Resolute Forest Products: Pushing Back Against Progressive Bullies

Today marks Global Recycling Day, which recognizes the importance recycling plays in protecting the planet and brings the world together to prioritize sustainability. Led by the Global Recycling Foundation, the annual milestone implores the public to see opportunity rather than waste and to be thoughtful about what we throw away. This mission aligns with our own goals and responsibilities as a major manufacturer of metal packaging—a primary product that is infinitely recyclable and supports a sustainable supply chain. Within our Twentyby30 sustainability program, our approach to recycling is twofold: We are working to raise consumer and industry recycling rates in our major markets, and alongside those efforts, are aiming to improve the recycled content averages across our products. These efforts recognize that metal packaging carries tremendous recycling power—a recycled beverage can, for example, returns to a store shelf in as few as 60 days—and contributes to the circular economy. In addition, the lifespan of aluminum beverage cans in particular is considered cyclical because when made with recycled material, their production reduces greenhouse gas emissions by about 90% when compared to cans made from primary materials With the knowledge that recycling 100% of aluminum cans could power four million homes for a full year, the value of this manufacturing efficiency becomes even clearer.

The mandate has been designed to address the growing crisis in water and sanitation in many parts of the world by implementing a range of strategies and policies. Through the initiative, Smurfit Kappa will be collaborating with global brands including ABInBev, Danone, Heineken and Unilever to identify, explore and solve water challenges. Smurfit Kappa has long been committed to sustainable water practices and recently reached an ambitious water quality target three years early when it reduced the chemical oxygen demand in its water discharge. The packaging leader has also invested over €60 million in sustainable water treatment technology implementing processes that use less energy. One such treatment transforms water pollutants into biogas which is then reused as fuel in the company’s combined heat and power plants.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) is pleased to announce that 139 printers have certified to the SFI Chain-of-Custody Standard. This is the largest SFI group certification of any industry to the standard. The group includes printers from coast to coast in major cities and markets in the U.S. This certification allows a greater number of printers to be able to use the SFI on-product label. SFI on‑product labels help customers and consumers make sustainable choices. The regional affiliated organizations led the group certification through its Regional Affiliate Certificate Group (RACG) program.