The Board of Directors of AF&PA have directed both state and federal policies not to jeopardize access to essential paper products or hinder countless modernization projects for the industry.
Apr 8, 2024
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) Board of Directors has announced key advocacy priorities for 2024.
“The paper and wood products industry continues to strengthen its leadership in sustainability, safety and environmental stewardship, as evidenced by more than a decade of Better Practices, Better Planet sustainability achievements and our forward-looking 2030 commitments,” Howard Coker, AF&PA Board Chair and Sonoco President and CEO, said in a statement.
“It is critical that both state and federal policies not jeopardize access to essential paper products or hinder countless modernization projects for our industry,” he added.
This year, several regulatory and policy challenges face both the paper and wood products industry and the U.S. manufacturing sector.
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“The growing regulatory burden, including recent EPA air regulations, are threatening U.S. manufacturing jobs and the economy. Meanwhile extended producer responsibility policies and the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation stand to impede our focus on a circular value chain,” said Heidi Brock, AF&PA President and CEO.
“As a condition of membership, AF&PA members are committed to sustainable forest management and sourcing wood fiber from responsibly managed forests. Our industry champions sustainable practices, like the use of renewable biomass energy.”
“We believe all Americans benefit when policies are both achievable and sustainable, with the ultimate goal of preserving access to the paper-based products people need and use every day around the world, he added.”
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature.
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AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative – Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future.
The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about USD 350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry has a payroll of about USD 65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states.
