AF&PA Highlights U.S. Postal Service Response to Questions about the Safety of Receiving Packaging and Mail
CONTACT: Lindsay Murphy / Tim Ebner
(202) 463-2587, comm@afandpa.org
WASHINGTON – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock today highlighted statements from the United States Postal Service (USPS) in response to questions about the safety of receiving packaging and mail:
“American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) members take safety very seriously, and our industry diligently continues to manufacture products to help customers address current challenges related to COVID-19.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have provided guidance indicating there is no evidence COVID-19 is spreading through the mail, and WHO has further stated that the risk of catching the virus from a package that has been moved, traveled and exposed to different conditions and temperatures is low.
“Paper products play an important role in facilitating product safety, enhancing hygiene and responding to COVID-19 challenges. Our industry remains committed to meeting the needs of its customers and the public, particularly in this dynamic environment.”
Additional background:
Paper and wood products are essential components of modern life. They are made from a renewable resource (trees) and encompass a wide range of products that facilitate education, communications, hygiene, food storage, product protection and provide shelter and homes. For example:
- Packaging and wrapping facilitate the safety of food, products, and commerce;
- Products like paper towels, bathroom tissue, hand towels, paper handkerchiefs, napkins, paper cups, and paper plates – among others – enhance hygiene; and
- Biocidal sanitary wipes and protective face masks reduce exposure.
For more information, visit www.afandpa.org.