Paper-pushing
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Sustainability is not a new concept or goal—the paper industry has implemented sustainable forest management practices for more than a decade.
Appvion Inc., for example, is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified for its support of responsible forest management, agreeing to not engage in any unacceptable activities specified by the FSC. And the company’s headquarters, research labs and manufacturing facilities are ISO 14001 certified for environmental management.
Also FSC-certified, Mohawk holds many partnerships, alliances and certifications with several environmentally focused initiatives and organizations. The first U.S. manufacturer of commercial printing papers to match 100 percent of its electricity with wind power renewable energy credits, Mohawk focuses on big and small ways to better its sustainability—from desk-side recycling, to its online Environmental Calculator, to sustainable manufacturing techniques.
The good news is now paper companies have an additional incentive to keep forging ahead in sustainability—the consumer.
According to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), 65.4 percent of paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered for recycling 2014. This means not only that consumers have better access to recycling and recovery options, but also that they are taking advantage of it. While paper companies are constantly searching for methods to improve sustainability, so are consumers. And as a result, they look for products that follow suit.
“Paper packaging is benefitting from a movement away from plastics and other synthetics in some cases,” said Luehring. “The movement is being driven by a desire to use renewable resource—in this case, paper.”
Allison Ebner is content editor for Promo Marketing, NonProfit PRO and Print+Promo. Reference any animated movie, "Harry Potter" character or '80s band and you'll become fast friends.