Anthony Pratt, Executive Global Chairman of Pratt Industries and Visy, often refers to Pratt’s material recovery programs and circular strategy as harvesting the urban forest. “Through our closed loop process,” says Pratt, “we harvest the urban forest to divert 3 million tons of paper, other recyclable materials and waste-to-clean energy materials from the landfill each year.”
To better explain what it means to harvest the urban forest and why it is important for Pratt, our customers and their end-users, we spoke with two leaders and experts on sustainability, material recovery and recycling.
Between Cathy Foley and Shawn State, there are 50 plus years of experience and accumulated knowledge on recycling and sustainable initiatives for the paper and packaging industry. Foley has served as the Executive Vice President, Industry Relations & Supply Chain for Pratt since 2016, but she previously spent more than 20 years at the American Forest and Paper Association, including as Group Vice President. She was also elected to serve as the Chairman of the Fibre Box Association from 2020-2021.
Shawn State, President of Pratt Recycling since 2019, joined the company in 2001 and became a National Operations Manager for the recycling division in 2008. Prior to joining Pratt, Shawn held several positions in the corrugated packaging industry.
Defining the Urban Forest
“The urban forest is the used materials we are able to recover that go into making new products, specifically new paper and packaging,” says Foley.
When Pratt collects recyclables, a process known as material recovery, material is diverted from going into landfills to instead be used for producing new products.
more at source: https://innovations.prattindustries.com/harvesting-the-urban-forest