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Spotlight in Brief: 2020 Sustainability Award Winner for Sustainable Forest Management

Leadership in Sustainability Award: Sustainable Forest Management

Member Spotlight: Evergreen Packaging

A healthy paper and wood products industry is complementary to and promotes healthy forests, which is why it’s a vital part of our Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability initiative. 

AF&PA member Evergreen Packaging was recently recognized for their leadership in sustainable forest management and work to help family forest landowners increase access to forest certification programs.   

Partnering with the American Forest Foundation, Evergreen Packaging supported the development of a Landscape Management Plan (LMP) for the state of South Carolina, which incorporates a high-level, holistic approach to forest management. LMP incorporates regional priorities such as wildlife habitat, species biodiversity and clean water supply – all components of responsible forest management. By adopting the LMP, landowners can reduce costs and expedite American Tree Farm Systems® certification for their family forest. 

Along with developing LMP’s, Evergreen Packaging is a founding member of the Appalachian Woodlands Alliance and has been instrumental in helping develop the Smallholder Access Program, a two-year Forest Stewardship Council® pilot program targeted to southern and central Appalachia woodland owners under 250 acres.

Both programs are reducing barriers and increasing access for small landowners to participate in forest certification programs and ultimately increase sustainable forest management practices in the United States.

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