2022 AF&PA Sustainability Award Winners
LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY — SAFETY
WestRock
Failing Safe: Shredder Cover
The facility maintenance team at WestRock developed and installed an independent hydraulic system to cover the hogger/shredder that is used to cut down sheets of cardboard. The innovation improves ergonomics for the hogger operator and significantly reduces the risk of serious injury. This project has industry-wide value and can be installed at any corrugated box plant.
LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY — WATER STEWARDSHIP
Green Bay Packaging
Net-Zero Water Use at Green Bay Mill
Green Bay Packaging’s Green Bay Mill is the first-ever in the world to obtain third-party validation through UL Solutions for net-zero water use. This mill’s circular water system is a model water system driving next-generation water management. Returning more water than they draw out, Green Bay Packaging is helping to advance water resilience for the Fox River and surrounding community.
LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY — CIRCULAR VALUE CHAIN
WestRock
Sustainable Ready Meals: Turnkey Solution
WestRock is advancing the circular value chain with their new innovation, Sustainable Ready Meals: Turn Key Solution. WestRock teams across the globe, in three locations, collaborated to develop a paper packaging system for the readymade food industry. Sustainable Ready Meals uses recyclable fiber-based wrap and shelve-ready case pack, resulting in a 90% reduction in plastic per food bowl.
INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABILITY
Georgia-Pacific
Juno Technology
Georgia-Pacific's Juno Waste Diversion Technology captures recyclable material previously destined for landfill or incineration because of coatings or food contamination. Up to 90% of what is processed through Juno can now be diverted from landfills, recycled and made into new paper products.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
International Paper
Fighting Period Poverty in Our Communities
International Paper received AF&PA's first sustainability award in the category Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for their project "Fighting Period Poverty in Our Communities." In 2021, 13 International Paper facilities hosted volunteer packing events with employees, providing almost 5,000 period care kits in their communities. This year, more than 45 facilities participated distributing more than 25,000 kits across the U.S. and globally. International Paper partnered with Procter & Gamble's Always brand this spring to raise awareness for period poverty, providing period care kits to women and girls around the globe.