AF&PA Focuses on Efficient Energy Use by the Paper Industry

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) has published facts about efficient energy use by the paper industry.

According to the Association, purchased energy happens to be the third largest operating cost for the paper and wood products industry. The industry had taken adequate measures to boost its sustainability through efficient use of energy.

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The paper production process primarily comprises of two stages- sourcing of raw materials and pulp & paper manufacturing. Both these stages have been designed in such a way that they consume less energy. For instance, the wood fiber used to make new products is sourced from sustainably managed forests and recycled paper fibres. Also, technological advances have resulted in notable efficiency improvements in the traditionally energy-intensive processes used for making pulp and paper.

The paper industry has been continuously working to ensure efficient energy use. In 2020, the AF&PA member mills generated nearly 58% of the electricity requirements to run their mills, mainly through use of biomass energy. The latest technologies and innovations have further resulted in improved energy consumption.

Between 2005 and 2020, the AF&PA members attained a major milestone by reducing purchased energy by more than 13%. Additionally, it targets to reduce GHG emissions by 50% by the end of the current decade.