AF&PA Members Exceeded Critical Sustainability Goals in 2021

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Washington-based The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced release of its ‘Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 Sustainability Progress Report’, highlighting the sustainability achievements of the paper and wood products industry.

According to the report, the Association members met or surpassed most of the sustainability goals. The member companies reached a 30% improvement in the safety incidence rate, compared with the 2006 baseline, surpassing the goal of 25%. The AF&PA members surpassed the GHG emissions goal, achieving 24.1% reduction from the 2005 baseline, said the report.

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The members procured 99.2% of the total wood fiber through a Certified Sourcing Program, which is a 12.2% increase from the 2005 baseline. They reported 13.3% decrease in purchased energy from the 2005 baseline. The pulp and paper mills self-generated 58% of the electricity needed to power their mills in 2020. The members reduced water consumption by 8.3%.

Heidi Brock, President and CEO, AF&PA said that the remarkable progress is the result of its members’ commitment to sustainability. The industry delivered innovations in manufacturing processes and products, she noted.