U.S. Forest Products Industry Improves Sustainability Performance

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A new report titled "Sustainable Practices: a foundation of the forest products industry," released this past week by AF&PA, Washington, D.C., USA, shows that despite the severe impact made by the recession, continued investments by U.S. paper companies in more efficient processes and equipment have led to measurable progress on such sustainability indicators as recycling and air emissions. Among the reports key findings, are:

• In 2009, 63% of U.S. paper consumed was recovered, surpassing its 60% recovery goal three years ahead of schedule
• On an absolute basis, both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions at pulp and paper and wood products industry facilities have decreased
• In 2008, 65% of the energy needed to operate U.S. pulp and paper mills was produced from renewable fuels (at wood products facilities, renewable fuels produced 73.5% of needed energy)
• Compared with 2006, pulp and paper mill sulfur dioxide releases decreased 14.6% and total reduced sulfur releases were reduced 18.6%
• Companies have continued to make investments in new processes and equipment, with paper mill and allied product company capital expenditures totaling $7.6 billion in 2006 and $6.3 billion in 2008
• From 2002 to 2008, U.S. forest products exports grew by almost 50%, from $18.2 billion to $27.1 billion.