AF&PA Announces Award-Winning Sustainability Projects

AF&PA's sustainability awards recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry.

Nov. 9, 2022 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has announced its Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 Sustainability Award winners, which recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry.

"This is the first year we are presenting awards in alignment with our new Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 sustainability goals and statement of principles on diversity, equity and inclusion," said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. "It is exciting to see examples of these goals in action. We are also pleased to present an award for our new category focused on diversity, equity and inclusion."

Better Practices, Better Planet is one of the longest standing sustainability initiatives for a U.S. manufacturing industry, established more than a decade ago. The sustainability award winners demonstrate the industry's long-held commitment to improving practices to build a better planet.

AF&PA congratulates the following winners:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
International Paper: Fighting Period Poverty in Our Communities

Leadership in Sustainability - Circular Value Chain
WestRock Company: Sustainable Ready Meals: Turnkey Solution

Leadership in Sustainability - Safety
WestRock Company: Failing Safe: Shredder Cover

Leadership in Sustainability - Water Stewardship
Green Bay Packaging Inc.: Net-Zero Water Use at Green Bay mill

Innovation in Sustainability
Georgia-Pacific LLC: Juno Technology

"Congratulations to the winners," said AF&PA Board Chair and President and CEO of Georgia-Pacific Christian Fischer. "AF&PA's Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 initiative guides our industry toward continuous improvement, and these awards demonstrate how we successfully are moving toward a bright and innovative future."

The 2022 Sustainability Award winners were selected by a judging panel from the Circle Economy, the Department of Energy, GreenBlue, the National Association of Manufacturers, Pure Strategies and the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology.

About AF&PA

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular in nature. AF&PA member companies make essential 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.

The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $60 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

SOURCE: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)