Charlottesville, VA – Metafore, along with a unique collaboration of stakeholders across the paper supply chain, has created a comprehensive online resource that will enable companies and customers to make more informed environmental decisions about the paper products they purchase, use and sell.

The Paper Life Cycle details critical environmental issues from the forest through paper manufacturing process, end-use and recovery in a science-based and interactive format. The website was developed to inform purchasing decisions by providing environmental information to paper buyers and sellers.

"We found there was a need in the marketplace for information about the many environmental considerations across the life cycle of paper," says Tom Pollock, Senior Program Manager of Metafore, a program of the nonprofit sustainability institute GreenBlue. "This is an online resource for businesses to make informed purchasing decisions that integrate environmental and economic performance."

The website features in-depth articles, trend reports and guidance on key questions facing paper manufacturers and buyers. Discussion topics include climate change, forest practice management, recycling, illegal logging, energy use, product performance and other issues relevant to environmental stewardship internationally – from forest management strategies in the Tropics to recovery initiatives in North America.

"The leadership and robust online content Metafore has developed provides a strong resource to help customers find pertinent environmental information to help make well informed decisions when it comes to sourcing paper," said Avrim Lazar, President and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada.

Ruth Noguerón, Associate with the World Resources Institute, assisted in the initial review of the site and adds, "Given the immense environmental challenges facing the world today, it's critical that we foster healthy ecosystem management through the sustainable use of paper and forestry products. The Paper Life Cycle is a resource to help understand the environmental issues related to paper production and use."

The Paper Life Cycle project has been a collaborative effort that draws on the thinking and expertise from stakeholders from across the paper supply chain. Contributors and reviewers include the Corporate Forum for Paper and the Environment (a partnership between Metafore and members of the Forest Products Association of Canada, along with several of their key customers), World Resources Institute, National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI), American Forest & Paper Association, Procter & Gamble, Canfor Pulp, Catalyst Paper, Boise, Sappi Fine Paper, Time Inc. and 3M.

The site will be updated continuously by Metafore to reflect current events, new thinking and recent reports about the paper industry.