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Tuesday, 1 April, 2008 5:01 PM
Paper Recycling
Hits Record High
Graphic
courtesy of www.facilities.calpoly.edu
NEW YORK -- In
2007, an all-time high of 56 percent of the paper consumed in America
was recovered for recycling, achieving a significant industry goal
five years ahead of schedule. Announcing the achievement today,
the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) also set
a new goal of 60 percent recovery by 2012.
"Industry is demonstrating
a real commitment to environmental sustainability by continuing
to set and achieve aggressive paper recovery goals," said AF&PA
President and CEO Donna Harman. "Whether at home, school, or
work, paper recovery is something we can all do to make a difference."
"While the upward
trend in recovery rates is most encouraging, getting to 60 percent
is an important challenge for all of us. Everyone has a role to
play in our effort to sustain and grow the country's recycling programs
and recover more paper," continued Patrick J. Moore, chairman
and CEO, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation. Smurfit-Stone is a
longstanding AF&PA member and is one of the world's largest
paper recyclers. The company collected more than 7 million tons
of recyclable material in 2007.
The 54.3 million tons
of paper recovered in 2007 add up to more than 360 pounds for every
man, woman, and child in America. Each percentage point is the equivalent
of approximately one million additional tons of recovered paper
-- enough to fill more than 14,000 railroad cars.
Joining the announcement
at the industry's 131st Annual Paper Week conference, Maria Vickers,
Deputy Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office
of Solid Waste applauded the paper industry's achievements in increasing
paper recycling, noting that "in 2007, the US recycled over
25 million tons more paper than was recycled in 1990. This increase
in paper recycling reduced emissions by more than 97 million metric
tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, comparable to the annual emissions
of nearly 18 million cars." She also noted that EPA and AF&PA
continue to work together on projects to stimulate paper recycling
across the country.
Matthew McKenna, president
and CEO of national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful, a partner
of AF&PA on projects to promote paper recycling in schools,
praised the Association and its members for their efforts. "True
environmental progress, like what we celebrate today, comes when
industries work together with communities, organizations, and dedicated
individuals to make things happen."
More information about
paper recovery and recycling can be found at http://www.paperrecycles.org.
AF&PA is the national
trade association of the forest, paper, and wood products industry.
AF&PA represents companies and related associations that engage
in or represent the manufacture of pulp, paper, paperboard, and
wood products. The forest products industry accounts for approximately
6 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing output, employs more than
one million people, and ranks among the top 10 manufacturing employers
in 42 states with an estimated payroll exceeding $50 billion. Visit
AF&PA online at http://www.afandpa.org.
Source: American Forest
& Paper Association
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