Six member companies recognized for exemplary sustainability programs 

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association presented its 2017 Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 Sustainability Awards at AF&PA’s annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 3 in Greensboro, Georgia. 

Six AF&PA member companies received seven awards from 23 outstanding submissions across the industry: www.afandpa.org/sustainabilityawardwinners

“Our members’ award-winning projects demonstrate their ingenuity, drive, and commitment to continued improvement of the sustainability of their operations,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. “We commend their efforts and support toward meeting the industry’s Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 goals.” 

2017 AF&PA Sustainability Award Winners 

Leadership in Sustainability – Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Resolute Forest Products: GHG Reduction Program 

Leadership in Sustainability – Sustainable Forest Management

International Paper: Certified Forest Management LLC

Leadership in Sustainability – Safety (Large Company)

Sappi North America: Over Two Million Hours Worked Without Lost Time Injury 

Leadership in Sustainability – Safety (Small Company)

Seaman Paper Company of Massachusetts, Inc.: Raising the Reels for Safety

Leadership in Sustainability – Water (Large Company)

WestRock Company: Covington Mill Power Boiler Ash Handling Systems

Leadership in Sustainability – Water (Small Company)

American Eagle Paper Mills: Project Phoenix 

Innovation in Sustainability

WestRock Company: Moving Products the Green Way 

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: 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 releases its sustainability report every other year. The 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, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals. For more information, visit sustainability.afandpa.org.