Washington – Few days ago, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) issued its 2010 report measuring progress by the forest products industry on key sustainability indicators. Using the latest data available, the new report titled "Sustainable Practices: a foundation of the forest products industry" shows that despite the severe impact made by the recession, continued investments by AF&PA member companies in more efficient processes and equipment have led to measurable progress on such sustainability indicators as recycling and air emissions.

“AF&PA members continue to demonstrate leadership in sustainability, and their long-standing commitment to sustainability has produced remarkable progress in key indicators,” wrote AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman in her introduction to the report. “The challenging economic conditions that became painfully apparent in 2008 and 2009 have had impacts on performance, most notably in the area of economic performance. However, as the report also shows, members have reacted to these challenges in proactive ways and continue to build on the strong progress already made to further improve sustainability performance for the future.”

Among the reports key findings, are:

* In 2009, 63.4 percent of U.S. paper consumed was recovered – surpassing AF&PA’s 60 percent recovery goal three years ahead of schedule.
* On an absolute basis, both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions at member pulp and paper and wood products industry facilities have decreased.
* In 2008, 65 percent of the energy needed to operate member pulp and paper mills was produced from renewable fuels. At wood products facilities, renewable fuels produced 73.5 percent of needed energy.
* Compared to 2006, pulp and paper mill sulfur dioxide releases decreased 14.6 percent and total reduced sulfur releases were reduced 18.6 percent.
* Companies have continued to make investments in new processes and equipment. Paper mill and allied product company capital expenditures were $7.6 billion in 2006 and $6.3 billion in 2008.
* From 2002 to 2008, forest products exports grew by almost 50 percent, from $18.2 to $27.1 billion.

The entire AF&PA Sustainability Report for 2010 "Sustainable Practices: a foundation of the forest products industry" can be downloaded under afandpa.org.

Quelle: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)

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