Recognized for Hood Heat Recovery Project at Somerset 

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) recognized Sappi North America with the2016 AF&PA Leadership in Sustainability Award for Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Reduction for their Hood Heat Recovery Project at Somerset. The award was presented at AF&PA’s annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 11 in Cary, North Carolina.

“Sappi’s Hood Heat Recovery Project at Somerset is a shining example of how improvements to industry infrastructure can benefit the environment as well as the bottom line,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. 

Sappi’s Somerset Mill in Maine reduced its energy-associated footprint and costs through updates that enable the mill to capture wasted heat and use it to heat water for the manufacturing process. The modifications have resulted in lower operating costs, fossil fuel use, purchased electricity, waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

“We thank AF&PA for recognizing the achievements of Sappi and our Somerset Mill in particular,” said Sappi North America President & CEO Mark Gardner. “Reducing energy allows us to maintain a cost-competitive position, which in turn helps us to reinvest in our operations, creating a positive multiplier effect within the local community, while helping the environment.”

Designed to recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry, AF&PA’s annual sustainability awards are given based on the merit of entries received across multiple 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 2016 Sustainability Report showed that the U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry has made significant, measurable progress toward achieving its Better Practices, BetterPlanet 2020 sustainability goals.