Recognized for Lewiston Pulp Optimization Project

Washington, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) recognized Clearwater Paper with a 2018 AF&PA Leadership in Sustainability Award for Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction for their Lewiston Pulp Optimization Project. The award was presented at AF&PA’s annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 9 in Dallas, Texas.

“By investing in a substantial infrastructure upgrade, Clearwater Paper’s Lewiston mill drastically reduced their energy needs and associated GHG emissions,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.

Clearwater Paper replaced an old Kraft batch digester system at their Lewiston, Idaho pulp mill with a continuous digester that significantly reduced the mill’s reliance on fossil fuels. The company saved more than 100,000 pounds per hour of steam compared to the previous batch process—an estimated reduction of 150,000 tons of GHG emissions per year, which is equivalent to removing approximately 30,000 passenger vehichles from the road (Source: Environmental Protetction Agency). Their reduced energy needs are expected to avoid the same amount of GHG emissions per year going forward.

“On behalf of Clearwater Paper and everyone at our Lewiston mill, thank you to AF&PA for recognizing our Lewiston Pulp Optimization Project,” said Clearwater Paper President and CEO Linda Massman. “We look forward to the benefits this project will continue to have on the sustainability of our operations.”

Designed to recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry, AF&PA’s annual 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: Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Paper Recovery for Recycling, Safety, Sustainable Forest Management 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 2018 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, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals. For more information, visit sustainability.afandpa.org.

Clearwater Paper won a 2018 AF&PA Leadership in Sustainability Award for Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction for their Lewiston Pulp Optimization Project Pictured: Jason Roggenbauer (left) and Malisa Maynard.