I t's tough to listen to the constant trashing of our industry by some radical environmentalists, many of who make big bucks by grinding out lies. So, in this column I'll cite a few of the industry's environmental accomplishments, and I challenge anyone to dispute these accomplishments.
During the last ten years the industry has invested over $10 billion in new recycling capacity. In 2001, 48 percent of all paper was recovered for recycling. In some grades, such as corrugated and newspaper, the recovery rate is above 65 percent!
Recovered fiber today accounts for over 37 percent of domestic material supply. According to the AF&PA, by 2012 the industry will increase recovered fiber level to 55 percent.
The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Principles Program—a collective effort by AF&PA and its members—is dedicated to worker safety, energy conservation and environmental considerations. Data from EHS show that since 1975 this industry has significantly reduced air, water and waste emissions. The paper industry has spent over $1 billion since 1988 to convert the pulp bleaching process to reduce dioxin levels in mill effluent to non-detectable amounts. This new process virtually eliminates dioxin, while allowing manufacturers to use less wood fiber.
Our detractors should be made aware of our enormous strides in increasing energy efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. According to AF&PA, since 1972 average total energy use has been reduced 17 percent, fossil fuel purchased energy consumption has fallen 38 percent and biomass fuel use has increased 47 percent! Amazingly, nearly 85 percent of the industry's on-site electricity is generated from renewable energy sources.
This industry also funds and participates in Agenda 2020, a joint research project with the U.S. Energy Department. Agenda 2020 is a consortium of industry, research institutions, and national laboratories with a mission of developing new technologies and processes to make manufacturing products more energy efficient and cost effective. This effort has produced successful technologies such as the methane deNOX sludge boiler, which increases efficiency and reduces NOX emissions.
Agenda 2020 is also working on gasification—an energy efficient technology. The gasification technology would convert pulping extractives and other forms of biomass into clean, combustible gases that burn like natural gas. If fully commercialized, technologies such as this, "would make the industry not only energy self-reliant, but also a net exporter of electricity," states AF&PA. "It would also reduce emissions by more than half and have significant carbon reductions."
Our industry has also been enormously active on the forestry side. It has established the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program. Under the SFI, the industry emphasizes natural resource and wildlife conservation, prompt reforestation and a deeper awareness of environmental responsibility and stewardship.
If you want more information on what's really going on in our industry, go to AF&PA's web site: www.afandpa.org.
A Good Friend Is Gone
Anthony D. "Tony" Liano passed away at home March 2, 2003 after a bravely fought battle with Leukemia. Tony worked for Deublin Company since 1986, where he spent the remaining years of his career as Vice Chairman of the Board. He was 56 years old—too young to die.
Tony was a brilliant, dynamic individual, and his outgoing, friendly manner influenced all of those that knew him. He was a close friend of the O'Brien clan and we shall miss him very much.
