Cardboard boxes — corrugated packaging, in industry speak — are the most widely-recycled packaging material in the nation. In 2017, nearly 90 percent of cardboard boxes used in the U.S. were recovered for recycling. Most cardboard boxes are used for shipments of consumer products to retailers. Many of these large stores – think Walmart, Target, supermarket chains and shopping malls – have machines onsite to turn the unpacked cardboard boxes into neat bales of broken down, flat cardboard that are then sold to paper recyclers. It’s an efficient process that delivers optimum quality material to make new cardboard boxes. The rise of e-commerce has many people turning to the internet for their shopping, leading to a lot of cardboard boxes being delivered directly to consumers’ homes instead of retailers. The recovery rate of cardboard boxes from households varies, but tends to be lower than the rate from retail stores. Click read more below for additional detail.

When you’re wrapped up in the excitement of Christmas, keeping sustainability in mind can be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together these handy guidelines to illustrate just how simple it can be to have a green Christmas! https://www.dssmith.com/recycling/insights/blogs/2018/11/christmas-recycling

Forest Stewardship Council announced its 2018 FSC Leadership Awards in a celebration to be held in conjunction with the Greenbuild Conference. Recognizing enduring commitments to forest conservation, the Awards highlight the people and companies whose work demonstrates uncommon excellence in the field of responsible forest management. “FSC received an unusually large number of Awards submissions this year, which indicates the high level of enthusiasm, passion, and progress that powers FSC’s growth today,” said Corey Brinkema, president of the Forest Stewardship Council U.S. “This year’s winners demonstrate that we can in fact conserve forests even as we use forest products in our businesses and our daily lives,” he added. Click read more below for additional detail.

Earlier this year, Starbucks sent 18 truckloads of old paper cups to a paper mill in Wisconsin to prove a point: Contrary to a widespread myth, paper coffee cups can be recycled cost-effectively. The cups–25 million in total, from excess inventory that the coffee chain otherwise would have sent to landfill–were processed at the mill. Then the recycled fiber was sent to another partner to be incorporated into paperboard for new Starbucks cups. The pilot project was a way to “demonstrate that a coffee cup can be turned back into a coffee cup,” says Jay Hunsberger, VP of sales for North America from Sustana, the mill that recycled the old cups. At the mill, the cups were mixed with water and ground into a pulp with a seven-foot-tall corkscrew to begin to separate the plastic lining that helps keep coffee cups from getting soggy. The fibers were screened and washed to finish the separation, then made into sheets and sent to WestRock, a packaging company, to be made into paperboard. At a third company, Seda, the board was printed with the Starbucks logo and shaped into new cups. Click read more below for additional detail.

UPM has published a new biodiversity commitment, which is one of the company's responsibility targets for 2030. The new commitment and programme will be presented today at the Conference of the Parties (COP14) of the United Nations' Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The aim of the commitment is to continuously improve the diversity of UPM's own forests in Finland. The company owns 570,000 hectares of forest, and managing these forests sustainably is essential to ensure the supply of wood. UPM's own forests are strategically significant for wood supply, forest research, development of industry's best practices and training of employees. Improving biodiversity is part of the company's sustainable forest management. This protects water resources, promotes multiple use of forests and ensures the growth of forests that act as carbon sinks to mitigate climate change. Click read more below for additional detail.

South Africa has become the latest country to achieve PEFC endorsement of its national forest certification system, which is great news for the country’s many small-forest owners. “We are excited and energized to receive PEFC endorsement of our national system,” said Craig Norris, Chairman of the South African Forestry Assurance Scheme (SAFAS). “We have been working for five years to find solutions that will make forest certification accessible to the many smaller scale forestry operations within our country.” Click read more below for additional detail.

The annual Green Apple Awards, which recognise, reward, and promote environmental best practice around the world, saw Nicholas Power, Head of Key Accounts and Supplier Management at DS Smith Recycling, collect the award on 12th of November 2018 at a carbon-neutral ceremony in the Houses of Parliament. DS Smith won the award due to its long-standing partnership with Tesco, which has seen the national retailer divert 100% of its residual waste from landfill. The company was also recognised for its wide range of innovative projects, including logistics excellence, having helped Tesco to double the amount of waste carried in one load, which has halved the number of trips required for transporting waste streams. “We’re pleased to have received this award for environmental best practice, which highlights the dedication of teams across Tesco and DS Smith in allowing this partnership to achieve its full potential. Click read more below for additional detail.

The US shopping phenomenon is now part of the British retail calendar. So how can we ensure that Black Friday doesn’t negatively impact on recycling systems, and ensure that the packaging that protects all those goods that we buy does actually get recycled? Tom Campbell-White, European Strategic Development Director at DS Smith Recycling, explains. Since landing on our shores in 2010, Black Friday, and its younger sibling Cyber Monday, have led to a sharp spike in purchases made both online and instore over the third weekend in November, leading to the weekend being known as the “holiday shopping weekend”. According to research by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), three-quarters of retailers offered some form of promotion last year, and sales online far exceeded those on the high street. Research from November 2017 showed that 72% of people shopped on their computers or their phones,1 but this year, e-commerce sales are expected to be even higher – 98% of Black Friday shoppers in the UK are planning to shop online.2 Click read more below for additional detail.

PEFC invites stakeholders around the world to comment on the revised national forest certification system of Luxembourg, following its submission to PEFC for re-endorsement. To give your feedback, head to our Online Consultation Tool. PEFC Luxembourg joined the PEFC alliance back in 2002 and first achieved endorsement of its system in 2005. The national system was re-endorsed in both 2010 and 2014, and there are now over 35,000 hectares of PEFC-certified forest area in the country. We need your comments! The deadline is 14 January 2019. Click read more below for additional detail.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) is pleased to announce the election of four new members to its board of directors: Lillian “Ebonie” Alexander, Executive Director, Black Family Land Trust; Kevin Edgson, President and CEO, EACOM Timber Corporation; Brent Keefer, President, Hancock Timber Resource Group; and Dan Lambe, President, Arbor Day Foundation. These new board members will not only advance SFI’s work within its four pillars – standards, conservation, education, and community – but will strengthen the intersections between them. “These four board members join us at a critical juncture given SFI’s current work to set our strategic direction for the next five years. I’m looking forward to working closely with each of them and am confident that their diverse experience and leadership skills will bring fresh perspective to SFI’s future plans,” said Mark Rodgers, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada and Chair of the SFI Board of Directors. “The diversity and independence of our board is one of SFI’s defining characteristics and a foundation for our success. Each board member brings a range of impressive talents and skills to the table and I’m eager to see us all working together on behalf of sustainable forests,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI Inc. Click read more below for additional detail.

Midland Paper Packaging & Supplies today announced that Bill Rojack, Vice President, has been elected to the Two Sides North America Board of Directors. Two Sides is a global independent non-profit organization created to promote sustainability as well as the responsible production and use of print and paper. An initiative by companies from the Graphic Communications Industry (including forestry, pulp, paper, finishing, publishing, printing, envelopes, and postal operators), Two Sides’ goal is to dispel common environmental misconceptions by providing users with verifiable information on why Print and Paper is an attractive, practical and sustainable communication medium. Midland Paper has supported Two Sides in their important work since Two Sides NA established its North American presence in 2011. Says Rojack, “I’m excited to take a leadership role in an organization I consider critical to the forest products industry. Two Sides NA doesn’t just promote the importance of print and paper, it advocates for truth and clarity vs. mis-messaged environmental claims and greenwashing. Click read more below for additional detail.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman commended the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for organizing the America Recycles Day Recycling Summit. On Thursday afternoon, she will join industry executives in addressing the EPA headquarter-based summit and in signing an EPA pledge to help identify solutions to issues facing the U.S. recycling system. “Our industry shares concerns over the challenges facing the U.S. recycling system. Recovered paper markets are complex, dynamic and efficient, yet the paper and paper-packaging industry continues to innovate and adapt to market demands to drive future success. Moreover, paper, by weight, is the most recycled material from municipal solid waste streams in the United States today, and we have met or exceeded a 63 percent recovery rate for paper and paper-based packaging for each of the last nine years. Click read more below for additional detail.

“What is the value PEFC as a sustainability organisation can deliver – beyond certification?” asked Ben Gunneberg, PEFC International CEO and Secretary General, during his reflections at the 23rd PEFC General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. “Currently, around 10% of forests are certified globally, and our current approach is certainly suitable to more than double this number, but we now need to start addressing the needs of the remaining 80% of global forestry to ensure it too becomes sustainable and is key in addressing societal challenges such as climate change.” “Sustainable forest management is goes beyond safeguarding forest as an ecosystem. It is also about securing sustainable livelihoods for the hundreds of millions of people living, working and depending on forests. It is also about rural communities, about indigenous people, about small, family run enterprises, providing countless jobs far away from cities. “It is about all of us truly valuing the numerous benefits forests provide us with.” Click read more below for additional detail.

As the PEFC alliance grows, we continue to work together as a global team, collaborating and supporting each other: moving forward together – and 2018 has been a great example of this. From increasing access to PEFC certification for smallholders through Trees outside Forests, to collaborating with the fashion industry to promote the use of innovative forest-based fibres, we are unlocking new opportunities for certification. We are driving innovation through projects and partnerships worldwide, not forgetting vital outreach with key sectors such as the architect and construction community and awareness raising with consumers through our photo contest. Click read more below for additional detail.

At the annual meeting of Two Sides’ Country Managers in London on November 5th 2018, representatives from Australia, Europe, New Zealand, North America, South America and South Africa determined to continue efforts to stop organizations from making misleading, anti-print and paper claims in their customer communications. Since its inception, Two Sides’ anti-greenwash campaign has investigated 921 organizations worldwide. Of these, over two-thirds were found to be using unsubstantiated claims regarding paper’s impact on the environment, usually in breach of local advertising regulations. After being challenged by Two Sides, a total of 335 organizations have now removed or changed their messaging. In a joint statement, Two Sides’ Country Managers stated: “We are thrilled to be able to report the latest global anti-greenwash results. The Anti-Greenwash campaign is such an important initiative because without Two Sides’ intervention there would be no other body holding these organizations to account. But despite the success of the campaign, as well as clear rules on unsubstantiated environmental claims, greenwash tactics are still commonplace. Everyday, new claims are brought to the attention of Two Sides, from some of the world’s largest companies telling tens-of-millions of their customers that paper is bad for the environment.” Click read more below for additional detail.

November is a great month to renew your commitment to reduce, reuse, recycle, and buy recycled! Did you know the national recycling rate has increased over the past 30 years to its current rate of 34%? The paper recycling rate is even higher! In 2017, 65.8 percent of the paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered for recycling. This is double the annual paper recovery rate since 1990. To read more about this incredible paper recycling success story, visit PaperRecycles.org. In an effort to increase recycling across the country, Keep America Beautiful started the initiative, America Recycles Day, to encourage organized events that reduce total waste produced and maximize landfill diversion. It is the only nationally-recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. In celebration and recognition of the day, we encourage everyone to take the #berecycled pledge. Click read more below for additional detail.

American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance to modernize ambient air policy under the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) program. EPA released a draft memo with the updated guidelines for receptor placement. “Applying decades-old ambient air policy under the NAAQS implementation program, represents an unrealistic ‘once-size-fits-all’ modeling approach. Paper and wood products manufacturers welcome EPA’s recognition that times and technology have changed by taking action to modernize ambient air policy. “By clarifying where the public is truly exposed, EPA eliminates many hypothetical modeling scenarios that can bog down projects unnecessarily. For example, assessments have been done for areas inside property boundaries where the public does not have legal access. Using receptor locations where the general public has legitimate and realistic access makes scientific and common sense. This action takes a long-overdue first step toward ensuring real-world air quality modeling is used to determine any air quality impacts from a project.”

Auditors from Bulgaria and surrounding countries are invited to join our PEFC Chain of Custody auditor training. The training takes place in Sofia, Bulgaria from 27-28 November 2018, and is specifically suited for both existing and future auditors, but interested consultants and companies are welcomed too. The training will take place at the Forest Institute at the BAS, Sofia, 132 "Kl.Ohridski" Blvd. The cost for the two-day training is CHF 500 per person. The training will be in English, with simultaneous interpretation in Bulgarian language provided. You will receive a certificate of attendance after successful completion of the course. With this certificate you can demonstrate compliance with the PEFC training requirements. Click read more below for additional detail.

UPM celebrates its 20th anniversary in China with a ceremony at the national booth of Finland at the China International Import EXPO (CIIE) together with government officials from Finland and China, business partners and customers. During the ceremony, Jussi Pesonen, President and CEO of UPM and Bernd Eikens, Executive Vice President of UPM Specialty Papers shared UPM's continued commitment and vision for the Chinese market. In the past 20 years, UPM has invested more than USD 2 billion in China, which is the single largest investment from Finland. UPM's environmental investments amount to USD 80 million. "UPM has witnessed the development of China's economy; which provides great potential for all of us," says Jussi Pesonen. "Today, we can proudly say that China plays an increasingly strategic role in UPM's global development. As China continues its transformation towards a green economy, we provide the most innovative and responsible forest-based solutions that support sustainable development." Click read more below for additional detail.

Smallholders are vital to the concept of meaningful sustainable commodity production. They are not only significant producers of wood-based and agricultural products, but they rely on forest and farm land for their livelihoods,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International, speaking yesterday at Innovations Forum’s Sustainable Landscape Conference 2018. “If we fail to integrate them meaningfully into global supply chains, we fail in promoting sustainability in general and more specifically, the sustainable livelihoods of hundreds of million rural based families.” Addressing the unique needs of smallholders - which differ from country to country, from community to community, from sector to sector – requires bottom-up processes. Processes that ensure smallholders are an integral part of the conversation on establishing and securing the future of sustainable supply chains. “One size doesn’t fit all,” Mr Gunneberg emphasized. Click read more below for additional detail.

imberly-Clark Corporation has been recognized with two prominent awards for its efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. The company received the 2018 Responsible Business Award for Climate Action from Ethical Corporation, and earned its sixth consecutive SmartWay® Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for leadership in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency. Kimberly-Clark won top honors for its global Energy & Climate program at the 9th annual Ethical Corporation Responsible Business Awards. The Climate Action Award recognized the company's innovative strategies to reduce the climate impacts of its operations through energy conservation, transformative LEAN energy management programs and the increased use of alternative energy sources including renewable energy. Click read more below for additional detail.

Join us at a special event in Singapore, 29 November, as we bring together two case studies to get regional actors collaborating. In a call for action, we will discuss new and emerging technologies to be utilized in sustainable forest management and responsible trade. The following organizations will highlight their commitment to sustainable forest management and responsible trade: PEFC International: We will share our experiences in helping stakeholders to develop systems in the region, especially for smallholders. Represented by: Richard Laity, Southeast Asia Development Officer. Trimble Forestry: Leading technology provider for integrated forestry solutions will be discussing the importance of forestry technology in Southeast Asia as well as providing live demos of their products. Represented by: Jani Kaskinen, Managing Director and Andrew Zhu, APAC Sales Manager. Double Helix: Innovation and technology in verification systems; scientific testing - DNA and Isotope analysis and document verification system at a consignment level. Represented by : Darren Thomas, CEO. Rumble Tools: Leveraging on the use of drones for assessment, monitoring and fighting fires. Represented by: Matti Naakka, Director, Naaka Enterprises. Click read more below for additional detail.

American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the joint Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy letter to Congress on biomass carbon neutrality. “We are encouraged that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy and the United States Department of Agriculture are committed to taking action on the Congressional directive to produce clear, science-based policies that reflect the carbon neutrality of biomass and recognize it as a renewable energy source. More than seven years of policy uncertainty in this area jeopardizes our companies’ ability to invest in biomass and build and upgrade their facilities. Removing that barrier clears the way for future economic growth and job creation and helps ensure the U.S. is in step with global competitors. That’s a winning combination for everyone.” Click read more below for additional detail.

“We are ready and prepared to assist our country in achieving its objective to become the world leader in certified tropical timber,” said Rose Ondo, President of PAFC Gabon. "We share this ambition, which will increase the competitiveness of Gabonese forest products while at the same time safeguarding our unique forest ecosystem and improving the life of people and communities who depend on forests for their livelihoods." PAFC Gabon, as a grassroots organization that is governed and administered by local stakeholders, is well positioned to support its government’s goal of dramatically increasing both the uptake of certification and the expansion of sustainable forest management in the country. Click read more below for additional detail.