On World Water Day, attention is focused on the global risk of water scarcity due to increased demand and the effects of climate change. To address this challenge, Kimberly-Clark Corporation has partnered with research firm Deltares to launch WaterLoupe, an interactive, web-based tool to monitor local freshwater supplies and consumption trends and generate actionable insights to mitigate local water risks.

Yupo Corporation America has joined the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership, (SGP), as a Silver Level Patron. SGP is the leading authority in sustainable printing certifications for print manufacturers. Through its patronage, Yupo joins other print industry leaders dedicated to promoting sustainability, supporting the aims of SGP and keeping costs low for certification of print facilities. “Supporting SGP not only aligns with Yupo’s corporate sustainability functions, but demonstrates the company’s leadership and advocacy for sustainable print operations,” according to Marci Kinter, Chair SGP Technical Committee. “Although SGP does not certify Yupo products, it does recognize the role the company plays within the print value chain.”

Lineo™by Stora Enso, a renewable replacement for oil-based phenolic materials, has been awarded ‘Bio-Based Product of the Year’ at the Bio-Based World News Innovation Awards 2018. Shortlisted alongside products from Clean Plus Inc. and The Chemours Company, the judges recognised the potential of Lineo, made from versatile wood-based raw material lignin. Lineo can be used in a range of applications where fossil-based materials are currently used. Markus Mannström, Executive Vice President of the Stora Enso Biomaterials division, says, “We are delighted that Lineo™ by Stora Ensohas been recognised as an innovative, important bio-based product. Made from lignin, an abundant product and one of the main building blocks of a tree, Lineo is a step towards replacing fossil-based products with renewable solutions. Click Read More below for additional information.

To say that forests are important for life is an understatement. We depend on them for food, medicines, shelter, biodiversity, fuel, pulp and paper, jobs, recreation, fresh water, clean air, and even the climate. The biggest threats to the world’s forests today are deforestation and forest degradation. Both can be drivers of accelerated global warming, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of livelihoods, among other negative impacts. A ‘working forest’ aims to ensure long-term availability of a wide range of forest products and services. So that forests are protected and continue to function and provide benefits in the long-term, we have to take into account the entire landscape, with its different land uses and numerous stakeholders. Click Read More below for additional information.

Forests and trees store carbon, which helps mitigate the impacts of climate change in and around urban areas. Trees also improve the local climate, helping to save energy used for heating by 20-50 percent. Strategic placement of trees in urban areas can cool the air by up to 8 degrees Celsius, reducing air conditioning needs by 30 percent. Urban trees are excellent air filters, removing harmful pollutants in the air and fine particulates. Trees also reduce noise pollution, as they shield homes from nearby roads and industrial areas. Local populations use the fruits, nuts, leaves and insects found in urban trees to produce food and medicines for use in the home, or as a source of income. Moreover, wood fuel sourced from urban trees and planted forests on the outskirts of cities provides renewable energy for cooking and heating, which reduces pressures on natural forests and our reliance on fossil fuels. Click Read More below for additional information.

Gap Inc. unveiled a new sustainable manufacturing goal to conserve a total of 10 billion liters of water by the end of 2020; those water savings would be the equivalent volume of the daily drinking water need for 5 billion people. Product innovation and efficiency improvements at fabric mills and laundries will be key to achieving these water savings. Progress towards the goal is already underway: since 2014, Gap Inc.-led projects have saved more than 2.4 billion liters of water. “Water is critical to nearly all aspects of our business, and we recognize the responsibility and the opportunity we have to reduce the amount of water used to create our products. Leveraging the power of product innovation and improved manufacturing practices, we can help ensure that our customers not only look great in their favorite jeans and t-shirts, but also feel good about how their purchases are helping to make a positive impact for communities and helping to tackle global water scarcity,” said Christophe Roussel, Executive Vice President of Global Sourcing at Gap Inc. Click Read More below for additional information.

At UPM Raflatac, responsible sourcing is the foundation of responsible business. With a diverse global supplier network such as ours, working together in partnership is essential in our journey toward a more sustainable future. To demonstrate the importance of responsible sourcing and to commit our suppliers to sustainability, we have created the Label Life Awards concept. This year, the Label Life Awards event will take place at the UPM-Kymmene head office in Helsinki, Finland on March 22, 2018. "The Label Life Awards are the most visible way to demonstrate UPM Raflatac's commitment to responsible sourcing and responsible business practises. They are a special recognition for those UPM Raflatac suppliers who operate responsibly and enable us to identify potential areas for cooperation in the field of sustainability", says Maria Seppälä, Vice President, Sourcing, UPM Raflatac. Click Read More below for additional information.

INTERFOR CORPORATION announced that it has published its first corporate sustainability report; it can be viewed online: www.interfor-sustainability.com. The report highlights Interfor’s commitment to making quality lumber products, managing forests sustainably, providing meaningful and safe jobs for employees, investing in our facilities, operating to strict environmental parameters and supporting local and First Nations communities. Click Read More below for additional information.

Klabin’s Beekeeping and Meliponiculture Program has recently expanded its activities to the cities of Otacílio Costa, Santa Catarina, and Angatuba, São Paulo, where the company already has forest and industrial operations. With this expansion, the program now includes 49 beekeepers and 78 apiaries, with another 24 partners expected to be added from the two new cities by the end of 2018, to reach more than 100 apiaries, spread over forests in 12 cities in the states of Paraná, São Paulo and Santa Catarina. For 80 million years bees have been performing the crucial task of pollinating plants and are thus considered the most efficient animals to transport pollen from one flower to another. One such example is the melipona bee that is native to Brazil, which is responsible for 40% to 90% of the pollination of our native forests. Due to environmental changes caused by the actions of human beings, bees in general run the risk of extinction and, without them, honey and more than 80% of the food consumed by human beings today will cease to exist. Click Read More below for additional information.

The world of the future must run on renewable raw materials instead of fossil fuels. Wood is the best renewable raw material, and in Finland it grows faster than it is used. Digitalisation is transforming the Finnish forest industry, providing unprecedented solutions that make forests more intelligent. Data can be collected from forests using innovative methods, and modern data can be used to optimise forest use and management. Virtual forests are also emerging. Metsä Group, a Finnish forest industry company, has developed innovative digital services for forest owners and leads the way in the industry. Finland is the most forested country in Europe: forests cover more than 75 per cent of the country’s area. As a result of sustainable forest use and management over the decades, the amount of wood that grows every year exceeds clearly the amount used. Click Read More below for additional information.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of New Source Review (NSR) emissions accounting guidelines. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the agency’s new approach on Tuesday, March 13. “Clear EPA New Source Review emissions accounting guidelines are a long-overdue step to provide our industry and all U.S. manufacturers with a common-sense, realistic approach to air permitting. We are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, have invested billions of dollars on environmental stewardship and remain committed to innovative and sustainable business practices. Click Read More below for additional information.

Domtar Corporation announced improvements to its award-winning supply chain transparency tool, The Paper Trail ® ( www.domtarpapertrail.com ), offering customers a deeper look into the company’s products and the people and places behind their manufacture. The latest enhancements build upon Domtar’s commitment to openness and honesty, showcasing corporate efforts focused on caring for people and communities, efficient manufacturing and responsible sourcing and logistics. Significant updates to the website include the addition of the environmental, social and economic impacts of Domtar’s pulp products, including Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK), Southern Bleached Softwood Kraft (SBSK) and Fluff pulp. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM is one of the first companies to offer copy paper with the Singapore Green Label logo under the enhanced Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS), which is managed by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC). The enhanced SGLS criteria was announced in January 2017, and plays a critical role in reducing the risk of another damaging haze incident in Singapore by requiring paper companies to comply with one of the toughest environmental standards in the world. The newly certified products include: • UPM Office Multifunction Copy Paper (70/75/80 gsm) • UPM Yes Silver Multifunction Copy Paper (70/75/80 gsm). The enhanced SGLS logo confirms that these products have been sustainably produced. In total, 16 pulp and paper products have been certified under the enhanced SGLS scheme. Click Read More below for additional information.

WestRock has renewed its membership with The Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit that leverages corporate funding to improve recycling efforts in communities across the U.S.. The company signed on as a funding partner for the fourth straight year. "WestRock is an industry leader that has consistently put sustainability at the forefront of its operations," says Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership. "Without the support of our funders, our goal to improve recycling across the country would be unachievable. By renewing their membership, WestRock is helping advance our mission of building stronger recycling systems, creating jobs, and protecting the environment." Click Read More below for additional information.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced it has won a 2018 Climate Leadership Award for Excellence in the Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting) category, the company's second Climate Leadership Award in two years. The Climate Leadership Award is presented by the Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and The Climate Registry, and celebrates organizations that set and achieve aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals. In a separate event earlier this week, Kimberly-Clark also was honored with a Smart Energy Decisions Innovation Award for its programs focused on creating a culture of energy conservation at its manufacturing sites. The Smart Energy Decisions Innovation Award recognizes the use of innovative technologies and progressive practices among large electric power users. Click Read More below for additional information.

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) sees some encouraging opportunities for Canada’s forest products sector in today’s federal budget including measures to support our transition to a low carbon economy, skills training, and expanding trade. In the budget tabled by Finance Minister Bill Morneau entitled “Equality & Growth a Strong Middle Class”, he earmarked: * Over $2 billion to support skills training to help build a workforce for the future * Commitment to protect and expand markets * Over $3 billion for environmental initiatives to help address climate change, support conservation and move to a low-carbon economy. “Budget 2018 sends some positive signals that support the forest sector’s priorities, with investments to build capacity to address climate change, skills training to build a workforce for the future, and supports the further diversification of our export markets,” said FPAC CEO Derek Nighbor. Click Read More below for additional information.

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), part of Sinarmas, received the Special Commendation for Early Adopted GRI Standards at the Sustainability Reporting Awards (SRA) in Solo, Indonesia. This is the fifth award that APP received from the SRA and recognizes APP as a trailblazer in the adoption of the newest GRI Standards for its sustainability reporting in the country. Issued by the independent standards organization Global Reporting Initiative in early 2017 to replace the earlier version “G4 Guidelines”, the GRI Standards is the world’s first standardized sustainability reporting structure to be applied globally. The organization recommended early adoption of the latest GRI Standards, which otherwise would be officially effective from 1 July 2018. Heeding the call, APP had applied the latest standards in developing its 2016 Sustainability Report. Click Read More below for additional information.

Leonard Cronin, Regional Manager of Finch Forest Management, was presented the 2017 Forester of the Year award by the New York Society of American Foresters (NYSAF). This honor recognizes Len’s outstanding contributions to the profession of forestry, the stewardship of forest resources in New York, and the objectives of the Society of American Foresters. Bruce Breitmeyer, NYSAF awards committee chair, notes “Len has had an outstanding career with over 30 years of ‘feet in the forest’ in the Adirondacks and Upstate New York. His leadership at Finch in his forestry profession has been outstanding and his efforts directly contributed to the excellent condition of some of the most prestigious lands in the Adirondacks.” Click Read More below for additional information.

UPS announced it plans to deploy 50 plug-in electric delivery trucks that will be comparable in acquisition cost to conventional-fueled trucks without any subsidies – an industry first that is breaking a key barrier to large scale fleet adoption. The company is collaborating with Workhorse Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WKHS) to design the vehicles from the ground up, with zero tailpipe emissions. “Electric vehicle technology is rapidly improving with battery, charging and smart grid advances that allow us to specify our delivery vehicles to eliminate emissions, noise and dependence on diesel and gasoline,” said Carlton Rose, President, Global Fleet Maintenance and Engineering for UPS. “With our scale and real-world duty cycles, these new electric trucks will be a quantum leap forward for the purpose-built UPS® delivery fleet. The all electric trucks will deliver by day and re-charge overnight. We are uniquely positioned to work with our partners, communities and customers to transform freight transportation.” Click Read More below for additional information.

In keeping with our commitment to respect for the environment and our focus on sustainability, Lecta carries out its business activity with the aim of minimizing environmental impact in the communities and areas where we operate, thereby contributing to their wellbeing. In spite of challenging economic circumstances, this entails allocating a significant portion of our budget to this goal. Over the past ten years, nearly 135 million euros have been invested in projects to minimize environmental impact. These investments have been allocated to many ambitious projects at our manufacturing sites. The primary goals have been to increase energy efficiency, decrease air emissions and optimize the use of natural resources in the manufacture of our distinct multiproduct portfolio, based on paper as a natural, renewable raw material. Click Read More below for additional information.

Forest health and innovation challenges and opportunities don’t observe borders and that is the spirit in which delegates will be participating in the 4th Canada-U.S. Forest Health Summit, February 21-23 in Ottawa. “Trade irritants or disputes may generate headlines but beneath that is a successful history of collaboration between Canada and the United States,” says Derek Nighbor, CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada, who is participating in the summit. “On both sides of the border, we face complex challenges from addressing climate change to protecting communities from wildfires; to preventing pest outbreaks, supporting species at risk, and protecting watershed health. This week’s Summit provides a great opportunity for cross-border information sharing.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Sumitomo Forestry, a Japanese company is planning to build the world's tallest wooden skyscraper to mark its 350th anniversary in 2041. Only 10% of the 70-storey W350 tower would be steel, combined with about 180,000 cubic metres of indigenous wood which will make up for 90% of the building. This will limit the carbon footprint of the building as the wood will store the carbon instead of emitting it into the atmosphere. There will be about 8,000 homes, with trees and foliage on balconies at every level, creating a pleasant space for plants and living organisms and in turn contributing to the biodiversity of the city. In doing so, the company will be on track to meet its wider objective to create environmentally-friendly and timber utilising cities and maintain the livelihood of the forest ecosystem. Click Read More below for additional information.

The environmental rationale for protecting forests is well known. Lesser known, but equally significant, is the role of forest products. Forest products are key to a green economy, an economy that relies on sustainable materials with a minimal environmental footprint. Rovaniemi Action PlanThis is the spirit of the Rovaniemi Action Plan, a regional blueprint to support the contribution of the forest sector to the transition to a green economy. Approved in 2013, the Rovaniemi Action Plan remains the main framework to guide the transition to a green economy in the forest sector in the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) region. Click Read More below for additional information.

Owens-Illinois, Inc. is the first food and beverage packaging company to achieve a gold rating in material health on the Cradle to Cradle Product Scorecard. The Cradle to Cradle Certified(TM) Products Program is one of the premier sustainability certifications for products around the world and across industries. "The certification provides brand owners, consumers, regulators, and shareholders tangible validation of our company's ongoing commitment to sustainability," said Jim Nordmeyer, VP, Global Sustainability at O-I. "It's an important baseline and helps us identify next steps to improve our environmental and social performance." Nearly 90 percent of O-I's glass operations were certified across product categories and for certain container colors in the beer, non-alcoholic beverage (NAB), spirit, wine and food markets. The certification is based on five categories: material health, material reutilization, water stewardship, renewable energy use, and social fairness. Click Read More below for additional information.

SCA will commence an environmental impact assessment of a possible investment in a new paper machine at the paper mill in Obbola. Under investigation is a production increase from the…

On track to reaching its commitment of achieving a 74% paper recycling rate across Europe by 2020, the European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) today revealed its latest figure of 72.5%.…

There has been a further increase in in double certified forest area in absolute terms, according to the most recent data released by PEFC and FSC, the two global forest…

Today Two Sides North America confirmed that over 100 leading North American companies have removed or changed inaccurate anti-paper claims as a result of the group’s efforts. The list includes…

As one of the forerunners in the global packaging industry, BillerudKorsnäs has received approval for its climate goals by the Science Based Targets initiative. The initiative was initiated by the…

With the deadline of 18 February fast approaching, make sure you do not miss your opportunity to give your feedback on our revised Group Certification standard. Take part in the…

UPM has been listed in the RobecoSAM’s Sustainability Yearbook 2018 with the Gold Class and Industry Mover distinctions. The company that has achieved the largest proportional improvement in its sustainability…

Regional workshops, extensive stakeholder engagement in the field and a countrywide public consultation… just some of the work undertaken by the multi-stakeholder group responsible for developing the national forest certification…

What’s one “concrete” action you can take to help tackle climate change? Use wood from Canada’s responsibly managed forests. For more detail go to: https://millarwestern.com/news/tackle-climate-change-use-wood/

With just 13 percent of its surface area covered in woodlands, the UK is the least leafy country in the European Union, ZME Science reported. The situation is even more…

Natural Resources Magazine’s third annual Industry Excellence Awards has named Jim Irving the Industry Person of the Year. “Mr. Irving was named Natural Resources Magazine’s Industry Person of the Year…

“We are delighted to welcome Olam International and Mondi Group as International Stakeholder members,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International, following the acceptance of the two new members. “By…

The renewable materials company Stora Enso has become the first forest products company to set ambitious science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets to address significant emissions along the company’s…

UPM Biofuels and the Zero Emission Resource Organisation have started cooperation in promoting green shift in the transport and petrochemicals sectors. The work focuses on creating a predictable long term…

UPM has been recognised as a Water Efficiency Frontrunner in Jiangsu Province and China at large. As a frontrunner, UPM will serve as a benchmark for the industry and lead the promotion of water efficiency in China. In total, 11 companies received the highest recognition nationwide. UPM is the first, and only, company to obtain the highest recognition in Jiangsu Province. "Located next to Shanghai, Jiangsu is an important industrial base; with an economy of 7.6 trillion Chinese Yuan (EUR 972 billion) the province has second highest GDP in China, right after Guangdong. Jiangsu also has the strictest water and air emission permit limits in China", says Lisheng Jin, Environmental Manager, UPM Changshu Mill. "When putting this recognition in this context, we can be extremely proud of our achievement," he continues. Click Read More below for additional information.

For the third time in a row Klabin has been included in the Environmental Paper Company Index 2017 (EPCI), published every two years by WWF. EPCI is based on voluntary disclosure by companies of more than 50 indicators that measure the environmental performance and changes in them over time with regard to Responsible Fiber Supply, Clean Production and Environmental Management System reports. Klabin achieved a high level of performance by reaching a score of 100% on Responsible Fiber Supply, and a 6% increase in the Clean Production indicator compared to the previous measurement, while maintaining its score above 50% in Environmental Management reports. All the indicators considered the operations of the company’s 18 current production units (17 in Brazil and one in Argentina), compared to 14 units the company had in the previous edition. The company’s results and inclusion in the Index underscore sustainability as the foundation of Klabin’s business management, being the link in the continuous creation of value, which prioritizes a balance between the economical, social and environmental spheres. Click Read More below for additional information.

Do you want to give your feedback as we revise our standard for group certification? But feel like you need more information on how the standard is changing? Then make sure you register for our upcoming webinars! Taking place Monday 5 and Wednesday 7 February, these webinars will introduce and explain the main proposed changes to PEFC ST 1002 – the standard that defines the general requirements for forest certification systems with group forest management certification. There will also be an open question and answer session – make sure you register now so you don’t miss out. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Czech Forest Certification System and the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) have successfully achieved PEFC re-endorsement, confirming they continue to meet our globally recognized Sustainability Benchmarks. Launched in 1941, ATFS is one of the oldest initiatives for certifying sustainable forestry in the world. It now represents 74,000 tree farmers sustainably managing more than 7.5 million hectares of PEFC-certified forestland. ATFS first achieved PEFC endorsement in 2008, with subsequent re-endorsements in 2013 and now 2017. The Czech Republic, one of the 11 original national members of PEFC, first achieved PEFC endorsement of their forest certification system back in 2002. This was followed by three more successful endorsements in 2006, 2012 and 2017. In this time, more than 1.8 million hectares of forest have achieved PEFC certification, equaling more than two thirds of the country’s forest area. Click Read More below for additional information.

Christmas is round the corner. Time for us to head into town, to a Christmas market or to see the festive lights. But what city square would be complete without a Christmas tree? “These stunning trees, several meters tall and often over a hundred years old, are certainly special,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International. “And thanks to PEFC certification, we can all rest assured that these giants come from sustainably managed forests that will produce such trees for generations to come.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Thermal Energy International, a global provider of industrial and institutional energy efficiency solutions, has been engaged by Resolute Forest Products to design, develop and implement an energy efficiency improvement and greenhouse gas reduction project. The $11-million project — which includes the installation of two Thermal Energy FLU-ACE Heat Recovery Systems and the conversion of the mill’s steam traps to Thermal Energy EM Steam Trap system — aims to meet the energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction goals of Resolute’s Thunder Bay, Ont., mill. Earlier this month, the Ontario government announced the project secured $5 million in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science through the TargetGHG Industrial Demonstration Program administered by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE). Click Read More below for additional information.

Working with smallholders is at the heart of our work. This is why group certification is an extremely important instrument in our forest certification toolbox. Our revised Group Certification standard is now up for public consultation, and we are asking you to share your insights and knowledge to help us further improve this important standard. Group certification is a mechanism through which groups of small-forest landholders can organize themselves, pool their resources and work together to achieve certification. This makes certification accessible for small-forest owners. The key to successful group certification is to balance the need for robust implementation of our requirements with the need to be as resource efficient as possible. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPS, which operates one of the largest commercial trucking fleets in the world, announced it has placed a reservation for 125 of Tesla’s new fully-electric Semi tractors. The new tractors will join UPS’s extensive alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle fleet, comprised of trucks and tractors propelled by electricity, natural gas, propane and other non-traditional fuels. “For more than a century, UPS has led the industry in testing and implementing new technologies for more efficient fleet operations. We look forward to expanding further our commitment to fleet excellence with Tesla,” said Juan Perez, chief information and engineering officer. “These groundbreaking electric tractors are poised to usher in a new era in improved safety, reduced environmental impact, and reduced cost of ownership.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Advocating for free and fair recovered fiber trade policies with China, American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman announced the association’s filing of formal comments with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Chinese authorities: “We believe China has violated their obligations under the WTO and will disrupt international trade and the global market for recovered fiber by their import limiting actions. Specifically, China has mischaracterized certain valuable raw material as ‘solid wastes,’ has taken action not proportional to its own regulation, is favoring its domestic industry over imports and has not provided enough time for U.S. operators to respond. We urge Chinese authorities to immediately engage with the U.S., other WTO member states and appropriate recovered fiber operators and address a number of concerns in order to ensure a free and fair global recycling system.”

As companies strive to move their customers towards digital communication, we examine whether this business decision is the right one for the consumer. It’s no secret that businesses and organisations prefer to communicate with their customers digitally. Whether it’s financial institutions sending statements via an app or utility companies emailing your latest bill, companies are keen to make every document for every customer digital. For businesses with thousands of customers, you can understand why. With no paper, print or postage, the relatively low cost of emailing or texting is a major factor, but so is the ease of automation and the collection of data that can be used to target other products or packaged up and sold. Companies have even begun to charge people to receive their communications by paper. Click Read More below for additional information.

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) to commence with a pilot audit of one of its supplier concessions, an event that marks the commencement of the assessment process for the enhanced Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) certification. The agreement was signed today by Sinar Mas Group Country President and APP Managing Director, Mr Bernard Tan. Under the agreement, the enhanced SGLS pilot audit will commence this month, with a full audit to follow. In accordance to the label’s enhanced criteria, APP will provide full disclosure of its supply chain, including those not involved in products sold to Singapore1, for the assessment. Click Read More below for additional information.

The national forest certification system of Belarus has successfully achieved PEFC re-endorsement, confirming it continues to meet our globally recognized Sustainability Benchmarks. This re-endorsement also ensures that certified forest owners and companies in Belarus continue to benefit from the global acceptance of PEFC. The Republican Association of Forest Certification System, PEFC’s National member for Belarus, first achieved endorsement of its national system in 2010. Since then, almost nine million hectares of Belarusian forests have been PEFC-certified – equating to virtually all of the country’s forest area. Click Read More below for additional information.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to retain federal Human Health Water Quality standards for the state of Maine. The Department of Justice stated EPA’s position in its filing with the U.S. District Court in Maine on Friday, Dec. 8. “We are disappointed in the EPA’s move to retain the fundamentally flawed approach to federal Human Health Water Quality Standards final rule in a state known for consistently applying stringent, conservative standards to protect all of its waters. EPA’s action overrides the state’s protective water quality standards, ignores sound science, is legally unsound, and could result in extremely high costs with negligible benefit. We will continue to advocate for fact and data-driven public policy that respects the role of the states in our regulatory system and does more good than harm.”

The 22nd PEFC General Assembly closed with voices from the future, as countries actively developing national forest certification systems took to the floor. As has become the tradition during our General Assembly, representatives from countries that have or are not yet PEFC members were invited to speak. This year Croatia, Kenya, Myanmar, Philippines and Vietnam all seized the opportunity to share their views. “We are in the process of developing and formulating forest certification in the Philippines,” said Dr. Priscila Dolom, University of the Philippines. “We started in 2014 and have since formed our interim national governing body.” “A technical working group has crafted a forest certification standard and we’re working on a chain of custody standard based on PEFC requirements.” Click Read More below for additional information.

The FSC International Board of Directors has approved the revised Trademark Standard FSC-STD-50-001 (V2-0) Requirements for use of the FSC trademarks by certificate holders. The revised standard will become effective on 1 March 2018. The standard specifies the requirements for use of the FSC trademarks on FSC-certified products, for promotion of FSC-certified products, and for promotion of the organization’s status as an FSC certificate holder. Adherence to this standard is mandatory for all FSC certificate holders that are eligible to use the FSC trademarks. This standard also forms the basis for evaluation and approval of all certificate holders’ uses of FSC trademarks. Click Read More below for additional information.

PEFC invites stakeholders around the world to comment on the South African national forest certification system, following its submission to PEFC for endorsement. To give your feedback, head to our Online Consultation Tool. The South African Forestry Assurance Scheme (SAFAS) is one of our newest national members, joining earlier this year in May. This means it is the first time they have submitted their national system to PEFC for endorsement. Make your comments now! The deadline is 9 January 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

The prestigious Portafolio Awards are held annually in Colombia to recognise people and companies who have demonstrated exemplary achievements in areas including the environment, customer service, business and social initiatives. A large group of companies, including some of the world’s leading brands, were gathered at the event along with the country’s president, Juan Manuel Santos. Alvaro Henao, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Colombia, said: “We are excited and proud to receive this award. It recognises Smurfit Kappa Group´s commitment to initiatives that help improve the environment and develop the communities in which we operate. “At Smurfit Kappa, we believe in sustainability in every fibre and this includes running our plants and mills in a sustainable way and being socially responsible.” Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Raflatac is expanding its RafCycle® recycling solution to China. RafCycle services were launched in Changshu on December 6, 2017 during a customer event. RafCycle is also being promoted at Labelexpo Asia in Shanghai on December 5-8. Hangzhou Changli is also the 100th RafCycle partner globally.The number of RafCycle partners has grown increasingly over the years as sustainability has become one of the key drivers in the labeling industry. Today more than 10 000 tons of label liner waste is being recycled in Europe through the RafCycle program. UPM Raflatac is actively searching for new RafCycle partners and the expansion to China is an important step in this process. The paper liner waste generated by the RafCycle partners in China will be delivered to Hangzhou Fulun Ecology Technology Co., Ltd. where the paper liner waste can be recycled back into pulp and paper. Click Read More below for additional information.

Patagonia.com features a forceful push back at President Donald Trump’s move yesterday, in which he signed a proclamation that seeks to dramatically reduce the boundaries and management of Utah’s Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. If put into effect, the revised boundaries would reduce the size of the 1.3-million-acre Bears Ears National Monument by 85% and cut Grand Staircase-Escalante’s 1.9 million acres in half. Recreational Equipment Inc., or REI, also made a forceful declaration, making a statement that declares: “Today we are witnessing an unprecedented attack on our public lands, despite more than 100 years of bipartisan work to protect this country’s parks, waters, mountains and forests.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Representatives from nature conservation, tropical forestry and the forest industry have all be elected onto the PEFC International Board, following a unanimous vote by the PEFC General Assembly in the Helsinki, Finland. Alongside two returning Board members, Riikka Joukio (forest industry and processing) and Hervé Le Bouler (NGO), we are delighted to welcome two new board members: Gerald Pfiffinger (ENGO and conservation) and Mohd Nurudeen Iddrisu (tropical forestry). "We need forest certification in developing countries," said Dr. Iddrisu, following his acceptance onto the Board. "Now as part of the PEFC Board, I want to take it upon myself to reach out to my fellow ‘countrymen’ in the tropical countries in order to get certification into the national agenda." Click Read More below for additional information.

The International Council of Forest and Paper Associations’ (ICFPA) launched its 2017 Sustainability Progress Report. It is the sixth biennial report highlighting ICFPA members’ progress on the sustainability commitments agreed upon in the 2006 CEO Leadership Statement on Sustainability. “We are proud to announce our global industry’s continuous progress, which represents our commitment to social and environmental aspects associated with forest management and the manufacture of forest-based products,” said ICFPA President Jane Molony. “We look forward to continuing to supply the growing global demand for sustainable products, including fuel, fiber and forest products, while moving towards a greener economy.” Click Read More below for additional information.

In November 2017, Ahlstrom-Munksjö committed to the United Nations Global Compact's ten principles for ethical business practices by joining the initiative. The company is now among nearly 8,000 companies worldwide that have affirmed their dedication to respecting human rights, labour rights, environmental quality, and anti-corruption practices. As a signatory, the company commits to: •Continue to improve business operations so that the UN Global Compact and the principles become part of strategy, culture and day-to-day operations; •Communicate annually with its stakeholders on efforts to implement the ten principles, and post this Communication on Progress (COP) on the UN Global Compact website to support transparency. ''At Ahlstrom-Munksjö, we are dedicated to sustainability and responsibility from the highest levels of leadership to the most local concern in our supply chains or at our production sites'', said Jan Åström, President and CEO of Ahlstrom-Munksjö. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mondi has again improved its ecological footprint in the three WWF reporting categories: Graphic Paper, Packaging and Pulp. For Graphic Paper, Mondi has achieved a result of 85.5% in 2017, up from 81.4% in 2015 and 74.9% in 2013. Mondi’s overall 2017 result for Graphic Paper is based on sub-category scores of 82% for sourcing, 76% for clean production, and 100% for transparency. In the category of Packaging, Mondi received an overall score of 85.6% in 2017, up from 83.8% in 2015 and 73.7% in 2013. Mondi’s sub-category scores for Packaging in 2017 were 88% for sourcing, 87% for clean production, and 82% for transparency. In the Pulp category, Mondi received an overall score of 70.4% in 2017, up from 69.4% in 2015 and 63.2% in 2013. The group’s sub-category scores for Pulp were as follows: 72% for sourcing, 73% for clean production, and 65% for transparency. Click Read More below for additional information.

Interfor Corporation and shíshálh Nation have announced the recent signing of a five-year relationship agreement for mutually beneficial forestry operations in the Nation’s swiya (territory). Interfor is a major forestry tenure holder in the shíshálh Nation swiya on BC’s Sunshine Coast. The agreement is a new milestone for Interfor and the shíshálh Nation who have had a strong working relationship for more than twenty years. “This agreement was built on trust, opportunity and a long-standing relationship. It creates predictability for both Interfor and shíshálh Nation and will support further growth of our partnership over the next five years,” said Interfor’s Vice President and Chief Forester, Ric Slaco. Click Read More below for additional information.

With an increase of almost two million hectares of PEFC-certified forests in Indonesia over the past year, the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) took top prize for growth during our PEFC Forest Certification Week award ceremony. “Without the tremendous support from everyone within the PEFC family and without the strong commitment and hard work from all members of the IFCC family, we would have never arrived at this proud state,” said Dradjad Wibowo, Chairman of IFCC. “So, IFCC thanks everyone from the PEFC and IFCC families for this! Though we still face huge challenges, we are confident, that together we will prevail," Mr. Wibowo concluded. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) is pleased to announce that Poison Springs State Forest, the Arkansas state forest managed by the Agriculture Department's Forestry Commission, has earned certification to the SFI 2015-2019 Forest Management Standard through a rigorous third-party audit. Certifying to SFI sends a strong signal about Arkansas's commitment to sustainable forest management, conservation, and economic opportunity for its citizens. "It shows we are working to ensure that our forests will remain healthy and productive for generations to come. Certification to SFI also boosts our competitive position in national and international markets because we can demonstrate that our forest products come from well‑managed forests," said Joe Fox, Arkansas's State Forester. Click Read More below for additional information.

Metsä Group has been participant in the international Environmental Paper Company Index (EPCI), arranged by the WWF, for evaluating companies’ transparency. This year, Metsä Group participated in the pulp (Metsä Fibre) and tissue paper (Metsä Tissue) categories, improving its overall scoring in both. The tissue overall scoring improved from 77.3% in 2015 to 80.5% in 2017, and the pulp overall scoring from 68.9% in 2015 to 72.3% in 2017. Metsä Group’s investment in clean manufacturing can be seen as improved scores in both categories. The tissue category scoring improved from 64% in 2015 to 70% in 2017, and the pulp from 76% to 85% in corresponding years. The criteria for clean manufacturing includes energy use, energy sourcing, fossil CO2 and other emissions to air and water as well as the amount of landfill waste. Click Read More below for additional information.

“Once technologies have been incorporated adeptly into certification systems, we'll begin to see a shift to where certification systems are data brokers for social and environmental performance,” highlighted Wiebke Herding, ON:Subject, during her keynote presentation to the PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue. “Such a future, however, will require a shift in the use of technology and in the organizational purpose. If done well, it will enable more and real-time information about product flows through the supply chain, enable information feedback loops that benefit and add value to all participants, whilst ensuring that confidential data remains confidential.” With Ms. Herding’s forward-looking and provocative keynote address, PEFC’s Stakeholder Dialogue on ‘Making Certification SMART’ got off to a dynamic and enthusiastic start. Click Read More below for additional information.

"At Clearwater Paper, we look at sustainability as a continuous improvement journey that reflects our strong commitment to being part of the solution in a changing and challenging world," said Linda Massman, president and CEO. "As such, we are pleased to present this CSR report, which was developed using current Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 guidelines." Highlights from the report include: •68 percent reduction in waste to landfill since 2012. •10 percent reduction in water usage since 2012. •23 percent reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) since 2012. •9 percent reduction in recordable safety incidents since 2012. Click Read More below for additional information.

Cascades today launched a pilot transportation electrification project for its employees. To encourage them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by acquiring an electric vehicle, the company has installed twenty-two 240‑V charging stations and one 480‑V fast charging station at its various plants in Kingsey Falls . In addition, Cascades announced it would be offering a $2,000 financial incentive for employees who acquire an electric vehicle in the next year—a supplement to the government grants in effect. Mario Plourde , President and CEO of Cascades, made the announcement at the Salon du véhicule électrique de Saint-Hyacinthe trade show alongside Isabelle Melançon, Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, and André Fortin, Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification, before numerous representatives of the sustainable transportation industry. Click Read More below for additional information.

“We are delighted to welcome ARAUCO, European Panel Federation (EPF) and European Pulp Industry Sector Association AISBL (EPIS) as International Stakeholder members,” said Ben Gunneberg, following the acceptance of the three new members during the PEFC General Assembly in Helsinki, Finland, 15 November 2017. EPIS membership 2017“As sustainable forestry is a lifeline for our members, we are very much looking forward to our membership with PEFC,” said Anna Maija Wessman, European Pulp Industry Sector Association, AISBL (EPIS), speaking at the General Assembly. “We hope to engage in an active dialogue between EPIS and PEFC, and to have a good interaction in the coming years,” Ms. Wessman continued. Click Read More below for additional information.

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) welcomes Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Growth Program launched today in Ottawa. The $155-million program will fund clean technology projects, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental performance in the natural resources sector. Canada’s forest products sector was the first major Canadian industry to commit to helping the Government of Canada meet its carbon reduction goals. In 2016, the sector launched the 30 X 30 Climate Change Challenge, pledging to remove 30MT of C02 per year by 2030 – 13% of the government’s goal. “The Clean Growth Program will provide much needed support to forest product companies working hard to mitigate climate change,” says Derek Nighbor, CEO of FPAC. “We are a sustainable industry committed to doing our part to take care of the environment for generations to come.”

The great Chinese environmental cleanup, now in full swing, is shifting the corporate landscape in unexpected ways and even stoking inflationary pressure that may soon be felt in supply chains worldwide. As President Xi Jinping's government intensifies the fight against the country's world-class pollution problem, companies are scrambling to adapt to tighter regulation while investing in cleaner energy. In industries from steel to textiles and consumer goods, the resulting shakeout has left the survivors with far more pricing power. That in turn is reinforcing the already-resurgent factory prices that contribute to global inflation. These trends are reshaping the business environment, according to Ms Cui Li, Hong Kong-based head of macro research at CCB International Holdings. "The environment clean-up is and will be a key driver of the industrial consolidation," said Ms Cui, who expects to see greater concentration in steel, paper-making and pharmaceuticals. "With costs rising from wages, land and pollution curbs, China's manufacturers will have to invest and upgrade to survive. Those who survive will benefit." Click Read More below for additional information.

The renewable materials company Stora Enso will be the Presenting Sponsor for FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2019 in Seefeld, Austria. The sponsorship gives Stora Enso the possibility to contribute to a sustainable sports event and showcase its renewable solutions in various applications. Throughout the event, Stora Enso wants to increase the participants’, viewers’ and visitors’ awareness of the benefits of sustainable products. Stora Enso’s products provide a climate-friendly alternative to many products made from fossil based materials, and have a smaller carbon footprint. During the World Ski Championships, a variety of products and solutions based on renewable raw materials will be show casted, such as wood for temporary buildings, carton board packaging, paper, effective waste management systems, and renewable materials for arenas. This marks the third time Stora Enso will be sponsoring the Nordic World Ski Championships, after being the Presenting Sponsor for the 2017 event in Lahti, Finland, and a main sponsor of the event in Falun, Sweden in 2015. Click Read More below for additional information.

“We need a paradigm shift in how society perceives the whole forest/tree value chain,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International, as he opened the 22nd PEFC General Assembly, in Helsinki, Finland. “Society is at a crossroads and the strategic direction we choose will provide the opportunity for us to demonstrate the real value of sustainable forests and their contribution to society in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.” “Climate change, a growing urban global population, cooperation challenges, are all issues we have to tackle, by demonstrating how forests are an important part of the solution,” Ben highlighted. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has released the results of its Sustainability Transparency Toolkit, or SPOTT Assessment, that independently gauges the progress of 24 global timber, pulp and paper companies against a range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators. APRIL ranked second of 24 companies, behind Switzerland’s Interholco A.G., with a score of 67.1%, well above the average score for the sector of 37.1%. APRIL’s highest scores were for Sustainability Policy and Leadership, and Deforestation and Biodiversity. Just three of the 24 companies received a ‘Green’ rating, awarded to companies scoring above 66%. Click Read More below for additional information.

“Building viable models of group certification is critical for expanding sustainable forest management and forest certification, especially in the developing world,” said Sarah Price, Head of Projects and Development at PEFC International. “Forests are key to mitigating climate change and possess immense potential for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals." "With 30% of the world’s forest area managed locally by families, communities and indigenous peoples, we need to encourage and support local people to manage their forests sustainably,” Sarah continued. Towards this goal, PEFC and Finnish Agri-Agency for Food and Forest Development (FFD) recently convened a field dialogue on group certification in Iisalmi, Finland. The event brought together 25 representatives from 10 countries, to learn about Finland’s long history of small private forest owners, well-established associations, sustainable forest management practices and PEFC certification through group certification. Click Read More below for additional information.

As politicians and activists gather for the COP23 Bonn climate talks, people are wondering what they can do to help avert the climate catastrophe. One simple action is to look out for the PEFC label on everyday products, something that 53% of all consumers already do at least sometimes, according to a recent YouGov survey. "Forests and trees are a cornerstone of addressing climate change, as are products made of wood - if they originate from sustainably managed forests," explains Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International. "Consumers can easily identify such products through the PEFC label, which is exclusively available for products coming from certified, healthy forests." Click Read More below for additional information.

It highlights several milestones, while noting that the company’s delivery of its sustainability commitments is an ongoing process. These include: •The launch of the company’s Sustainable Forest Management Policy 2.0 in June 2015, which remains at the centre of our operations today as we implement its commitments, including the immediate elimination of deforestation from our supply chain. •The subsequent formation of the Independent Peat Expert Working Group (IPEWG) in early 2016, which is advancing science-led approaches to responsible peatland management. •The achievement of Sustainable Forest Management certification under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification (PEFC) – the first Indonesian company to achieve this. •The establishment of the Fire Free Village Programme (FFVP) in July 2015 – a community-based fire prevention initiative that today continues our progress towards a fire free landscape. •The expansion of peatland restoration project, Restorasi Ekosistem Riau, to 150,000 hectares supported by US$100 million over ten years, which today continues to promote the protection of important biodiversity on the Kampar Peninsula. •The implementation of a GHG monitoring project to measure emissions across production and conservation landscapes. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Navigator Company, the leading operator in the pulp and paper sector, and the Web Summit, the world's largest digital technology event, have reached agreement on a partnership on Sustainability issues. As the Web Summit Carbon Offsetting Partner, Navigator will offset the event's carbon dioxide emissions by planting 95,000 pine trees in central Portugal, enough to neutralise all the event's emissions, including air travel by more than 60,000 visitors, in addition to eliminating nonrecyclable consumables during the summit, by using biodegradable paper cups and receptacles which are 100% recyclable. Click Read More below for additional information.

“Mike is a great fit for SFI because he brings a wealth of leadership experience on sustainability and community building. His approach shows that financial results and corporate responsibility are not mutually exclusive. Mike’s message that we have to reach far beyond day-to-day business operations and really have a positive impact on our shared quality of life resonates with the entire SFI community,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI Inc. To excel in sustainability and community engagement, Mike and his team focus their efforts on three pillars: preserving the environment, putting food on the table, and investing in education. “These pillars at Graphic Packaging line up with SFI’s work on elevating conservation values, engaging communities and supporting environmental education,” Doss said. Click Read More below for additional information.

“American Eagle’s Project Phoenix proves that intentional focus on increased efficiency benefits company operations – environmentally, socially and economically,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. American Eagle Paper Mills commissioned Project Phoenix to increase efficiency and reduce water use at their Tyrone, Pennsylvania, mill – one of the oldest working paper mills in the United States. Infrastructure updates resulted in an 83 percent reduction in total daily river and watershed water withdrawal; a 91 percent reduction in daily water consumption; and an 18.1 percent reduction in process water effluent per ton of paper produced. Click Read More below for additional information.

“A series of environmental commitments led Resolute to implement voluntary and pro-active improvements to drastically reduce GHG emissions from their facilities,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. Resolute adopted a series of ambitious sustainability commitments, including a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 and 2) from their facilities by 65 percent between 2000 and 2015. By improving the energy efficiency of their operations and increasing their use of lower carbon fuels, Resolute surpassed that goal. At the end of 2016, the company had lowered GHG emissions by 73 percent compared to 2000 levels, equivalent to the removal of 1.82 million cars off the road. Click Read More below for additional information.

“All of Sappi’s mills follow standard industry safety measures, but their mill in Cloquet, Minnesota went the extra mile to implement a set of initiatives that reached unprecedented safety records,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. Sappi’s Cloquet mill implemented four unique safety programs, engaging and educating its employees on recognizing safety issues, reducing risk of injury, maintaining a safe work environment, and creating and sustaining safety standards. The programs led the Cloquet mill to reach a company milestone of two million hours worked without a lost time injury – an equivalent to over 450 days without significant injury. Click Read More below for additional information.

WestRock received a Leadership in Sustainability Award for Water for its Covington Mill Power Boiler Ash Handling Systems project and the Innovation in Sustainability Award for its Moving Products the Green Way project. “By converting and updating an existing system at its Covington, Virginia mill, WestRock reduced the facility’s water use and is now able to provide a biomass byproduct for beneficial reuse,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. To optimize its management of fly ash – a byproduct of burning coal in boilers for energy in the paper mill's manufacturing process – WestRock’s Covington, Virginia mill converted its boiler ash handling system from a water-managed to a dry ash system. Benefits include an 8 percent reduction in daily water usage at the mill, improved water effluent quality, and increased opportunities for reuse of the fly ash. “Developing innovative software allowed WestRock to reduce the environmental impact of its transportation systems and save costs without sacrificing the company’s high standards for customer service,” said Harman. Click Read More below for additional information.

“International Paper took the initiative to increase and expand its certified fiber supply by supporting small private landowners – benefitting its customers, its suppliers and its businesses,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. International Paper created a cost-effective means for small private landowners to become Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified following customer demand for certified products. Through Certified Forest Management LLC, its own FSC forest management group, International Paper has directly enrolled and actively maintained FSC forest management certification for 210 private landowners in ten states since 2012, significantly increasing certified forestlands and their certified fiber supply in the process. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sustainable packaging leader Smurfit Kappa has announced that it has slashed the chemical oxygen demand (COD) in its water discharge three years early. The company had set an ambitious goal to improve the quality of its water quality by reducing the COD by 1/3 per tonne of produced paper by the end of 2020 compared to 2005. This significant improvement in water quality is an important step for protecting aquatic life and comes after extensive research and development. Smurfit Kappa invested over €60 million in sustainable water treatment technology installing anaerobic water treatment processes that do not need oxygen and subsequently use less energy, followed by aerobic treatment to ensure low COD results. The treatment transforms water pollutants into biogas which is then reused as fuel in the company’s combined heat and power plants. Click Read More below for additional information.

Drinking from her Contigo reusable coffee mug, tested and approved by the GH Institute, Good Housekeeping Deputy Editor and Good Housekeeping Institute Director Laurie Jennings does more than just talk the sustainability talk; she is developing the first annual Green Summit, to be hosted at Hearst Tower on November 8. As a consumer-advocacy publication for more than 130 years, the team at Good Housekeeping decided now was the time to plan Raising the Green Bar: Your Roadmap to Sustainability & Success because of an increased interest from its readership in sustainability and a growing concern for the environment. “Three years ago, when we asked consumers if a product was green would it make them more likely to buy it, the answer was ‘not really’,” Jennings says. “Now, more and more, there is a big resounding ‘yes–green matters’ response to that question.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Forest Products Association of Canada and its members welcomed the release yesterday of the 5-Year Progress Report on Implementation of the Recovery Strategy for Boreal Caribou. Like all Canadians, we want to ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to help caribou recovery and, like many academics and environmental organizations, we believe decisions must be based on sound science, local knowledge and the most recent research. It is important to understand that our forests are complex ecosystems with hundreds of species of mammals, birds and fish. The Progress Report confirms what our experience on the ground has told us – this is a complicated issue with multiple factors and different realities unfolding in different parts of the country. One of the most concerning parts of the Report that cannot be overlooked is that 21/51 ranges do not have sufficient data. We are prepared to bring our experience to bear in working with partners from federal and provincial governments to Indigenous governments and communities to environmental groups to ensure we have the data we need to support caribou recovery. Click Read More below for additional information.

For the second straight year, Crown Holdings, Inc.'s environmental stewardship has been recognized with an "A-" ranking (on a scale from A-F) for its submission to CDP's Climate Change Evaluation Program. This ranking allows the Company to retain its "Leadership" tier position, the program's highest level, which it achieved with its inaugural submission for the 2015 fiscal year. This program cycle included 2,418 companies, with an average program ranking of "C." Crown's submission reflects data collected from its operations across 36 countries for the period of January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. The Company continued to demonstrate excellence in the Governance and Strategy, Risk and Opportunity Management and Emissions Management categories of the program. Click Read More below for additional information.

PEFC invites stakeholders around the world to comment on the Korean national forest certification system, following its submission to PEFC for endorsement. To give your feedback, head to our Online Consultation Tool. The Korea Forestry Promotion Institute (KoFPI) is one of our newest national members, joining in June 2016. This means it is the first time they have submitted their national system to PEFC for endorsement. Make your comments now! The deadline is 23 December 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.

Asia Pacific Resources International Ltd (April) can resume forestry operations at its Indonesian pulp and paper subsidiary, government officials said on Tuesday (Oct 24), amid a dispute over environmental rules. April halted forestry operations at PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) and said thousands of jobs were at risk after the Indonesian environment ministry rejected its long-term work plan. One of Asia's biggest pulp and paper firms, April has been in talks with the government over the re-zoning of roughly half of its 480,000ha of plantation areas that sit on peatland. "(RAPP) was never forbidden from operating," Environment and Forestry Ministry secretary-general Bambang Hendroyono told reporters, referring to discussions on the company's work plans that had been under review since May. Click Read More below for additional information.

Florine Turnbull of Juniper New Brunswick started her first summer job as a student in 1967. 50 years later, she is still working at the same place. “It’s like a family here,” Turnbull said of the Juniper Tree Nursery, a J.D. Irving Woodlands operation celebrating its 60th year this year. The nursery opened in 1957 and was already 10 years old when Florine started as a “weeder” in the seedling beds. Then she worked as a seedling planter in the transplant fields. “It was good hard work and long days, and we didn’t have air-conditioned offices like we do today”, she laughed. Today, Florine supervises greenhouse thinning and monitors seedling growth quality. Click Read More below for additional information.

American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the Massachusetts Senate Bill 424, “Act Reducing Plastic Bag Pollution.” The bill seeks to place a 10-cent tax on recycled paper bags beginning on August 1, 2018. “This bill, intended to reduce plastic pollution, wrongfully penalizes paper bags—a commodity that is highly recycled, recyclable, compostable and made from a renewable resource. Unfortunately, this is a missed opportunity to differentiate paper bags as an environmentally responsible option. Paper bags are a sustainable packaging option for consumers who need carryout bags. “This policy takes Massachusetts in the wrong direction and sets a poor example for the region. AF&PA looks forward to continuing to work with the state of Massachusetts on this provision.”

Kohl’s announced it was honored with a SmartWay® Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency. Kohl’s was one of 62 companies to receive this distinction, representing the best environmental performers of SmartWay’s 3600 Partners. The Excellence Awardees were honored at the American Trucking Associations Management & Exhibition Annual Conference held in Orlando, Florida on October 23, 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.

Technology has the ability to move boundaries and change how certification operates. Helping us to kick-start the PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue will be Sarah Crow from the American Forest Foundation, as she showcases the innovative ‘Forests in Focus’. To find out more, make sure you register to join us in Helsinki on 16-17 November, but in the meantime, here’s what Sarah has to say: What is your view of the potential of innovation and technology within forest certification? “I believe innovation is central to our success. In our experiences with forest certification, we have learned a huge amount about what customers, landowners, stakeholders, conservation partners and others are seeking.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Stora Enso will invest EUR 94 million to grow in renewable materials and to increase competitiveness in consumer board and biomaterials. EUR 52 million will be invested to increase the dissolving pulp production capacity at Enocell Mill and EUR 42 million to enhance the availability of the chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) at Imatra Mills. Both mills are located in Finland. Enocell Mill, part of the Biomaterials division, will be converted to focus entirely on production of dissolving pulp. The softwood pulp production will be gradually discontinued after the investment. The mill will have a total capacity of 430 000 tonnes dissolving pulp annually, whereof 185 000 tonnes hardwood and 245 000 tonnes softwood dissolving pulp. The investment is scheduled to be completed during the second half of 2019. It is expected to exceed the Biomaterials division’s profitability target, operational return on operating capital (ROOC) of 15%, and to have a positive impact on sales. The investment at Imatra Mills, part of the Consumer Board division, includes a new CTMP drying and re-pulping plant as well as extension of the pulp warehouse. This aims to enhance the availability of CTMP and to drive the commercialisation of micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC). Due to its high strength and 100% renewable raw materials, MFC is designed to outperform fossil-based materials, such as plastics, in a variety of applications. The project is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2019. The investment is expected to exceed the Consumer Board division’s profitability target, operational return on operating capital (ROOC) of 20%, and to have a marginal impact on sales. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM has been positioned on this year's A List for water and forests by CDP, the non-profit global environmental disclosure platform. CDP's A List comprises companies from around the world that have been identified as leading in their efforts and actions to combat environmental risk in the past CDP reporting year. Of the companies that submitted information, UPM is one of the only four companies to score an A on both water and forests. "UPM is committed to the internationally accepted principles of sustainable forest management and to minimise the negative impacts of its operations on water resources," says Tuomas Niemi, Manager, UPM Environment and Responsibility. "We aim to maximise our total contribution to society by creating long-term profitable business with responsible practises embedded into our operations and value-chain", Niemi continues. Click Read More below for additional information.

Södra’s port in Mönsterås, Sweden, will become completely free from fossil fuels in October. All work vehicles and cranes at the port will begin using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) diesel – a completely fossil-free alternative to standard diesel, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network. Södra’s port has four cranes and 16 work vehicles. Together, these handle about 3 million tonnes of freight each year. The freight is loaded for transport to Europe by land and sea and includes 430,000 tonnes of paper pulp and 170,000 cubic metres of sawn timber. This will now be carried out using only fossil-free HVO diesel. The switchover at the port began in the spring of 2017 and was completed at the end of September. The move is part of Södra’s sustainability targets that aim to achieve fossil-free production by 2020 and fossil-free transportation by 2030 – targets adopted in 2016 and assigned the same status as Södra’s financial targets. Click Read More below for additional information.

Can you build a house overnight? Can it be beautiful, stylish and sustainable? The answer is yes – as the thousands of visitors to Helsinki Design Week can testify! For the fourth edition of PEFC Wood Works, PEFC Finland teamed up with architect and environmental artist Marco Casagrande to showcase the future of living to the people of Helsinki. As cities become more densely populated, we must find more agile ways to build, and live in, new housing solutions. In the center of Helsinki, PEFC Wood Works x Tikku constructed a micro-size apartment house on just one parking slot in just one night. Tikku (‘stick’) is a demonstration of dense urban housing and Finnish wooden construction. Even better, all the wood used in the installation comes from sustainably managed, PEFC-certified, forests. Click Read More below for additional information.

Metsä Board has once again been rewarded a position on the CDP Water A List as well as on the CDP Climate A List. This is the third consecutive year that the company has been included on the CDP Water A List and the second year on the CDP Climate A List. Metsä Board also achieved Leadership status in the CDP Forest programme for the third year in a row. CDP is a non-profit global environmental disclosure platform. Metsä Board is among the top 10% of companies participating in CDP’s water programme to be placed on the Water A List. This achievement is in recognition of its actions in the last reporting year to manage water more sustainably. Additionally, Metsä Board is among the top 5% of companies participating in CDP’s climate change programme to be featured on the 2017 Climate A List. This positioning recognises its activities to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy. Click Read More below for additional information.

TimberWest is the first Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Program Participant to achieve the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) Bronze certification under the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program. This certification demonstrates to Indigenous communities that TimberWest is a good business partner, a great place to work and is committed to the prosperity of Indigenous communities. TimberWest is also the first BC forest company to earn PAR certification. “As a forester by training I am very pleased that TimberWest has shown its commitment to Indigenous communities by undergoing PAR certification. This leadership demonstrates to other forest companies, and other companies outside BC’s forest sector, that strong Indigenous relations make good corporate policy,” said JP Gladu, President and CEO of the CCAB. The PAR framework evaluates companies on four PAR performance areas known as the PAR drivers, which are designed to ensure comprehensive business engagement with a community. The four PAR drivers are: leadership actions, employment, business development, and community relationships. PAR certification provides a high level of assurance to communities because the designation is supported by an independent, third-party verification of company reports. The final PAR level achieved by a company is determined by a jury comprised of Indigenous business people. Click Read More below for additional information.

We work hard to ensure we meet and surpass all environmental regulations. In 1995, the pulp mill owned by Irving Pulp & Paper, Limited invested $300 million to modernize and significantly improve the mill’s environmental performance. This investment allowed the mill to become compliant with the newly released federal emission regulations by using world-first technology. Today the pulp mill is: - The only mill in North America to meet environmental regulations without the use of a large external lagoon. As the pulp mill is located in the middle of the city and on a 100+ year old site, a traditional treatment lagoon was not practical. - The only mill in North America to operate without a solid waste landfill by reusing or reducing its solid waste. The pulp mill treats and diverts virtually all solid waste to value added materials. - Over 95% energy self-sufficient through significant efficiency investments. - One of the lowest odour emitting pulp mills in North America through investments to collect and incinerate most emission sources. Recently Irving Pulp & Paper was charged for releasing “deleterious substance in water frequented by fish”. It is important to note that no fish died in the river, and that all releases were self-reported to regulators. Click Read More below for additional information.

Amazon announced that its largest wind farm yet—Amazon Wind Farm Texas—is now up and running, adding more than 1,000,000 MWh of clean energy to the grid each year. Amazon has launched 18 wind and solar projects across the U.S., with over 35 more to come. Together, these projects will generate enough clean energy to power over 330,000 homes annually. These projects also support hundreds of jobs and provide tens of millions of dollars of investment in local communities across the country. Amazon Wind Farm Texas includes more than 100 turbines – each over 300 feet tall with a rotor diameter more than twice the wingspan of a Boeing 787. Amazon Wind Farm Texas is built, owned, and operated by Lincoln Clean Energy (LCE), an I Squared Capital portfolio company and a leading developer of wind and solar projects across the U.S. Amazon, LCE, and local officials and residents celebrated the grand opening of the wind farm with a BBQ event onsite. To thank and support the local community, Amazon is donating $50,000 to the Snyder Education Foundation to provide students and teachers with STEM learning opportunities. Click Read More below for additional information.

Community forests play an important role within Indonesia. Covering just 2.3 million hectares, these forests support the livelihoods of more than 3.4 million households. The Indonesian national forest certification system achieved PEFC endorsement in 2014, and since then, more than 3 million hectares of forest have become PEFC certified. However, while uptake of forest certification has been successful among large companies, it has yet to take hold in the country’s community forests. To make certification more accessible to the community forests, the Indonesian Forest Certification Cooperation (IFCC), supported by the 2015 PEFC Collaboration Fund, GIZ, and others, has developed new requirements for community forest management certification. Click Read More below for additional information.

A logging company’s lawsuit accusing Greenpeace and another environmental group of libel and racketeering for describing the company as a “forest destroyer” was dismissed Monday by a San Francisco federal judge, who said the organizations were exercising their freedom of speech. Resolute Forest Products alleged that Greenpeace and a Bay Area nonprofit called Stand had engaged in a “disinformation campaign,” starting in 2012, about the company’s logging in the boreal forest of northern and western Canada to boost their own fundraising. The company said Greenpeace had to retract its initial claim that its logging had violated the terms of an environmental agreement, and had falsely accused Resolute of endangering caribou in an area where the company did little logging. Greenpeace also labeled Resolute as a “forest destroyer” even though it logs only a small part of the forest, the company said. Click Read More below for additional information.

For the third year in a row, BPM Inc., northeast Wisconsin paper mill, has received recognition as a Green Professional in the Wisconsin Green Masters Program. The Green Masters Program recognizes and assesses Wisconsin businesses on their sustainability performance in a variety of sustainability categories. “Participation in the Green Masters Program validates BPM’s continued commitment to the environment, sustainability and social responsibility,” said Jim Koronkiewicz, BPM General Manager. “It’s a hands-on tool that BPM can use annually to review areas of sustainable potential. With an increased score, the BPM team has worked hard for this impressive accomplishment.” The program is grounded in an in-depth survey where points are rewarded for a variety of actions. These actions are grouped into areas that include: Energy, Climate, Workforce, Governance, and Community and Educational Outreach. BPM has proven their dedication and commitment to sustainability through advancing in the program. Click Read More below for additional information.

“Pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products are interwoven through our every-day lives in undeniable ways. They and the devoted employees who manufacture them deserve a center-stage seat during National Forest Products Week – the annual celebration of our industry and its valuable contributions to society and the American economy. “In rural and urban communities across 45 states, our companies provide family-wage jobs to approximately 900,000 men and women and our industry accounts for four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP. Paper and wood products manufacturers rank among the top 10 employers and utilize renewable, recyclable materials in innovative and highly-efficient processes to make products we rely on today and will need tomorrow. Click Read More below for additional information.

In appreciation of the 57th anniversary of National Forest Products Week, forest product manufacturers and organizations through the supply chain are joining to Celebrate Forest Products (#CelebrateFP). “Expera maintains the highest of standards in managing our entire wood procurement and forest certification systems,” explained Ann Funk, Vice President of Procurement & Logistics for Expera. “Expera is leading the way to ensure responsibility not only in our systems, but those of our suppliers.” Expera is certified under the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®), and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) at all of their Wisconsin facilities. Click Read More below for additional information.

Each year since 1960, the third week in October has been proclaimed National Forest Products Week in the U.S. It is a time to recognize the essential role that forests play in the country’s history, culture, environment and economy. Our forests are a source of clean air and water, are home to a diversity of fish and wildlife, a place to enjoy, provide us with many products made from wood and are a source of employment for people who work in and manage the forests. From houses to paper to packaging to fuel to furniture to railways, wood products are an irreplaceable part of our daily lives. But those are just the traditional uses of forest products! What about all the surprising everyday items that contain products from wood? Wood cellulose, released when wood is processed into pulp, is used to make ping pong balls, sports helmets, nail polish and synthetic fibres, which are made into clothes and towels – just to name a few. Click Read More below for additional information.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has successfully completed recertification to the new management system standards ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. This means that all production and development locations worldwide together with their marketing, product management, development, procurement, production and service functions as well as their support processes along the entire value chain have been successfully recertified. The audit was carried out by the well-known certification company DQS GmbH (German Organization for the Certification of Management Systems), which for its part is authorized by the national accreditation body DAkkS GmbH (German Accreditation Body) in Berlin. Certification to the international ISO standards has been part and parcel of Heidelberg’s quality and environmental policy for over 20 years. Heidelberg’s goal is to continuously improve all processes related to quality and the environment. This commitment is insisted upon and appropriately supported by the management. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM was honoured to welcome European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefcovic, responsible for the Energy Union, to the UPM Kaukas Mill site in Lappeenranta Finland today. The visit was hosted by UPM's President and CEO, Jussi Pesonen. During the visit UPM presented its UPM Biofore strategy designed to create sustainable solutions and new innovations from renewable raw materials that provide options to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change. Pesonen called for EU regulation that ensures the right framework for companies to invest and provide innovative solutions to reduce emissions. Click Read More below for additional information.

American Eagle Paper Mills has been selected as the recipient of the 2017 Leadership in Sustainable Business Award by the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC), the Commonwealth’s oldest grassroots environmental non-profit organization. American Eagle Paper Mills is being recognized for its production of recycled chlorine free paper using an innovative deinking process that allows it to recycle multiple types of paper waste. PRC also applauds the mills recent Project Phoenix, which replaced the mills coal boiler and antiquated energy distribution systems with high efficiency natural gas boiler and power distribution system. The project dramatically cut GHG emissions from the mill and reduced water intake by 82%. Every year, PRC honors groups, organizations and individuals who show outstanding leadership, creativity and a commitment to protecting the environment for future generations of Pennsylvanians. Click Read More below for more of the story.

American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that it plans to repeal the Clean Power Plan (CPP) and issue an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek input on a possible replacement. “The Clean Power Plan has been flawed from the start, and we welcome EPA’s efforts to provide states and ratepayers, including paper and wood products manufacturers, with relief from costly, complex and harmful regulatory overreach. The nation deserves affordable, reliable electricity, not rate hikes and competitive harm that can stem from onerous regulation. “As the EPA moves forward, we will closely examine the agency’s proposed next steps and continue to advocate for the regulatory certainty our industry needs in order to contribute to economic expansion and job creation.”

Sustainability is in Klabin's DNA, and to sustain its investments in these practices, the company recently (September 2017) raised funds in the international market through its first issue of green bonds amounting to around R$ 1.6 billion, maturing in 10 years. The company, which pioneered the adoption of sustainable practices, is a benchmark in sustainable development and its issue received the "High Standard" rating from consulting firm Sustainalytics. The offering drew significant investor interest, with demand exceeding the offer of green bonds sevenfold. Sustainability governance at Klabin is strongly structured and functions on four key pillars: Sustainability Committee; Sustainability Commission; Sustainability and Communication Department; and a working group on impacts of climate change, all with the mission to raise the level of transparency across the company and structure its actions. Click Read More below for additional detail.

“I would first like to thank Stéphane Marchesi, who, after 16 years of leading PEFC France, has decided it is time to move on,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International, following two days in Paris. “In these last few days I have met with senators, civil society organizations, numerous companies and the general public, and it has been fantastic to see the level of support of PEFC in France: a legacy of Stéphane’s commitment to PEFC over the last almost two decades.” Mr. Gunneberg was joined by Peter Latham, Chairman of the PEFC International Board, in Paris in late September for a special two-day program as PEFC France launched their new model. Click Read More below for more of the story.

"We are seeing companies step up to help protect forests, even as we all use forest products every day," said Corey Brinkema, president of the Forest Stewardship Council US. "This momentum comes not a moment too soon, as climate change puts the need for forest conservation front and center," he added. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, all transportation accounts for 14 percent of global carbon emissions, while experts estimate deforestation and forest degradation to contribute up to 15 percent. Healthy forests currently offer the best way to pull carbon out of the atmosphere. Recent research in the US Pacific Northwest finds FSC-certified forest management stores at least 45 percent more carbon than standard forestry. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Log tracking, dynamic data transfer, blockchain… what are the ‘must have’ technologies that can help us to strengthen trust and traceability throughout supply chains? What technologies are showing promise for transferring complex information in a useable and credible form? How can technology help certification to deliver more value to companies and customers? Where are technologies showing promise to supporting auditors to verify compliance? Technology compliments nearly all aspects of Chain of Custody management. New and emerging hardware, software, services and tools are enhancing the robustness of certification and accelerating the flow of information through supply chains. In this session, we will feature some of the latest and greatest technological developments from certified forestry supply chains. Together, we hope to inspire and re-imagine how the information flow and product assurances of certified products can continue to evolve in the future. Click Read More below for additional detail.

In an effort for transparency, FSC certified Forest Managers have created a high-resolution map showing the location and borders of the forests they harvest. This is timely in a context of a broader discussion to develop spatial data, at FSC but also in the forestry sector in general. The map has come a long way. It was created according to a request from different environmental organisations, community associations, individuals and companies. As per the FSC Principles and Criteria, any stakeholder must be able to contact Forest Management companies to share any supported concerns if they think companies are not managing the land in a responsible way. Forest Managers came together to discuss the matter and agreed to provide relevant data on a voluntary base in order to create the map. Although not all companies have shared their data, we hope they will be encouraged to follow the same path. Click Read More below for additional detail.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the final rule on National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Kraft pulp mills, issued under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Residual Risk and Technology Review process. “The EPA’s final rule confirming that the 2001 maximum achievable control technology (MACT) protects public health underscores the value of our industries’ investment in and commitment to air quality and sustainability. Pulp mill operations can now move forward with certainty, knowing that investments of more than $1.5 billion in state-of-the-art, emission reduction controls and technologies are effectively reducing emissions.”

Holmen has gained international recognition for its strategic sustainability work, with a focus on the bioeconomy and a sustainable approach to forestry. The Golden Peacock Awards jury made particular reference to Holmen’s absorption of carbon dioxide in its growing forest and the climate benefit from its products. “Being the first Swedish company to receive this global sustainability award is a mark of the quality of our long-term sustainability work. Holmen manages its forest holdings actively and sustainably, with the raw material from the forest forming a key component in society’s drive to meet the challenge of climate change. We are extremely proud to have our strategy recognised in this way,” comments Henrik Sjölund, President and CEO of Holmen. Click Read More below for more of the story.

From new recycled paper facestock to marble-based “paper” and compostable adhesive, Avery Dennison is offering brand owners and converters an increasingly wide choice of sustainable options for their needs. “Avery Dennison is making excellent progress toward our ambitious 2025 sustainability goals we announced at Labelexpo Europe in 2015,” said Renae Kezar, sr. director, global leader of sustainability. “At Labelexpo 2017 in Brussels, we provided a detailed update on our performance against these goals, releasing our Sustainability Report 2015-2017, while also showcasing our range of sustainable products and solutions”, Kezar continues. Avery Dennison is rolling out its Forest Stewardship Council-certified Recycled Paper Facestock range. The range helps brand owners meet their sustainability targets. Next to that, label printers and converters want to differentiate themselves and increase their value in the supply chain by helping brand owners to achieve those goals. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Tetra Pak today published its 2017 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s annual progress and key achievements in the areas of environmental performance, social responsibility and corporate governance. For the first time since it started publishing a Sustainability report in 2004, the company has adopted Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, the most widely-used international framework for measuring and communicating sustainability performance. Chris Huntley, Senior Vice President Communications at Tetra Pak and the chair of the company’s Sustainability Forum said: “The GRI framework provides a mechanism for us to report our progress on sustainability against an industry-wide standard, improving both the clarity and transparency of our yearly reports. Perhaps more importantly, it also introduces a common methodology for identifying the environmental, social and governance aspects of our operations that are most critical to our business, to our customers and to society – helping us to ensure we give these due priority”. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The theme of this year’s National Forest Week 2017 is Our Stories, Our Future. We value the people, the partnerships and the innovation that goes into sustainable forest management. We think these stories are worth celebrating! 1. It’s a Milestone Year: 60 Years of Tree Planting Since 1957 we have planted nearly 1 billion trees. It is a big part of why we grow more than we harvest every year. We cannot celebrate this 60-year milestone without celebrating the tree planters who have made it happen. One way we thank our student tree planters is to send them back to college or university with a scholarship at the end of the planting season. The 2017 season saw 58 student tree planters awarded a total of $47,250 in scholarships. To date, $454,500 has been awarded to full-time students who have planted trees across JDI-owned or managed lands. 2. Proud to Conserve Nature’s Beauty with Exceptional Partners Unique Areas: Our voluntary and award-winning Unique Areas program has grown from 29 sites in the 1980’s to over 1 300 sites to date on the lands we own and manage in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Maine. We value the partnerships we have with many environmental and community groups as well as local universities to help identify, conserve and study these special places which include aesthetics, wildlife, historic sites and more. https://irvingwoodlands.com/jdi-woodlands-healthy-forest-conservation.aspx. Click Read More below for more of the story.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) announced today that J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is the 2017 winner of the SFI Leadership in Conservation Award. This award, announced at the SFI Annual Conference, recognizes SFI Program Participants across Canada and the U.S. who are involved in strong partnerships focused on conservation. In 2016, SFI Program Participants reported on 420 different audited research projects with more than 500 unique partner organizations. JDI collaborated in 68 forest research projects, the highest number of any SFI Program Participant. Project highlights include JDI’s award-winning Unique Areas Program, which has grown from 29 sites in the 1980s to more than 1,300 today, it focuses on protecting unique elements in working forests. The sites are found and mapped by over 100 forestry professionals working in Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The program has four broad objectives: preserving rare and uncommon species and landscape features; monitoring important indicator species; establishing a database of species and natural features; and engaging the public and stakeholders. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) announced today that the Maine SFI Implementation Committee is the winner of the 2017 SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award. This award, announced at the SFI Annual Conference, recognizes the exceptional work of the grassroots network of 34 SFI Implementation Committees across the U.S. and Canada. Groups ranging from Habitat for Humanity and Boy Scouts to universities and Ducks Unlimited Canada work with SFI Implementation Committees. "Education and outreach have long been a strength of the Maine SFI Implementation Committee. Every year we hold multiple events and workshops that involve hundreds of people and benefit our communities. Having these efforts recognized with an SFI award is hugely gratifying," said Pat Sirois, the Maine SFI Coordinator. "This award really belongs to the network of countless people who care about Maine's forests. We all share the benefits of the healthy, productive forests that are such a significant part of the quality of life in our state." Click Read More below for additional detail.

UPM Biofuels is one of six finalists for the Industry Leadership category in Bioenergy at the 2017 Platts Global Energy Awards - often described as the Oscars of the energy industry. UPM Biofuels is nominated for its wood-based low emission advanced UPM BioVerno biofuels, and its one-of-a-kind commercial scale biorefinery in Lappeenranta, Finland. The Platts Global Energy Awards honour organisations and individuals who are dedicated to achieving excellence in the energy industry, recognising top performers - industry leaders and innovators in the energy industry. The Bioenergy Industry Leader Award recognises a recent innovation in bioenergy that is market competitive, ecologically sound and minimises undesirable environmental impacts. The nominees must be producing or enhancing the application of bioenergy solutions. The judging criteria include challenges, financial results, innovation, leadership and operational excellence. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Charta Global, provider of office and graphical papers, food grade and packaging boards for North and South America and strategic partner to Asia Pulp & Paper, has announced its eco-friendly Foopak food and beverage packaging line offers products capable of biodegrading in a matter of 12 weeks. The Bio Natura Cup stock, providing the food and restaurant industries with a comprehensive family of sustainable packaging solutions, brings this sustainable option to an underserved part of the market. Foopak Bio Natura Cup stock is FDA-certified and meets the standards with the FTC’s Green Guides for biodegradability and compostability. Through testing by the Isega Institute, Charta Global has maintained scientific evidencethe stock can completely break down and return to nature by decomposing in a matter of 12 weeks. Additionally, the Bio Natura Cup stock can be safety composted in a facility or home compost pile. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Below are some of the highlights from the 2016 Forestry and Forest Products Reports: All Forest Products Operations Summary Healthy Environment •Today’s JDI forestry and forest products operations will absorb more than we emit over the next 50 years. Planting almost 1 billion trees, and reducing emissions at our manufacturing sites means we will absorb 92 million tonnes of CO2 - equal to 360,000 cars off the road per year for the next 50 years. •58% green energy use from renewable fuels like biomass. •23% reduction in green house gas emissions over the past 3 years. •30% reduction in sulphur dioxide (SO²) air emissions over the past 3 years. •1,277 Conservation Sites, a 3.5% increase since 2015 as part of our voluntary Unique Areas program in Canada and the U.S. •55% waste to landfill was diverted for beneficial use. •Zero non-compliance issues following 3rd party forest certification audits in 2016, based on 145 indicators (environmental, social and economic) measured over 5 years. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Two Sides research into more than 600 of the world’s leading corporations, including banks, utilities, telecoms and insurance providers, has shown that a total of 460 of those companies have been using misleading and unsubstantiated environmental statements, despite specific advertising legislation to protect consumers in many countries. To date, 278 of those companies have removed such statements as a result of ongoing engagement by Two Sides. “We’re really pleased that Two Sides is having such a significant effect on some of the world’s largest and most influential organizations. But there is no room for complacency, and there is still a great deal of work to do with the remaining companies that continue to mislead their customers,” says Martyn Eustace, Chairman of Two Sides UK. Internationally, Two Sides teams are continuing to tackle greenwash in their respective countries, and this has yielded positive results. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY) today reported advancements against its 2025 sustainability goals intended to transform the company and the industries it serves. The 2014-2016 sustainability report, All of Us, Every Day, highlights how the company is leveraging its size and scale to drive change across its operations, industry, and communities. Key achievements include: A reduction of location-based absolute CO2 emissions of 3.2% in 2016 and market-based absolute emissions (includes renewable energy instruments) by nearly 12%. 78% of total volume of paper procured in 2016 held either an FSC or PEFC claim. A 2016 world class safety record, with a recordable incident rate (RIR) of 0.25. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) fully supports the Forest Bioeconomy Framework launched today by Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr and the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM). “The Forest Bioeconomy Framework builds on our sector’s world-leading sustainability practices and our focus on finding environmental and economic value for every part of the tree. It will help position Canada’s forest sector as a solutions provider in our move to a lower-carbon economy,” said FPAC CEO Derek Nighbor. “This framework is a significant move forward to position forestry as a key player in the bioeconomy, will support the creation of new jobs and help us meet Canada’s climate change commitments,” Nighbor added. The Forest Bioeconomy Framework establishes a path that will result in a forest bioeconomy that identifies sustainable bio-based materials from healthy forests available for high added-value manufacturing. The framework highlights innovation, collaboration, and investment and opens the door to further enhancing the sustainability of the forest sector through research, innovation and strong public policy. Click Read More below for more of the story.

On November 29, the Pulp & Paper International Awards is held in Brussels. Hallsta paper mill is one of the finalists in the category “Environmental Leadership Award”, a prize awarded to a mill which has full focus on the environmental work and has shown ground-breaking sustainability efforts. We work hard with sustainability issues and we are today one of the most resource-efficient mills in our segment in Europe. Over the last three years we have invested over 20 MEUR in energy saving activities and projects. One hundred percent of the wood raw material is utilized, ninety-five percent of the fibres are used in the end product, the bark previously used as fuel at the mill is now sold for fossil-free energy production and the sludge from the effluent treatment plant is composted and sold as soil. Nothing is wasted, says mill manager Johan Abrahamsson. The investments have made it possible to run the mill without any CO2 emissions from the production process. The energy used is partly recovered as heat in the drying process. Another big advantage is the fact that all of the wood used in the process comes from sustainably managed forests and all the products are certified with the EU Ecolabel. Click Read More below for additional detail.

BCI Buckeye Division achieves SFI certification. SFI 2015-2019 Chain-of-Custody Standard is an accounting system that tracks forest fiber content (certified forest content, certified sourcing & recycled content) through production and manufacturing to the end product. Contact BCI Buckeye Division or your BCI Buckeye Division Representative for additional information.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced its first major commitment to renewable energy with agreements to annually purchase approximately 1,000,000 megawatt hours (245 megawatts - MW) of electricity from two new wind power projects in Texas and Oklahoma. The renewable energy supplied by the wind farms is equivalent to about one-third of the electricity needs of Kimberly-Clark's North American manufacturing operations and will enable the company to surpass its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal four years earlier than anticipated. Kimberly-Clark has entered long-term power purchase agreements to take 120 MW or 78 percent of electricity to be generated by the Rock Falls Wind project being developed by EDF Renewables in northern Oklahoma and 125 MW or 42 percent of the electricity to be generated by the Santa Rita Wind Energy Center being built by Invenergy in West Texas. The renewable energy supplied by the two wind farms will enable Kimberly-Clark to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 550,000 metric tons annually. This is equivalent to removing 116,178 passenger vehicles from the road or not burning nearly 600 million pounds of coal annually.1 Click Read More below for additional detail.

UPS announced it will place in service three medium-duty electric trucks from Daimler Trucks Fuso brand, called the eCanter. The company will be the first commercial customer in the U.S. to use this series-produced vehicle. UPS will deploy the trucks in the U.S. at locations to be determined. The new EV trucks build on UPS’s Rolling Laboratory fleet of more than 8,500 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. “At UPS, we constantly evaluate and deploy advanced technologies that enable sustainable, innovative solutions for our fleet,” said Carlton Rose, president, global fleet maintenance & engineering, UPS. “Electric trucks make our fleet both cleaner and quieter. We have a long-standing global relationship with Daimler, and we welcome the opportunity to trial the Fuso eCanter as UPS continues to realize the benefits of electric trucks.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Demonstrate your commitment and activate your support to forests and PEFC by becoming an International Stakeholder member. Want to know more? Then check out our new brochure! Companies, organizations and associations with principles and objectives supportive to PEFC’s are encouraged to join. International Stakeholder membership is open to entities with a legal operating presence in two or more countries, legally registered as an international organization, and/or demonstrate international scope and representation. Entities operating only at domestic level are encouraged to join the PEFC national member in their country. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) announced today that Obishikokaang Resources Corporation has certified more than 1 million hectares of the Lac Seul Forest in Northern Ontario to the SFI 2015-2019 Forest Management Standard. Lac Seul First Nation, also known as Obishikokaang, is the oldest Reserve in the Sioux Lookout District. Lac Seul First Nation has over 800 members and is made up of the communities of Kejick Bay, Whitefish Bay and Frenchman’s Head, all located on the shores of Lac Seul. “Lac Seul and the surrounding forest have always provided for the economic and cultural well-being of the people of Obishikokaang. Certifying to SFI is part of our commitment to the kind of sustainable business practices that are designed to protect the environment and support economic growth. Band members are working as part of the management teams, supervising harvesting and playing an important role in forest regeneration,” said Clifford Bull, Chief of Lac Seul First Nation. Click Read More below for additional detail.

CannedWater4Kids (CW4K) and INX International Ink Co. have joined forces to send a rush delivery of drinking water to help in the Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts. A truckload of 52,800, 12-ounce cans of fresh, purified water is scheduled to arrive today at a Red Cross Distribution Center near Houston. Hurricane Harvey made landfall for the first time on August 25 and landed a devastating blow to the Gulf Coast of Texas. A multiple-day event, the Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds was the most powerful hurricane to hit the US in more than a decade. Damage caused by the high winds, torrential rains and record flooding displaced more than 30,000 people and prompted more than 17,000 rescues.

As the only European company, BillerudKorsnäs last year was named sustainability leader in the category Containers & Packaging, and included in the globally recognized Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In this year’s assessment, BillerudKorsnäs advances from belonging to the top 20 percent in Europe, to the 10 percent most sustainable companies in the world.

The Flexible Film Recycling Group (FFRG) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) has released two new online tools and an updated website designed to help grow the recycling of plastic wraps, bags, and other flexible polyethylene film packaging. These free tools provide resources to a wide range of audiences—including consumers, recycling coordinators, local and state governments, and businesses—about this material, collectively known as “film.” They aim to help these audiences learn more about what material can be recycled, how to properly recycle it, and how to grow plastic film recycling at a local level. Says the FFRG, more and better plastic film recycling can help improve the environment and support local recycling or waste diversion goals.

NASA and NOAA satellites have been providing valuable satellite imagery to forecasters at the National Hurricane Center, and revealed that Hurricane Irma has strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane on Sept. 5 around 8 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC).

As the debate about the carbon benefits of generating electricity in Europe from wood pellets manufactured in the southern United States continues, a new Forest2Market report shows that growth in demand for forest products (e.g., lumber, paper, packaging and wood pellets) has led to greater forest productivity and a significant increase in the amount of forest inventory available for storing carbon. The report, Historical Perspective on the Relationship between Demand and Forest Productivity in the US South, analyzes US Forest Service data and other scientific research to understand the relationship between changes in demand and supply from 1953 to 2015.

We are inviting PRINT 17 show attendees to check out our FREE materials and help themselves. Several of our member companies will be displaying these popular informational and promotional materials about paper and print from Two Sides: •Going Paperless May Not be Greener – 11 x 17 color infographic (printed by Ricoh USA) •Busting Myths About How Paper is Made – 11 x 17 color infographic (paper donated by Domtar and printed by Konica Minolta Business Solutions) •Myths and Facts brochure (paper and printing by Appleton Coated) •Two Sides printed newsletter – The Page – with the latest progress updates and accomplishments (printed by Konica Minolta Business Solutions) •Two Sides Membership Brochure – Learn more about Two Sides and our member benefits (printed by Canon Solutions America) Click Read More below for additional detail.

The final piece of the new Mount Fuji World Heritage Center in Japan is soon to be revealed. And the best part? The stunning structure is made from locally sourced wood from PEFC/SGEC-certified forests! Built with local Japanese cypress wood, the striking latticework structure resembles Mount Fuji upside-down. It is also the first construction project in Japan to achieve PEFC project certification. “We pioneered PEFC project certification to ensure that fantastic constructions such as this are able to take advantage of PEFC certification and demonstrate their sustainable credentials,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International. PEFC project certification provides independent verification that the building was constructed with certified timber, without the need for all sub-contractors to be certified. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Domtar is proud to inaugurate its second generating unit with a power output of 18 MW at its Windsor (Quebec) Mill. The start-up of its second generating unit, built for $36 million, will improve the energy efficiency of the mill produced from renewable resources while reducing production costs. "With the addition of its second generating unit, the Windsor Mill will become one of the major producers of renewable energy in the Eastern Townships. Our total production capacity will reach nearly 50 MW and will allow us to feed the equivalent of the annual energy consumption of 12,800 single-family dwellings. By using forest biomass as a fuel to produce green energy, Domtar demonstrates its commitment to innovation and sustainable development," declared Éric Ashby, General Manager of Domtar's Windsor Mill.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to welcome Neil Thompson as the Irving Woodlands, LLC. Professor of Forestry. A University of Maine System graduate, Thompson is no stranger to the diverse woodlands of Maine. “Mr. Thompson comes to UMFK with extensive research and teaching experience that will greatly benefit our students,” said UMFK President, Dr. John Short. “Our campus is very excited about the contributions we know he will make in the classroom and laboratories.” “All of us at Irving Woodlands are very excited to welcome Neil Thompson to the University of Maine at Fort Kent,” said Jason Limongelli, Vice President of Woodlands Division. “We look forward to working with Neil to advance the benefits of outcome-based forestry in Northern Maine and to address important issues like climate change, biodiversity and the spruce budworm.”

One year ago, a devastating earthquake hit central Italy. One year later, PEFC-certified wood is helping people to rebuild their homes, and their lives. Throughout the region, locally grown, PEFC-certified wood has helped to get children back into school and bring communities together. It provides assurances to the people in the region that they will be better prepared in case a similar event happens in the future, using wood as a raw material that can be sourced in harmony with nature. “Using wood has many excellent advantages,” said Gianluca Endrizzi from Rubner Group, the PEFC-certified company responsible for the construction of two stunning new nurseries in Guastalla (Emilia Romagna) and Norcia (Umbria). Click Read More below for more of the story.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) announced today that Structurlam is the first Canadian manufacturer of cross-laminated timber (CLT) to be certified to the SFI 2015-2019 Chain-of-Custody Standard. Structurlam blends the expertise of wood science with the ingenuity of European fabrication to produce mass timber products including CLT, the next-generation of engineered wood products. Structurlam has manufactured CLT for six years and supplied the product to over 350 projects in North America. Extensively tested, the product has vast applications for construction. “We are excited that Structurlam is the first CLT manufacturer in Canada to be certified to the SFI Chain of Custody Standard. A few months ago I had the opportunity to visit Structurlam’s site and was impressed with their commitment to sustainability and the innovation driving their product development. Many of Structurlam’s suppliers manage forestlands certified to SFI so it is great to know that Structurlam will continue to source and build with SFI certified materials,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI Inc. Click Read More below for more of the story.

As the debate about the carbon benefits of generating electricity in Europe from wood pellets manufactured in the southern United States continues, a new Forest2Market report shows that growth in demand for forest products (e.g., lumber, paper, packaging and wood pellets) has led to greater forest productivity and a significant increase in the amount of forest inventory available for storing carbon. The report, Historical Perspective on the Relationship between Demand and Forest Productivity in the US South, analyzes US Forest Service data and other scientific research to understand the relationship between changes in demand and supply from 1953 to 2015. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Participate, partner, promote or pitch a solution: there are many ways you can get involved with the 2017 PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue: Making Certification SMART. And we are looking forward to hearing from you! Our two-day dialogue (16-17 November 2017; Helsinki, Finland) will explore and discover the benefits and potential for incorporating technology solutions into forest certification. Join us as we exchange experiences and challenge each other to re-imagine how forest certification should re-equip for the next decade. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) welcomed two new officers and one new member to its Board of Directors: Mark Rodgers as Board Chair, Guy Gleysteen as Vice Chair, and Laura Downey as a new member in the social chamber. These new members will play a key role as SFI continues to enhance the sustainability of well-managed forests and the communities that depend on them across the U.S. and Canada. “Mark brings experience as a community leader and builder, Guy works as a senior executive overseeing global supply chains and Laura is known for her vision when it comes to youth environmental education. Their combined experience and skills will further SFI’s reputation and impact as a sustainability organization,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI Inc. SFI’s 18-member, multi-stakeholder board of directors comprises three chambers, representing environmental, economic and social interests equally. The Board’s diversity and independence allows it to play a meaningful role at the intersection of well-managed forests and thriving communities. Click Read More below for additional detail.

UPM Raflatac has reinforced its commitment to building a more sustainable world by joining the Sustainable Packaging Coalition® (SPC). The SPC is a membership-based collaborative led by an independent non-profit that believes in the power of industry to make packaging more sustainable. UPM Raflatac joins more than 200 member companies, government officials and academic institutions. UPM Raflatac will also sponsor The SPC's upcoming SPC Advance conference in Pittsburgh this October. Through strong member support, an informed and science-based approach, supply chain collaborations and continuous outreach, the SPC endeavors to build packaging systems that encourage economic prosperity and a sustainable flow of materials. Sustainability is one of the key drivers of UPM Raflatac's product development - the company's labels are sustainable by design. UPM Raflatac supports environmental responsibility throughout the entire label lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life treatment like recycling. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Home Depot® today announced the addition of solar installations at 50 stores as it continues to expand its alternative energy portfolio, essentially creating mini solar farms out of unused rooftops. The project will reduce electricity grid demand by an estimated 30 to 35 percent annually at each Home Depot store; the equivalent of powering 2,300 average U.S. homes for a year. The average store roof, at approximately 104,000 square feet, will accommodate 1,000 panels. The Home Depot is working with Current, powered by GE, on 20 solar installations at stores in New Jersey, as well as eight stores in Connecticut, Maryland and Washington, DC. An additional 22 stores in California and New York will receive solar, of which six will utilize Tesla Powerpacks to store energy and dispatch additional power as needed. Click Read More below for additional detail.

One year into its five-year strategy to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, Crown Holdings, Inc. has already surpassed one of its stated goals. In 2016, the Company announced its plan to reduce energy consumption by 5% per billion standard units of production from 2015 levels by the end of 2020. As of December 31, 2016, Crown has reduced energy consumption by 5.3% per billion standard units. Absolute energy consumption has decreased by 1.3% while the Company increased production by over 4.2%. In addition, the Company is more than halfway towards its goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 10% per billion standard units of production from 2015 levels. As of December 31, 2016, Crown has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 6.25% per billion standard units. Click Read More below for additional detail.

On November 29, the Pulp & Paper International Awards is held in Brussels. Hallsta paper mill is one of the finalists in the category “Environmental Leadership Award”, a prize awarded to a mill which has full focus on the environmental work and has shown ground-breaking sustainability efforts. We work hard with sustainability issues and we are today one of the most resource-efficient mills in our segment in Europe. Over the last three years we have invested over 20 MEUR in energy saving activities and projects. One hundred percent of the wood raw material is utilized, ninety-five percent of the fibres are used in the end product, the bark previously used as fuel at the mill is now sold for fossil-free energy production and the sludge from the effluent treatment plant is composted and sold as soil. Nothing is wasted, says mill manager Johan Abrahamsson. The investments have made it possible to run the mill without any CO2 emissions from the production process. The energy used is partly recovered as heat in the drying process. Another big advantage is the fact that all of the wood used in the process comes from sustainably managed forests and all the products are certified with the EU Ecolabel. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Print buyers from Ann Inc., REI and Starbucks will tell print suppliers where and why sustainability figures into print buying decisions during the Brands Talking Sustainability luncheon at the 2017 SGIA Expo (New Orleans, Oct. 10-12). The luncheon takes place Tuesday, Oct. 10, 12:00-2:00 p.m., and features speakers Libra Balian, senior director, marketing operations, Ann Inc., Suzanna Eversole, manager, print production, REI and Stephen White, print production manager, Starbucks Coffee Company. “In a retail setting, marketing materials very often can’t be reused or recycled. That matters to a growing number of brands like Ann Inc., REI and Starbucks. They’re looking for print providers who understand the importance of the sustainable journey,” says Marci Kinter, VP, Government & Business Affairs, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA). “This luncheon will explore how print suppliers can help retailers meet their sustainability objectives.” Click Read More below for more of the story.

“The forests in the Congo Basin are home to more than 10,000 species. They provide food, water and shelter to more than 75 million people, and are of significant economic importance,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International. “With PAFC-Congo becoming a member of PEFC and their work on developing a national forest certification system, we are taking a huge step towards safeguarding the benefits the forests in the region provide. We are thrilled to welcome PAFC-Congo into the PEFC alliance.” “We have been working in the Congo Basin for several years, and the addition of the Republic of Congo marks an important move forward for the development of certification in the basin,” Mr. Gunneberg concluded. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Every day we send email, navigate the web and store our videos, photos or music in the Cloud. We often have the impression that the whole process is trivial and nearly free, but this is not at all the case. So says L’Agence de l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Énergie (ADEME), an agency of the government of France which, promotes an environmental approach to the workplace and to daily living. In a recent Guide, La Face Cachée de Numérique, (The Hidden Face of Digital), they describe the widespread environmental impacts of the growing number of digital devices (increasing energy consumption, use of primary minerals, pollution and waste production) and how to reduce them. In the Guide, it is estimated that there are 2 billion smartphones, 1 billion computers, 5 to7 billion other connected devices and 45 billion servers worldwide and that 8.4 billion connected devices would be sold in the world in 2017, 31% more than in 2016. The forecast for 2020 is 50 billion connected devices. In one hour, there are 8 to 10 billion emails sent (not including spam) and 180 million Google searches and the average distance a piece of data travels is 15,000 km. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) announced today the opening of its annual request for proposals (RFP) for the SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program. The grants program supports SFI’s work to promote sustainable forest management through partnerships with conservation groups that are contributing to the understanding of critical links between forests and communities across the range of American and Canadian forests, and community groups working at the intersection of sustainable forestry, responsible procurement and thriving communities. "SFI is proud to stand with so many partners that lead the way on positively impacting the future of our forests. This new grant cycle allows us to reassert our role as a sustainability leader that is working beyond supply chain assurances to elevate conservation value and foster community engagement,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI Inc. “We look forward to this round of proposals and how they will contribute to our scientific understanding, long-­standing commitment to forest research, and shared quality of life.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Whether it is hardware, software, services or tools, the incorporation of technology within forest certification can overcome many barriers. But what technologies exist, and how can they best be used? Join us for the 2017 PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue ‘Making Certification SMART’ (16-17 November 2017; Helsinki, Finland) to find out more! Wide-ranging applications provide solutions for everyday challenges such as improving transparency in complex supply chains, enhancing the ability to map, monitor or manage forest resources, or establishing new ways to engage stakeholders and improve cooperation. Click Read More below for additional detail.

On behalf of Canada’s leading forest products companies and the 230,000 people we employ in hundreds of communities across the country, I am sending you an urgent letter requesting that the federal government give serious thought to adjusting the procedures and timing of its Caribou Recovery Strategy to achieve a more balanced and sustainable way forward for all. We believe that the current process could jeopardize thousands of jobs and the well-being of hundreds of communities all the while not achieving caribou recovery goals. In some provinces, we believe the current federally mandated process is resulting in a situation where incomplete and ineffective caribou range plans are being developed and may cause unintended harm. We are asking today that the federal government take a step back and reconsider the processes associated with the recovery strategy in order to ensure that the most current science and socio-economic impacts are taken into account. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Irving Woodlands has a new website! Check out this article for five great reasons to explore its new site.

It has been almost a year since the Paris Climate Change Agreement was adopted in December of 2015. The agreement set out a goal and initiated a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. It took most of 2016 for the Agreement to be signed and ratified and the Agreement did not enter into force until November 4, 2016. Key to this process was a joint ceremony on April 22, 2016 in which President Obama of the United States, and President Xi Jinping of China signed and ratified the Agreement on behalf of their respective countries. The US and China are the two largest emitters of greenhouse gases on the planet.

With more than 80 per cent of North Americans now living in urban areas, the actions of city governments, residents and businesses are critical to making inroads in sustainability. We’ve found four examples of inspirational initiatives which are changing cities for the better that mirror the values that drive our sustainable manufacturing practices – from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to conserving water and using life cycle assessment to understand the environmental impact of our products.

Crown Holdings, Inc. has recognized three of its facilities for outstanding sustainability achievements from 2015 to 2016. First introduced in 2012, the biennial Chairman’s Sustainability Awards program honors exemplary contributions made by the employees based in the Company’s international network of 146 facilities. The Chairman’s Award Program consists of three categories: Crown’s Economic Sustainability Award recognizes actions and projects that display a significant, measurable reduction in the Company’s use of resources that enhance Crown’s competitiveness, including energy, water, freight and fuel. Click Read More below for additional details.

Following its Biofore approach, UPM Paper ENA has reached the next significant milestone in the company's sustainability journey, as now all its mills produce papers that are awarded with the EU Ecolabel. The UPM Hürth paper mill completed the full range on June 5th, when its products received the EU Ecolabel certificate. The mill achieved the needed reduction in emissions by switching to more sustainable sources of energy. "Being able to provide our customers with EU Ecolabel awarded products from all of our mills is a great achievement, which we can be proud of," says Päivi Rissanen, Sustainability Director, UPM Paper ENA. "The EU Ecolabel criteria covers all relevant environmental aspects and is a good proof of solid sustainability performance." Click Read More below for additional details.

Sonoco has released its 2016-2017 Corporate Responsibility Report. The report, which is available on the Company’s website at www.sonoco.com/sustainability, celebrates Sonoco’s successful projects while reporting on the Company’s significant progress toward long-term sustainability goals. In 2016, Sonoco reduced total water usage by 4.09 percent, total energy usage by 0.52 percent and total greenhouse gas emissions by 3.35 percent (all figures are year over year). Sonoco Recycling recovered the equivalent by weight of 57 percent of the product that Sonoco places into the marketplace. Click Read More below for additional details.

“Two Sides is very proud to welcome C-PAC to our growing network of Canadian member companies. We look forward to working with them to help spread the positive word about the sustainability of print and paper products,” said Two Sides North America President, Phil Riebel. “C-Pac is very excited to be a part of the wonderful work that Two Sides does. Our goal is to work together to promote sustainable papermaking practices and to identify and eliminate greenwashing claims,” said Meagan Siddall, Business Development Manager, C-PAC.

The forest industry – and its place in sustainable living – took a pivotal role at the 10th Making Cities Liveable Conference in Brisbane, Australia, last month. “Forestry is the oldest and best example of sustainable planning,” said Simon Dorries, CEO of Australian Forestry Standard (AFS). AFS, the PEFC national member for Australia, held an exhibit at the conference, explaining certification systems, chain of custody programs and forest management practices to delegates. Click Read More below for additional details.

Copy Express, Inc. has joined Two Sides North America, the non-profit organization that promotes and encourages the responsible production, use, and sustainability of print and paper. “The world as we know it has evolved, but our passion for printing remains as strong as it was when we started in 1975. In all fairness to the digital world that surrounds us, there remains a place in our lives for print and paper. Two Sides North America understands and supports this point of view; we, therefore, choose to join them in the promotion of this environmental dialog,” said Jim O’Leary, President, Copy Express, Inc.

Less waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, fewer workplace injuries. Less of each of these means a more sustainable business and highlights how Domtar Corporation is working smart for the long term. The company released its 2017 Sustainability Report, detailing the company’s endeavors to take a longer term view of creating and preserving value for our shareholders, customers, employees and communities. The report focuses on the areas of Caring for People and Communities, Efficient Manufacturing, and Responsible Sourcing and Logistics. It details the company’s priorities, challenges and progress via engaging stories and stunning visuals, making the piece approachable for different audiences. Click Read More below for additional details.

The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) has joined Two Sides North America, the non-profit organization that promotes and encourages the responsible production, use, and sustainability of print and paper. “Two Sides welcomes FSEA to its growing network of members. Through this partnership we will be able to reach many more organizations and individuals in the graphic communications world. We look forward to working with them,” said Two Sides North America President, Phil Riebel. “FSEA realizes the importance of educating our members and providing information for them to share with their customers on the sustainability of print and paper,” said Jeff Peterson, Executive Director, Foil & Specialty Effects Association. “Two Sides North America has been instrumental in marketing the truth about print and paper and we want to do all we can to help with this effort.”

Salem One, Inc. has joined Two Sides North America, the non-profit organization that promotes and encourages the responsible production, use, and sustainability of print and paper. “Salem One is another great addition to our growing network of member companies and we look forward to working with their team to continue promoting the great environmental story and overall sustainability of print and paper products,” said Two Sides North America President, Phil Riebel. “Salem One is pleased to join with Two Sides North America, as we are proud of the sustainable message our Industry has to tell. From forest growth to paper production to print; our industry has been a major force of sustainability for well over 50 years. PRINT truly is one of the most sustainable forms of communication on the planet!” said Phil Kelley, Jr., President, Salem One, Inc.

Talk about upcycling—a Dutch treatment plant is recycling discarded toilet paper from the sewage into cellulose, and the resulting product has already been used for a practical purpose. The facility is touted as the world’s first in recovering cellulose from used toilet paper, Energy & Environment Management reported June 15. The technology was developed by Dutch company CirTec BV, which demonstrated that it was feasible to extract clean cellulose from sewage and create fibrous or pelletized forms. The plant, opened on June 29, has a capacity of about 400 kilograms/day. The cellulose will be exported to England for use as a raw material to produce biocomposite and other products, according to a CirTec press release. In one demonstration project, a bicycle path was made of asphalt processed in part with the recycled cellulose.

The 2017 SFI Conference is just 2 months away! This year’s conference will take place from September 27-29, 2017 at the Shaw Center in Ottawa, Canada. This year’s conference theme – Forests. A Way of Life – will highlight how we all depend on forests whether we are harvesting professionals, landowners, producers, customers, Indigenous peoples, or individuals using forests for recreation. To enjoy our shared quality of life, we need to ensure our forests are responsibly managed, so we have clean air, clean water, biodiversity, sustainable communities and forest products that improve our quality of life. We'll discuss topics of relevance to the Canadian, American and international forest sectors, so come to the 2017 SFI Annual Conference in Ottawa, Ontario and help us celebrate Canada's National Forest Week and Canada's 150th anniversary.

A world without waste holds untold benefits for our environment and contributes to sustained protection of the world’s precious natural resources. But this concept, as embodied by the principles of a circular economy, can also unleash tremendous opportunity for growth and innovation that experts say will deliver $4.5 trillion in new economic potential by 2030. That’s because, as noted by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, “a circular economy is restorative and regenerative by design, and aims to keep products, components and materials at their highest utility and value at all times.” To get there, companies are pushing to achieve greater productivity and eliminate inefficiencies, and in doing so, realizing the economic reward that comes from these practices.

It is time to celebrate in New Zealand as the first forests in the country achieve PEFC certification. Over 400,000 hectares of forest - about 20% of New Zealand’s plantation forest estate - are now PEFC-certified! “It is really encouraging to see forest managers adopting PEFC on such a scale, so soon after we were able to bring it to New Zealand,” said NZFCA Chair, Dr. Andrew McEwen.

American Wood Council (AWC) President and CEO Robert Glowinski and American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statements following United States House of Representatives passage of the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017 (H.R. 806). The legislation, which now moves to the United States Senate for consideration, prevents a rushed implementation of the 2015 ozone Nation Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) and the American Forest Foundation (AFF) announced today that SFI has become the new home of Project Learning Tree (PLT). PLT is an award-winning environmental education program that uses trees and forests as windows on the world to increase youth understanding of the environment and actions they can take to conserve it. PLT’s integration into SFI provides an opportunity for the program to expand its reach and impact. And SFI’s role as a sustainability leader will be bolstered by PLT’s expertise in education, an increasing focus in SFI’s community engagement work. PLT was previously housed at the American Forest Foundation.

In its Global Strategic Plan 2015-2020, FSC committed to offering new tools for certificate holders to access ecosystem services markets. This is part of a broader strategy to increase the market value of FSC as ecosystem services can result in increased net revenue for forest owners. The FSC ecosystem services tools include a new procedure to demonstrate the impact of forest management activities on ecosystem services and how to access their markets.

Sandra Mae Watling is a second year Forestry student at the University of New Brunswick's Fredericton campus. This summer she is one of the 110 students working in J.D. Irving, Limited’s (JDI) tree planting operations. Sandra Mae is a tree planting auditor, following behind the planting crew to ensure that all trees are planted to a quality standard. The nine auditors across the company are looking for quality indicators as they check their plots. Indicators include ensuring that seedlings are spaced appropriately, planted at the correct depth and that seedlings aren’t damaged or leaning.

Klabin donated 100 cribs made of corrugated board to the Escola Internacional de Aldeia (Pernambuco), which is implementing a social project in partnership with the Amigos da Rua Institute (IAR) in the city of Camaragibe in Pernambuco. The initiative aims to distribute cribs and layettes to homeless mothers and babies. Portable, easy to assemble and with an aesthetic appeal that is reminiscent of the children’s universe, the corrugated board cribs were designed by the packaging engineering area at Klabin’s Goiana Unit exclusively for this initiative. Suitable for babies aged up to three months or weighing up to six kilos, the cribs must not come in contact with water and intense heat sources in order to retain their structural characteristics. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Some people believe that because paper is made from wood fiber, using paper must be bad for trees. However, research shows using wood-based products like office paper actually helps keep American forests healthy when the wood fiber is sourced responsibly. “Using responsibly-sourced recycled and non-recycled paper is a great way to help the environment,” says Kate McGlynn, product environmental steward for Boise Paper, a division of Packaging Corporation of America. “When forests are managed sustainably, using non-recycled paper is not harmful to forests. Because the vast majority of forests in the U.S. exist on privately-owned land, selling harvested trees to make paper creates an economic incentive for land owners to keep forest land thriving.” If trees weren’t needed to make wood products like paper, private landowners may choose to remove forests and use their land for something else, such as agriculture or commercial development. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Voting for the 2017 elections for the FSC US Board of Directors will be open until Sunday, August 6. Candidates include: •Sophie Beckham, International Paper, Economic Chamber •Tim Beyer, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Economic Chamber •Peggy Murphy, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Economic Chamber •Jason Grant, Sierra Club, Environmental Chamber •Linda Walker, World Wildlife Fund, Environmental Chamber •Ted Wright, Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands, Environmental Chamber •Celia (Cece) Headley, Northwest Forest Worker Center, Social The Board of Directors is FSC US’ highest governing authority. Organized under FSC’s three chamber system, the Board leads the development of national strategy, approves national forest management standards and policies, ensures effective financial oversight, and oversees the chief executive. Click Read More below for additional detail.

“The benefit of PEFC is that we are responsible for the development of our own national forest certification system,” said Antony Stefanov, from the Council for Sustainable Forest Management and Certification in Bulgaria. “This means we can ensure that our specific needs are taken into account, which is particularly important for our many small- and family-forest owners.” “We are delighted to have been accepted into the PEFC alliance,” Mr. Stefanov continued, following the acceptance of Bulgaria as a PEFC national member. The acceptance of the Council for Sustainable Forest Management and Certification in Bulgaria as a PEFC member is an important step towards preparing their national system for PEFC endorsement. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Two Sides member, UK printer Seacourt, a European leader in environmental excellence, announces Planet Positive Printing, a pioneering programme to make Seacourt one of the first printers to achieve a net positive impact on the environment. Seacourt, which already has three Queen’s Awards and an EMAS Award for its innovations in sustainability, has now been certified by ClimateCare as having offset its entire operational footprint - plus an extra 10% - to move to 'beyond carbon neutral' in its impact on the environment. “Planet Positive Printing is the future for this industry,” says Seacourt Managing Director Gareth Dinnage. “We have spent decades transforming our business from a resource-intensive, polluting printer to one that has zero impact on the environment. We have taken more actions than anyone else to be environmentally sustainable, now we are going a step further - making the impact of printed communications absolutely net positive.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

The forest industry reports on its environmental impact annually. The pulp and paper industry's environmental statistics illustrate how environmental impacts have developed over the years. For the forest industry, material efficiency and the comprehensive utilisation of raw materials are routine. The volume of pulp and paper industry waste that ends up at landfill continued to decline in 2016. Last year, the volume of landfill waste dropped by 11 per cent compared to 2015. Over the past five years, the volume of landfill waste has been halved. Approximately 95 per cent of production side streams are further refined via industrial symbioses into fertiliser products, or are used in earthworks or in the production of renewable energy. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Two Sides releases new Fact Sheet outlining why paper-based communications should remain the default choice In an effort to reduce costs, a growing number of companies are switching customers from paper to electronic communications — without their consent. This move to make digital communications the “default” is frustrating many in the United States and Canada who want to retain a choice in how they receive information. Millions of North Americans choose not to go online or still lack Internet access, including many seniors and people living in rural areas. In addition, a majority prefer paper over digital for many of the reasons outlined in this new Fact Sheet. We hope that when companies are armed with the facts below, they’ll make the right choice for their customers.

Is the Cloquet Sappi mill the greenest in the world? While there hasn't been an official trophy awarded by pulp and paper mills worldwide, Cloquet Sappi manager Mike Schultz is quite certain we have a winner here. It always amazes local people when they find out the Cloquet mill is considered the most environmentally friendly mill in the world. Gone are the days when people used to talk about the "smell" of the paper mill that permeated the air in town — that ended when the new, more efficient pulp mill was constructed some 20 years ago, Schultz said, pointing out that the Cloquet pulp mill (which also now makes chemical cellulose) is still the newest pulp mill in North America. What began years ago as an effort to prolong the life of the on-site landfill, the Cloquet mill has turned into one of the environmental success stories of the millennium. It's been a war fought on many fronts, most of them involving reusing waste that used to end up in the landfill or the sewer, along with a shifting focus to using renewable energy as much as possible. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Three weeks, five countries, countless meetings and many air miles! It has been an action packed month for Ben Gunneberg, the CEO of PEFC International. “It has been fantastic to travel around Asia this past month,” said Ben. “From meeting with our members, old and new, to highlighting the benefits of PEFC to a wide range of industry professionals and government representatives.” Ben began his trip in Indonesia, attending the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) Stakeholder Meeting in Jakarta. IFCC is our national member in Indonesia. Since their endorsement back in 2014, they have been working hard to increase the forest area under PEFC certification. Ben’s final destination was Singapore, where he had a packed schedule, including a meeting with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA). Check out the video below to see Ben highlight why certification matters to business, during a special lunchtime talk at Eco Business. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Introduced last year, Sustainability 2022 is the company's framework to address social and environmental challenges with programs designed to create social, environmental and business value. In its first year, Kimberly-Clark surpassed three of its five sustainability targets, and is on track to meet or exceed all of its goals by 2022. Key highlights of the company's 2016 results include: *Social Impact - Working with our customers, consumers and suppliers, programs including Toilets Change Lives, No Baby Unhugged and The Period Project worked to improve the well-being of more than two million people in need in 2016 through social and community investments that increased access to sanitation, helped children thrive and empowered women and girls. *Forest & Fiber - Kimberly-Clark sourced 89 percent of the fiber used in its tissue products from environmentally-preferred sources. We also strengthened our partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council® to engage consumers in protecting forests. *Waste & Recycling - We expanded our waste and recycling programs to include challenges of waste at both ends of the supply chain. In 2016, we diverted 95 percent of manufacturing waste from landfills, and diverted more than 5,000 metric tons of post-consumer waste through partnership programs around the world. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Trade unions representing workers across Quebec spoke out passionately about the economic damage and threats to jobs being caused by Greenpeace’s irresponsible attacks and unwillingness to engage with their communities. In a group statement, saying they are “deeply distressed by the approach taken by Greenpeace," the Confederation of National Trade Unions was represented at a press conference by the National Union of Pulp and Paper Workers of Alma, the Central Council of National Unions of Saguenay-Lac St-Jean, and the Manufacturing Industry Federation. Each of the unions denounced Greenpeace’s campaign that spreads misinformation about the boreal forest, and decried the group’s repeated indifference to appeals for dialogue with those communities that are being harmed. Click Read More below for additional detail.

UPM Biofuels is developing a new feedstock concept by growing Brassica Carinata as a sequential crop in South America. The Carinata crop produces non-edible oil suitable for biofuels' feedstock and protein for animal feed. The sequential cropping concept enables contract farmers to take agricultural land into use outside the main cultivation period, in winter time, without compromising existing food production. This does not cause any land use change, prevents erosion and improves soil quality. Carinata will provide additional income to local farmers, who do not normally have their fields in productive use during winter. In South America UPM grows and tests Carinata with third-party farmers in Uruguay and Brazil. Biofuels produced from Carinata oil reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% compared to fossil fuels. Click Read More below for additional detail.

UPS announced aggressive new sustainability goals to add more alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles to its fleet while increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources. The goals support UPS’s commitment to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global ground operations 12 percent by 2025, a goal developed using a methodology approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. “Because of our size and scale, we know our commitments can shape markets, advance technologies and be a catalyst for infrastructure investments,” said David Abney, UPS Chairman and CEO. “We rely on the ingenuity of our employees, suppliers and technology partners to help us reach goals that will transform the shipping industry and spur innovation.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Every spring our forest professionals and contractors go through rigorous environment training, to ensure that they are able to spot key indicators that help us conserve unique sites and maintain the forests. Enviro-training is developed and run by our Naturalist, Kelly Honeyman and our Biologist, John Gilbert, which ensures the well-being of the environment is the number one concern throughout the training. “It’s important for us to train these guys to recognize what the significant features are on the landscape” says Kelly Honeyman. Enviro-training covers topics from how to spot rare plants to site specific habitat procedures when a stick nest or bear den is located. Part of the process when rare plants, unique areas, or other sensitive areas are found is to drop GPS coordinates onto our mapping systems. This documentation ensures that the site can be preserved and operations will allow for a buffer zone around the site. Our GPS programs will keep track of all sites, and will be used in the future when operations come back to the area. Click Read More below for more of the story.

“Forest certification has the potential to greatly support Myanmar's forest sector and contribute to the ongoing reform process,” said Dr. Nyi Nyi Kyaw, Director General of the Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation of Government of Myanmar at the launch of a new initiative to promote sustainable forest management in Myanmar. The initiative will develop and test tools that support legal, sustainable and transparent forest product trade and is implemented jointly by PEFC International and the Myanmar Forest Certification Committee (MFCC). “The Forest Department recognizes the value of this project towards strengthening the MFCC,” said Dr Kyaw. The primary focus of the project, supported by Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, is to strengthen and operationalize the national forest certification system in Myanmar. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The North American pulp and paper industry has made great progress in reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions over the last decade and at the same time have increased their use of certified fiber and support for sustainable forest management. In the U.S., AF&PA members represent the spectrum of paper and wood products manufacturing and work on an ongoing basis with government agencies, communities and other stakeholders to employ advanced sustainability practices, which benefit the economy, the environment and society.[1] In 2016, the recovery rate for paper consumed in the U.S. reached a record 67.2% and is approaching the AF&PA goal of 70%. Since 2001, recycling rates in the U.S. have increased by about 20% due to voluntary efforts by the pulp and paper industry and the increasing number of Americans who recycle every day. AP&PA member pulp and paper mills produce carbon-neutral biomass energy on site that, on average, provides about two-thirds of their energy needs. As a result, their purchased energy use per ton of production was 8.1% lower in 2014 than in the 2005 baseline year. By advancing their use of combined heat and power and reducing energy intensity in the industrial sector, they are significantly improving their energy efficiency. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Cotton, silk, leather... it is time to move on from these old-fashioned materials, to something better! This evening in Perugia, in the heart of Italy, young designers will be revealing their ideas of our clothing future, and their inspiration? Forests! Our forests have so much to offer us. Yarns from cypress, beech and eucalyptus trees, not to mention cork, are all softer and more breathable than cotton or silk. Fabrics similar to animal skins can instead come from our hardwoods and conifers. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Highlights from 2016 include: •Collaborated with North American customers to bring sustainable ReAl® aerosol cans to the U.S. ReAl cans include a proprietary, Ball-developed aluminum alloy that allows the lightweighting of its impact extruded aerosol cans by 20 percent. This lightweighting reduces a 150-milliliter ReAl aerosol can's carbon footprint by 18 percent when compared to a standard can. •Continued work on the Joint Polar Satellite System satellite, which is currently completing environmental testing for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. JPSS will enable critical measurements of global atmosphere, ocean and land surfaces and provide essential data for weather forecasting, storm tracking and continuity of NASA's long-term environmental data record. •Educated, inspired and empowered stakeholders to strategically strengthen curbside recycling in the U.S. through our support of The Recycling Partnership. Over the past three years, the Partnership has reached 17 million households in 424 cities, placed 400,000 new recycling carts on the ground, reduced contamination rates by 30 percent in targeted communities, and catalyzed investments in collection and recycling of approximately $27 million. Click Read More below for more of the story.

PEFC invites stakeholders around the world to comment on the Austrian and Romanian national forest certification systems, following their submission to PEFC for endorsement. To give your feedback, head to our Online Consultation Tool. PEFC Romania is one of our newest national members, joining last November during the General Assembly in Bali. This means it is the first time they have submitted their national system to PEFC for endorsement. Make your comments now! The deadline is 14 August 2017. Austria was one the first countries to achieve endorsement of its national forest certification system back in 2000. Two successful re-endorsements of the system followed in 2006 and 2011. Nearly 3 million hectares of Austria’s forests are PEFC-certified - more than three quarters of the whole of the country’s forest area. We need your feedback! The deadline is 7 August 2017. Click Read More below for additional detail.

U.S. renewable power just hit an important milestone, as the percentage of the nation's power coming from wind and solar just hit double digits for the first time. A new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration reveals that 10 percent of the nation's power was supplied by wind and solar during the month of March. While 10 percent of the nation's power might not seem like a lot, this is a significant milestone for renewable energy. Meeting this goal proves that wind and solar aren't vanity projects, but are a real and important part of U.S. energy infrastructure. It also demonstrates how far renewable energy has come in the last decade. In 2007, wind and solar generated less than 1 percent of the nation's energy. Just ten years later, renewables are on the verge of outpacing coal and nuclear in the U.S. energy portfolio. Click Read More below for more of the story.