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Spotlight in Brief: 2020 Sustainability Award Winner for Energy Efficiency / Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Member Spotlight: Resolute Forest Products

The paper and wood products industry was among the first U.S. manufacturing sectors to take voluntary action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As part of the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 goals initiative, in 2018, AF&PA members reduced GHG emissions — measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) per ton of product — by 23.2 percent from the 2005 baseline.

In 2011, AF&PA member Resolute set one of the industry’s most ambitious GHG emission commitments – to reduce absolute GHG emissions to 65 percent of 2000 levels by 2015.

By the end of 2019, the company reported an impressive 82 percent reduction in absolute GHG emissions compared to 2000 levels. Modernization of Resolute’s Coosa Pines, Alabama mill was a major contributor to this achievement.

Resolute invested $4 million to upgrade the mill’s cogeneration turbine, and within the first full year of operation, the mill recorded a 65 percent reduction in purchased energy.

Resolute’s work to reduce GHG emissions highlights the continuous work the paper and wood products industry is making when it comes to sustainable practices.

Learn more about AF&PA’s sustainability initiative.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper