AF&PA Statement on Proposed National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Kraft Pulp Mills

As US states embrace extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, brand owners can proactively design or redesign packaging to come out ahead — and win over eco-minded consumers in the process. In states like Maine and Oregon, new laws are being introduced to bolster municipal recycling initiatives. Dubbed Extended Producer Responsibility Programs (EPRs), the policies aim to reduce the volume and toxicity and increase the recycling of packaging material. EPR programs will also take the cost of recycling off of taxpayers and put them onto manufacturers by taxing them based on the recyclability of their materials. These laws have the potential to create real change two-fold: One, by offering fundamentally expensive municipal recycling programs a lending hand with operating costs, while simultaneously encouraging consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to reduce their carbon footprint. Given many recycling programs across the country have been suspended due to collection costs and inefficiencies, it’s not surprising that many other states are considering similar regulation.

On 1 February, Södra will launch a new package of forestry services. The new services will facilitate forest ownership and present opportunities to improve the profitability of members' forest estates. The new package includes a financial advisory service and improved digital services. The new package will be launched on 1 February and includes an advisory service to facilitate ownership transfers, as well as cash flow analysis and property valuation services. The forest estate agreement is a new service for forest owners who seek secure, profitable and professional management for their entire estate. "This is a comprehensive package of services, designed to meet the needs of Södra's members. The requirements of forest owners - as well as technological solutions - change over time, and these new services represent a major step forward toward a new and improved member offering. The aim is to make active and profitable forestry easier," says Håkan Larsson, President of the Södra Skog business area.

Are you guilty of wishcycling? Also known as aspirational recycling, wishcycling happens when you put something into the recycling bin without checking whether it’s actually recyclable. We get it! You don’t want to add more waste to the planet, so you toss your item in the recycling bin, hoping it’ll get recycled. Worst-case scenario: If you made a mistake, the recycling facility will be able to fix it. Right? The answer is no. Although people have the best of intentions, wishcycling is one of the biggest issues waste management faces today. This video from the American Forest and Paper Association explains wishcycling. Click Read More below for additional information.