

Trees on working forests are replanted and grown again while protecting the ecosystem of the forest. Careful harvesting and planting ensure there are forests for decades to come.

90% of the wood that is used to produce the essential paper and wood products that Americans use every day is sourced from private, sustainably managed working forests.

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Does the Paper Industry Cause Deforestation?

1/3

of the U.S. is forested, totaling 766 million acres

Our industry is a leader in promoting sustainable forest management. Forests in the U.S. are strong. In the U.S., more than 1 billion trees are planted each year. One-third of the nation is forested, totaling nearly 766 million acres.

Deforestation is the permanent conversion of forests to other uses like new housing developments or agriculture. Harvesting is the removal of trees, but it is not the permanent conversion of a forest.

As a condition of membership, AF&PA members commit to sustainable forest management and sourcing wood from responsibly managed working forests.

The U.S. grows twice the volume of trees than is harvested. And, about 2% of working forests are harvested each year. More forestland in the U.S., both working and non-working, is disturbed by natural events like insects, disease and fire than is harvested.

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How is Biomass Energy Helping Capture Carbon?

Forests are one of the single greatest carbon storage technologies on the planet.

And as those trees mature, they suck carbon out of the atmosphere and store that very same carbon in the products we make. A whole lot of it. American forests, for instance, offset about 13% of U.S. carbon emissions annually.

That means biomass energy is helping take more carbon out of the atmosphere than it emits.

This makes it a much cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels like coal.

Is Biomass Energy Renewable and Sustainable?

Yes, biomass energy created by the paper and wood products industry is renewable and sustainable. For an energy source to be renewable, it needs to come from a source that is non-exhaustible or can be replenished continuously.

Our industry uses every part of the tree in our manufacturing process. We use the leftovers from the tree like bark, liquid bioenergy, and branches to create biomass energy.

We source our trees from sustainably and responsibly managed working forests to manufacture essential products. Those forests are healthy, growing and helping to capture carbon.

Trees on working forests are replanted and grown again while protecting the ecosystem of the forest. Careful harvesting and planting ensures there are forests for decades to come. This cycle is done through long-term and continuous planning.

About 2% of working forests are harvested each year. More forestland in the U.S., both working and non-working, is disturbed by natural events like insects, disease and fire than is harvested.

How our industry uses biomass energy is also sustainable. About two-thirds of the energy used by paper and wood products mills is generated from biomass energy. We also sell power, called bioelectricity, to the grid.

The sustainable use of biomass energy to power paper mills reduces greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels.

Our use of biomass energy prevents about 181 million metric tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere each year. That’s roughly equal to removing 35 million cars from the road.

We’ve also decreased our greenhouse gas emissions by more than 24% since 2005. That was accomplished in part by using biomass energy.

Does that Mean Biomass Energy is Carbon Neutral?

Yes, biomass energy is carbon neutral.

Repeated studies, agencies, institutions, policies and virtually every country around the world recognize the carbon neutrality of the biomass energy produced by the paper and wood products industry.

How the Paper Industry Champions Sustainable Forestry

Is the Paper Industry Sustainable?

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Paper Manufacturing

A Closer Look at How the Paper Industry Achieves Sustainability

CCozort — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:44:25 +0000

A Closer Look at How the Paper Industry Achieves Sustainability

CCozort Wed, 09/13/2023 - 15:44

Sustainability is an important consideration across industries.

The paper industry was one of the first manufacturing industries to voluntarily set quantifiable sustainability goals. Quantifiable means they’re measurable so we can track our progress.

Since 2011, AF&PA members have made significant strides in sustainable practices. We met or exceeded many of the goals we set in 2011. Now, we’re building on our success and commitment with sustainability goals for 2030.

Let’s dive into how the paper industry is embracing sustainable practices.

Sustainable Forest Management

About 2%

of working forests are harvested each year

As a condition of membership, AF&PA members are committed to sustainable forest management and sourcing wood from responsibly managed, working forests.

Working forests are carefully and sustainably managed by landowners, foresters, engineers, scientists and harvest managers.

These professionals help take care of the forest to ensure the trees are healthy. 90% of the wood that is used to produce the essential paper and wood products that Americans use every day is sourced from private, sustainably managed working forests.    

And, about 2% of working forests are harvested each year.  

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Resource Efficiency Through the Circular Economy

The paper industry is committed to optimizing resource efficiency throughout its production processes.

We also have an inherently circular supply chain.

It starts with sustainably managed forests which are continuously replanted to supply fiber and enhance the environment. Then it starts again with a highly developed recycling system to turn recycled paper and packaging into new products. Our industry’s manufacturing practices do more with less by:

Maximizing efficient use of resources, including fiber
Reusing water and other resources multiple times Utilizing manufacturing byproducts to produce carbon-neutral biomass energy
And optimizing the use of non-renewable resources

Innovative technologies have led to significant reductions in water consumption, energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

Our 2030 goal, “Advance a Circular Value Chain Through the Production of Renewable and Recyclable Products,” will help strengthen the role our industry plays in the circular economy.

Paper Recycling and Waste Reduction

About 80%

of U.S. paper mills use recycled paper

The paper industry is a recycling champion. It’s an important part of our manufacturing process.

About 80% of U.S. paper mills use recycled paper to make new products. The vast majority of Americans also have access to a community paper and paperboard recycling program.

The industry continues to invest in paper recycling. We’re investing in manufacturing infrastructure as well as recycling innovations.

One of the ways is innovative packaging design to make packaging more recyclable. Another is technology to recycle more kinds of paper products. Both innovations help to extend the useful life of fiber and promote product circularity.

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Minimizing Our Carbon Footprint

More than 24%

reduction in GHG emissions by AF&PA members since 2005

The paper and wood products industry is a crucial part of the climate solution.

We took early voluntary action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since 2005, AF&PA members have reduced GHG emissions by more than 24%. And they’ve committed to reducing GHG emissions by 50% by 2030!

We’ve also improved our energy efficiency by more than 13% since 2005. This is largely due to increased use of renewable energy like biomass.

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Sustainable Water Management

More than 8%

reduction in water use by AF&PA members since 2005

Water is an essential part of the pulp and papermaking process. That makes water management a critical part of our sustainable practices.

AF&PA members are constantly striving to find new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle water in the manufacturing process. Since 2005, AF&PA members have reduced water use by more than 8%.

Water can be reused 10 times or more throughout the pulp and paper mill process before it is discharged. And 88% of water used for production is treated in wastewater systems and returned to the environment.

Our 2030 goal to advance sustainable water management aims to build on our success and further our efforts. Sustainable practices are the foundation of the paper and wood products industry.

As a leader in sustainability, the industry aims to balance the demand for paper products with the need to protect and preserve our planet's valuable resources.

Explore how our industry is advancing sustainable practices:

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Green Bay Packaging Achieves Net Zero Water Certification

You can’t make paper without water. That’s one reason water stewardship is so important to the paper and wood products industry. Lisa Bauer-Lotto shares news of Green Bay Packaging’s ground-breaking net-zero water achievement and how the industry is advancing sustainability.

Juno is an Innovative Recycling Technology

With its Juno technology, Georgia-Pacific is diverting trash from landfills and recovering valuable materials for recycling. John Mulcahy explains how this innovation works and why paper recycling is important.

Sustainable Forestry is Key to a Healthy and Lasting Paper Industry

Paper and wood products touch our everyday lives. From the structure of buildings that we live in, to the hygiene products we use, we rely on forest products.

Is the Paper Industry Sustainable?

JTiralla — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:55:14 +0000

Is the Paper Industry Sustainable? 

JTiralla Thu, 04/20/2023 - 12:55

Is the paper industry sustainable?

About 80% of U.S. paper mills

use some recycled paper

YES, the paper industry is sustainable.

Paper products are made from trees, which are a renewable resource, and recycled paper. About 80% of U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper fiber to make renewable products like packaging, office paper, newspaper, and paper towels.

Even so, the industry is working to improve its sustainability through innovation and sustainability initiatives.

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How is the paper industry sustainable?

Sustainable practices are the foundation of the paper and wood products industry, such as:

Sustainable Forest Management
Efficient Manufacturing
Use of Renewable Bioenergy
Sustainable Water Management
Paper Recycling

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

How does the paper industry support sustainable forestry?

More than 1 billion

trees planted in U.S. each year

As a condition of membership, AF&PA members are committed to sustainable forest management and sourcing wood from responsibly managed forests.

Trees are harvested to make essential and sustainable paper and wood products. And the paper industry uses every part of the tree so nothing goes to waste.

Then, trees are replanted and grown again while protecting the ecosystem of the forest. Careful harvesting and planting ensures forests for decades to come.

Today, U.S. forests are strong. The U.S. grows twice the volume of trees than is harvested and more than 1 billion trees are planted in the U.S. each year.

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Does the paper industry use a lot of energy?

Pulp and paper manufacturing is energy intensive. Energy represents one of the most significant costs for a mill’s operation. Increasing energy efficiency is a fundamental sustainability objective of AF&PA members.

Since 2005, AF&PA members have improved energy efficiency by more than 13%. This is largely due to increased use of renewable energy like biomass.

Does the production of paper generate a lot of greenhouse gas emissions?

More than 24% reduction

in GHG emissions by AF&PA members

The paper and wood products industry was among the first manufacturing industries to take voluntary action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Since 2005, AF&PA members have reduced GHG emissions by more than 24%. And they’ve committed to reducing GHG emissions by 50% by 2030!

The paper industry is reducing GHG emissions by:

Improving the energy efficiency of mills
Increasing the use of renewable energy, such as biomass and hydropower
Investing in newer, more efficient technology

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Learn more about the paper industry’s commitment to sustainability:

Student Design Challenge Winners Focus on Innovative and Sustainable Paperboard Packaging

The Paperboard Packaging Alliance challenges students to design innovative paperboard packaging solutions. Student teams from the Fashion Institute of Technology and California Polytechnic State University were named winners of the 2022 Student Design Challenge.

Forest Management Key to Healthy Forests

Blair Bishop is a registered forester and the owner of Bishop Forestry and Land PLLC. Bishop believes to help forests thrive now and in the future, others need to learn about managing healthy forests.

Jesse Levine Reflects on AF&PA’s Sustainability Progress and Future Ahead

With a proven track record in sustainability, the paper and wood products industry attracts professionals who are passionate about the environment. This includes professionals like Jesse Levine, AF&PA's Senior Director of Energy and Environmental Policy.

Biomass, Recycling, Regulatory Reform, Transportation Infrastructure Top AF&PA 2020 Advocacy Priorities

superuser — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 16:32:41 +0000

Biomass, Recycling, Regulatory Reform, Transportation Infrastructure Top AF&PA 2020 Advocacy Priorities

superuser Fri, 02/14/2020 - 11:32

CONTACT: Lindsay Murphy
(202) 463-2436, comm@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) Board of Directors today announced advocacy priorities the association will pursue to ensure the pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products industry’s continued growth and ability to create American manufacturing jobs.

“President Trump and the U.S. Congress recently made great strides in finalizing the U.S. – Mexico – Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, and we are grateful for this commitment to ensuring free and fair cross-border trade,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “Paper and paper-based packaging are the most-recycled materials by weight from municipal waste streams in the United States, and AF&PA will support policies that allow this environmental success story to continue. Policy conversations related to biomass, paper recycling, regulatory reform and transportation infrastructure should strengthen our industry’s ability to provide consumers with recyclable, renewable and sustainable paper products.”

Mark Sutton, International Paper CEO and AF&PA Board Chair, continued, “The paper industry has some of the most comprehensive set of quantifiable sustainability goals of any U.S. manufacturing industry in Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. It is imperative the U.S. Congress, state legislatures and other stakeholders recognize the industry as a top 10 manufacturing employer in 45 states across the country, with an impressive track record of leadership in environmental and forest stewardship. As challenges related to waste continue to be discussed nationwide, we ask that elected officials recognize paper is part of the circular solution.”

AF&PA’s 2020 advocacy priorities are:

Carbon Neutrality of Biomass: Paper and wood products manufacturers use as much of the tree as possible to make paper, packaging and wood products, while remaining residuals are used as a renewable energy source (biomass) to power mills. The carbon neutrality of biomass harvested from sustainably-managed forests has been repeatedly recognized by studies, agencies, institutions, legislation and rules around the world. AF&PA has for many years advocated for science-based policies that acknowledge the carbon neutrality of biomass and provide regulatory certainty to level the playing field for global competition and the protection of rural American jobs.

Continued Success for Paper Recycling at the State and Federal Level: Efforts to ban, tax or restrict access to paper products discourages the use of products that are recyclable, compostable, reusable and made from renewable and recycled material. AF&PA supports Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Debbie Stabenow’s (D-MI) RECYCLE Act, which recognizes that educating consumers on the right ways to recycle is one of the best ways we can increase the quantity and quality of paper in the recycling stream.

Regulatory Reform: U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers have spent billions of dollars on regulatory compliance and are estimated to spend billions in new capital expenditures over the next decade. Measures that streamline the permit process and reduce cost and uncertainty of regulations remain a top priority.

Transportation Infrastructure: Paper and wood products manufacturers face a nationwide shortage of transportation capacity, an aging infrastructure, and inefficient surface transportation policies. As a result, connecting our products, raw materials and consumers is difficult and costly. Specifically, AF&PA encourages necessary infrastructure enhancements, increasing truck weight limits on federal interstate highways and freight rail system reforms that prioritize shippers’ concerns.

In addition to these priorities, AF&PA remains engaged in important advocacy discussions related to international trade and climate policy.

AF&PA Applauds Congressional Action for Continued Recognition of Biomass Carbon Neutrality

superuser — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 03:17:33 +0000

AF&PA Applauds Congressional Action for Continued Recognition of Biomass Carbon Neutrality

superuser Thu, 12/19/2019 - 22:17

CONTACT: Lindsay Murphy/Barbara Riley
(202) 463-2436, comm@afandpa.org

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

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

AF&PA Thanks Congress for Advancing Regulatory Policy on Carbon Neutrality of Forest-Based Biomass

superuser — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:17:41 +0000

AF&PA Thanks Congress for Advancing Regulatory Policy on Carbon Neutrality of Forest-Based Biomass

superuser Fri, 02/15/2019 - 10:17

Contact: Barbara Riley/Lindsay Murphy

(202) 463-2436, comms@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman thanked Congress for reaffirming that federal regulatory policy should reflect the carbon neutrality of forest-based renewable biomass. Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations legislation, which passed the House and Senate, contains legislative language to that effect.

“We thank our bipartisan Congressional champions for advancing a measure that recognizes long-standing scientific principles and appropriately reflects the paper and wood products industry’s use of carbon neutral biomass for energy production. We are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation and deserve clear public policy that supports our ability to grow the economy, create American manufacturing jobs and stay in step with global competition. We look forward to working with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy and the United States Department of Agriculture to fully implement this Congressional directive.”

American Forest & Paper Association “Encouraged” by EPA, DOE and USDA Letter to Congress on Biomass Carbon Neutrality

superuser — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 22:04:32 +0000

American Forest & Paper Association “Encouraged” by EPA, DOE and USDA Letter to Congress on Biomass Carbon Neutrality

superuser Thu, 11/01/2018 - 18:04

CONTACT: Barbara Riley/Chuck Fuqua
(202) 463-2436, comm@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON – American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the joint Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy letter to Congress on biomass carbon neutrality.

“We are encouraged that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy and the United States Department of Agriculture are committed to taking action on the Congressional directive to produce clear, science-based policies that reflect the carbon neutrality of biomass and recognize it as a renewable energy source. More than seven years of policy uncertainty in this area jeopardizes our companies’ ability to invest in biomass and build and upgrade their facilities. Removing that barrier clears the way for future economic growth and job creation and helps ensure the U.S. is in step with global competitors. That’s a winning combination for everyone.”

BACKGROUND:

The carbon benefits of biomass harvested from sustainably-managed forest are well established.
According to a study by the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, accounting for fossil fuel displacement and avoided emissions associated with disposal, the use of biomass residuals by the forest products industry avoids the emission of approximately 181 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year.
Paper and forest products manufacturers compete globally against companies from countries that recognize biomass carbon neutrality.
U.S. Forest Service data indicates U.S. timberland grows almost twice as much wood as is harvested for all purposes with growing forests absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and offsetting emissions from wood combustion.

AF&PA Welcomes New EPA Policy on Carbon Neutral Forest Biomass

superuser — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 19:55:35 +0000

AF&PA Welcomes New EPA Policy on Carbon Neutral Forest Biomass

superuser Mon, 04/23/2018 - 15:55

Contact: Barbara Riley/Chuck Fuqua
(202) 463-2436, comms@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding a new policy on the carbon neutrality of forest-based, renewable biomass by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The fiscal year 2017 and 2018 Omnibus Appropriations bills directed the EPA to develop the policy.

“We applaud the Administration for reflecting long-standing scientific principles and Congressional direction in recognizing as carbon neutral the paper and wood products industry’s use of renewable biomass for energy production. We are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, eager to strengthen the economy and boost U.S. job creation with the support of public policy that levels the playing field with competitors around the globe. This new EPA policy is an important milestone in implementing the Congressional directive to produce clear and simple policies and acknowledges the scientific record on the carbon neutrality of forest-based, renewable biomass. We look forward to working with EPA as it develops regulations to fully implement this policy.”