The AF&PA, Washington, D.C., USA, this week released its 2016 Sustainability Report, showcasing the U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, and wood products manufacturing industry's commitment to sustainability across the value chain, including progress toward achieving the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals.

A detailed overview of the industry's progress, including the full report, a video of highlights, and other materials, is available online.

"We are proud to represent companies that are committed to advancing their sustainability performance," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. "Their efforts led to the early achievement of the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 goals to improve safety and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Mark Kowlzan, chairman and CEO of Packaging Corp. of American and chairman of the AF&PA Board of Directors, noted that "Sustainable manufacturing processes enable our industry to produce essential products that are widely used every day, while ensuring that the renewable resources used to make them will be plentiful for future generations." 

2016 AF&PA Sustainability Report highlights include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions from AF&PA member facilities were reduced by 16%, surpassing the 15% reduction goal ahead of schedule. 
• The safety incidence rate was improved by 40.8%, surpassing the 25% improvement goal. The industry's vision remains one of zero workplace injuries. 
• Over 63% of paper consumed in the U.S. has been recovered for recycling for each of the past seven years, reaching a record 66.8% in 2015. 
• Pulp and paper mills self-generate, on average, about two-thirds of their energy needs from biomass and renewable fuels. 
• The paper and wood products manufacturing industry uses combined heat and power technology to generate 97.6% of the electricity it produces on site. 
• Water used by mills for production of paper and wood products is reused 10 times, on average.