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Continuous Lessons in the Paper and Wood Products Industry

As humans, our brains continue to learn and gather new information each day. With a world of many possibilities, the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge is endless. 

Stacy Brault, Corporate Environmental Engineer for Green Bay Packaging, values continuous learning and the opportunity to try something new, especially when it benefits the environment. 

“When an opportunity arose for a career move into a new sector, I welcomed the new opportunity. I am excited to be a part of the paper and wood products industry because there is a continuous desire to advance sustainable practices that benefit the economy, the environment and society,” she said. 

Brault hopes that one day, information about the paper and wood products industry will be taught in schools. 

“Increasing exposure to elementary-age students will help take advantage of their natural curiosity and inquisitiveness. By raising awareness of the industry’s various career opportunities, we can spark interest and foster learning development to meet the industry’s needs,” she said. 

Brault’s own curiosity and inspiration were sparked by American marine biologist Rachel Carson. She credits Carson’s book Silent Spring for shining a spotlight on environmental stewardship. 

“I find it inspiring that one woman could create such an intense debate over the environment, which launched a global movement that continues to influence. Keeping in mind the times in which she lived, Carson’s ability to breakthrough barriers and overcome challenges exemplified the extraordinary leadership and determination that women can have,” she said. 

As a corporate environmental engineer, Brault’s job involves using scientific knowledge, regulatory requirements and technical expertise to find creative solutions to advance environmental and sustainability programs. Creating these sustainability programs has also shed light on what Brault herself wishes she could teach others about the industry. 

“There is a strong commitment to investing in the future of forests. I wish everyone knew about the industry’s unprecedented steps to promote and implement sustainable forest management best practices. This commitment extends beyond the forests, through the entire papermaking process,” she said.

As for commitment to continuous learning, Brault gives the advice of continuing to explore and stay curious. 

“You will not know what your true passions are if you never experienced them,” she said.

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