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AF&PA Celebrates 60th Anniversary of National Forest Products Week

CONTACT: Tim Ebner

(202) 463-2436, comm@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON — American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement recognizing the 60th anniversary of National Forest Products Week (October 18 – 24):

“This week, during National Forest Products Week, we celebrate the undeniable value of the 950,000 people who work in the forest products industry – working safely to make essential products.

“From tissue and paper towels, to packaging around the goods you ordered online, to the cups holding your coffee, paper and wood products contribute to our everyday lives. And, demand for these products encourages forest landowners to grow and replant trees, keeping forests as forests.

“The forest products industry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in America, accounting for roughly four percent of U.S. manufacturing GDP and employs people in rural and urban communities across 45 states. Dedicated employees form the foundation of our industry, and because of them, we are leading on one of the most comprehensive sets of quantifiable sustainability goals of any U.S. manufacturing industry – our Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 initiative. The contributions of individuals have helped our industry reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water use, improve energy efficiency, increase paper recycling, and advance workplace safety and sustainable forestry. 

“National Forest Products Week provides a welcome stage to celebrate and share the compelling story behind our people, and spotlight how their work makes a difference for our planet.”

For more information about AF&PA and the products our member companies make, visit afandpa.org. Follow us at @ForestandPaper and join the conversation with #ForestProductsWeek for real-time news on National Forest Products Week. And this year, AF&PA turned to an inquisitive group of kids to help answer their questions.

Watch and share these YouTube videos on forestry and forest products:

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