The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s proclamation recognizing National Forest Products Week.

 

"President Obama’s proclamation for National Forest Products Week gives us an opportunity to pause and celebrate the many ways in which paper and wood products enrich our daily lives. Hardly a moment passes where paper’s presence isn’t felt at home, work, school, and everywhere in between.

 

"Paper and wood products companies are the mainstay of many communities across America. Employing nearly 900,000 men and women, our supply chain provides family-wage jobs and is among the top 10 manufacturing employers in 47 states. Our products make today’s ‘on-the-go’ lifestyle possible with packaging products that are made using sustainable practices that provide significant carbon-reducing benefits to the atmosphere, while preserving the best of paper-based communications and innovating with wood-based construction techniques. 

 

"AF&PA members use innovative and highly-efficient processes to make the products that Americans rely on every day. Their voluntary efforts have resulted in countless and continued environmental improvements over the years, demonstrating the industry as a leader in sustainability. And with goals in place to push further improvements, the future is exciting for paper, packaging, and wood products."