Recognized for Shifting to a Culture of Safety project

Washington, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) recognized American Eagle Paper Mills with a 2018 AF&PA Leadership in Sustainability Award for Safety for their Shifting to a Culture of Safety project. This is the second consecutive year AF&PA has honored American Eagle for their sustainability advancements. The award was presented at AF&PA’s annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 9 in Dallas, Texas.

“American Eagle showed that a sharp focus and systematic approach to safety leads to impressive safety improvement and prevents injuries,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.

American Eagle designated safety their main area of focus for 2017. At their Tyrone, Pennsylvania mill, the company identified issues and inadequacies with their equipment guards; upped communication at all levels; and empowered employees to stop individuals who are creating potential safety incidents. In January 2018, they completed 365 days without a lost-time injury—a record achievement in the history of the mill.

“We thank AF&PA for recognizing our safety progress,” said American Eagle President and CEO Michael Grimm. “Our safety progress belongs to and benefits all of us at American Eagle and we are proud of what we have achieved together.”

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.

American Eagle Paper Mills won a 2018 AF&PA Leadership in Sustainability Award for Safety for their Shifting to a Culture of Safety project. Pictured: Mike Grimm.