WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) presented its 2014Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 Sustainability Awards at AF&PA’s annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 7 in Carefree, Ariz.
 
Designed to recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry, the annual awards are given based on the merit of entries received across multiple categories. This year, five companies were chosen to receive seven awards from 26 outstanding submissions across the industry.
 
“Our members continued to demonstrate targeted innovation and solid commitment in their efforts to further improve the sustainability of their businesses and the industry’s overall sustainability record,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.  “We are proud to honor this year’s award-winning companies and hope their projects will inspire continued sustainability innovation throughout the industry.”
 
2014 AF&PA Sustainability Award Winners
 
Leadership in Sustainability – Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Domtar: Barge Unloading and Conveyor Project
 
Leadership in Sustainability – Paper Recovery for Recycling
NewPage Corporation: NewPage Duluth Mill Recycling Recovery Program
 
Leadership in Sustainability – Safety
Expera Specialty Solutions: Nicolet Mill – Care Enough to Act
 
Leadership in Sustainability – Sustainable Forest Management 
Evergreen Packaging: Certified Success – Evergreen Forest Certification
RockTenn: Internal Fiber Supply Chain Certification
 
Leadership in Sustainability – Water
NewPage Corporation: NewPage Escanaba Mill Water Reduction Initiative
 
Innovation in Sustainability
Domtar: BioChoice Lignin 
 
AF&PA member company applicants are considered in two sustainability award categories. Projects that support progress toward the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals qualify for recognition in the “Leadership” category, which has five subcategories that correspond to the goals: Paper Recovery for Recycling, Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Sustainable Forest Management, Safety, and Water. The “Innovation in Sustainability” award is reserved for projects that merit recognition for their contribution to sustainable business practices, not one of the goals specifically.
 
AF&PA’s 2014 Sustainability Report showed that the U.S. pulp, paper, packaging and wood products manufacturing industry has made significant, measurable progress toward achieving its Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals.  
 
For more information about the Sustainability Awards program and AF&PA’s Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 initiative, visit afandpa.org/sustainability.