Washington, D.C. – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman today commended the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for organizing the America Recycles Day Recycling Summit. On Thursday afternoon, she will join industry executives in addressing the EPA headquarter-based summit and in signing an EPA pledge to help identify solutions to issues facing the U.S. recycling system.

“Our industry shares concerns over the challenges facing the U.S. recycling system. Recovered paper markets are complex, dynamic and efficient, yet the paper and paper-packaging industry continues to innovate and adapt to market demands to drive future success. Moreover, paper, by weight, is the most recycled material from municipal solid waste streams in the United States today, and we have met or exceeded a 63 percent recovery rate for paper and paper-based packaging for each of the last nine years.

“Teamwork stands behind that success story. A strong market for paper recycling is the result of our industry’s voluntary investment in building the commercial paper recycling infrastructure as well as the commitment by millions of Americans who recycle at home, at work or at school every day.

“We appreciate the EPA’s recognition of the need to build a more resilient recycling system and are eager to join forces to effectively use all types of recovered materials to create jobs, reduce the impact on the environment and improve quality of life. On the road ahead, count us ‘in’ to share how we’ve advanced recycling for the paper and paper-based packaging industries and to learn from others how we can improve even further.”