Industry Explainer

Before an EPR program is considered, states need to do a needs assessment. These studies help states better understand the current state of their waste and recycling system.

We explain Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs, the role of the paper industry in EPR, our industry's investment to improve paper recycling and our recommendations for EPR programs. 

We answered common questions about toilet paper and paper towels and explained why they are a responsible choice.

We support what the EU is trying to achieve with their anti-deforestation law. The U.S. pulp and paper industry is not linked to global deforestation and forest degradation. However, EUDR imposes some unachievable requirements that create significant technical barriers, which risks trade.

Minnesota lawmakers are rushing to implement the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act. We support and encourage Minnesota lawmakers to complete a needs assessment before considering an EPR program. This would help them reach their goals to improve their recycling system.

The paper and wood products industry is part of a circular value chain that prides itself on sustainable practices. One of the ways we’re doing that is through the production of renewable biomass energy. Then we use that biomass energy to fuel our mills so we don’t have to use as much fossil fuels…

EPA is proposing an update to their National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter, PM2.5. However, their proposal threatens manufacturing industries, including the paper industry. Lowering the standard would threaten or prevent modernization projects and other major…

Procter & Gamble’s Senior Vice President, Product Supply-Family Care, Regina Gray highlights how diversity in skills and in employees can help elevate companies in the paper and wood products industry.

A diverse workforce helps advance new perspectives to an ever-changing industry. Christian Fischer, President and CEO at Georgia-Pacific and chair of AF&PA Board of Directors explains why he believes every person has a role to play in advancing stewardship.

Some recent news reports have suggested a shortage of paper availability for paper ballots in advance of upcoming elections. We sat down with Terry Webber, AF&PA’s Vice President of Industry Affairs, to answer a few commonly asked questions about this important topic.

The findings presented in the 2021 AF&PA Access to Recycling Study show us that community recycling programs for paper and paper-based packaging are well-developed and widely accessible. This is good news when so many individuals are looking to make a difference on…

As we look ahead to 2022, there are potentially other states and jurisdictions that will consider EPR approaches that could have negative consequences for the paper and wood products industry.