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DENTON, TX, April 21, 2021 (Press Release) -As recycling stakeholders work to educate and encourage more consumers to recycle this Earth Day and every day, new research reveals that consumers don't necessarily understand some of the language commonly used. For example, while the term "circular economy" has become mainstream in recent years among those in sustainability and recycling circles, 62% of consumers say they are not familiar with it, according to the new research released by the Carton Council of North America.
While the majority of the respondents were not familiar with the term "circular economy," they did overwhelmingly agree (70%) that knowing what products are created from the materials they recycle inspires them to recycle more.
"The research has revealed that while we can't let up on educating the public to recycle, we also don't need to overthink it, "said Carla Fantoni, vice president of communications for the Carton Council. "This tells us to show consumers the tangible benefits of recycling, highlighting why materials should be recycled and what they can be turned into."
The national survey, which polled more than 7,600 consumers, also reinforces the important role product packaging plays as well as community websites. According to the research, the two most influential places for consumers to determine recyclability are the packaging (55%) and their city or community website (46%). Community websites have become increasingly important in the eyes of consumers as only 28% cited them as a top place in previous research conducted in 2017.
Additionally, consumers said if they noticed a product's package did not have a recycling symbol or language indicating it was recyclable, 74% would assume it was not recyclable, reinforcing the need for better recycling information on packages.
"For companies and brands that package products in food and beverage cartons, I encourage them to ensure their packaging is up to date and shows the recycling logo," added Fantoni. "And for everyone involved in communicating about carton recycling, the Carton Council has resources available to help educate including, images and content."
Findings from the research are based on a survey of 7,627 interviews conducted by the Logit Group. The survey included a nationally representative sample of Americans who reported access to curbside recycling programs in their area. Recruitment was conducted for those in each state with 30% or greater access to curbside carton recycling. Responses were collected online in December 2020.
ABOUT THE CARTON COUNCIL
The Carton Council is composed of four leading carton manufacturers, Elopak, Evergreen Packaging, SIG Combibloc, and Tetra Pak. Formed in 2009, the Carton Council works to deliver long-term collaborative solutions in order to divert valuable cartons from the landfill. Through a united effort, the Carton Council is committed to building a sustainable infrastructure for carton recycling nationwide and works toward their continual goal of adding access to carton recycling throughout the U.S.
Carton Council's new research reveals consumers don't speak same language as recycling and packaging industries
Posted in: Environment 04/21/2021 - 12:56
ASHEVILLE, NC, Feb. 3, 2021 (Local News) -At its Haywood County headwaters, the Pigeon River is just what the words "mountain stream" call to mind: cool, clear waters teeming with aquatic life.
But roughly 40 miles downstream — after some of that water flows through the Evergreen Packaging paper mill in Canton — it's a different story. Just across the Tennessee border, the water is the color of sweet tea, saysDeborah Bahr, director of the environmental advocacy group Clean Water Expected in East Tennessee. More often than not, she adds, the water looks foamy and has a chemical smell that sticks in the back of the throat, "almost like you can taste it."
Canton's paper mill, long a source of local environmental concern, is back in the spotlight as advocacy groups and state agencies debate changes to the facility's wastewater discharge permits, which are on track for renewal later this year. At the request of Tennessee state environmental officials, an online public hearing to review the draft permit, originally scheduled for Jan. 20, was pushed back to mid-April.
Mountain Xpress - Canton's paper mill seeks new wastewater permit; activists disagree
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Evergreen Packaging's Canton, NC, paper mill seeks new wastewater permit; activists disagree
MEMPHIS, TN, Jan. 8, 2021 (PRNewswire) -Evergreen Packaging, a global leader in fiber-based packaging solutions, together with KidsGardening, a national nonprofit creating opportunities for kids to garden, today announced the winners of the 2020 Carton 2 Garden contest. The contest promotes life skills such as creativity, leadership and teamwork by inviting students to work together to build or enhance their school gardens with repurposed milk and juice cartons. Prizes valued at $23,000 are being awarded to 15 schools around the country for their carton garden creations.
The winner categories include a $5,000 grand prize, four $2,000 specialty prizes, and ten $1,000 grade level prizes. The four specialty prize winners are awarded for efforts in these categories: STEM, best incorporation of science, technology, engineering and math learning in their project; Environmental Stewardship, the best demonstration of sustainable practices and environmental awareness in their garden creation; Health and Nutrition Education, the best incorporation of lessons on healthy eating and lifestyle behaviors in their project; and Carton Art in the Garden, the best display of garden-inspired carton art in a garden creation.
The Carton 2 Garden student competitions started in 2015. Participants have come from 46 different states. Since its launch, nearly 1,000 project entries have been judged and more than 76,000 students have participated. The result is that nearly 392,000 cartons have been repurposed.
"This year, like each of the five prior years, the students across the country demonstrated remarkable levels of creativity and thinking for their projects," said Katie Simmons, marketing director for Evergreen Packaging. "Whether they are kindergarten students working on perhaps their first group projects as students or high school students with years of project experience, they each embrace the ideas of eco-friendly packaging and practices, and the impact on their environment. These children and young adults are role models for environmental stewardship in their communities, neighborhoods and schools."
The grand prize and specialty prize winners of the contest are as follows:
Grand Prize Winner – Thomaston Grammar School (Thomaston, ME): To watch a video of the project,
STEM Winner – New Mountain Hill Elementary (Fortson, GA): To watch a video of this project, called "The Hive," click here.
Environmental Stewardship Award Winner – Lucy T. Davis Elementary School (Florence, SC): To watch a video of this project, called "The Buzz about Bees,"
Health and Nutrition Education Winner – Virgil Mills Elementary (Ellenton, FL): To watch a video of the project,
Carton Art in the Garden Winner – Dunham Elementary School (Petaluma, CA): To watch a video of this project, called "Pollinator Power,"
Each entry is judged on specific criteria, including creativity, incorporation of sustainable materials and visual representation. Classroom groups were required to repurpose at least 100 cartons of any size in their creation, including cartons from the school cafeteria or from home. All entries were judged by the education specialists at KidsGardening.
"The truth is, it was a difficult year for teachers and students alike and we weren't sure whether many schools would be able to participate in this contest," says Em Shipman, executive director of KidsGardening. "But we saw folks come through in a way unlike ever before. The ingenuity and passion these teams put into their projects was astounding. Participating in Carton 2 Garden allowed them to be a part of a meaningful community-focused project at a time when we're all feeling a bit off-balance and distant."
About Evergreen Packaging
Evergreen Packaging, a global leader in paper packaging solutions, makes paper and paperboard products from responsibly sourced fiber which are designed to deliver product freshness, brand distinction and supply chain confidence. Our products are manufactured globally in facilities in the US, Asia, Central America and the Middle East/North Africa. Fiber used in our products comes from forests in the US where responsible forestry practices are used and where overall growth exceeds harvest.
About KidsGardening.org
KidsGardening, founded in 1982, is a national nonprofit organization known for creating opportunities for kids to learn and grow through gardening. They provide grants and original educational materials to more than 2.6 million kids across the country. In 2021 they will launch The Kids Garden Community. The Community will provide a free, central location for direct learning and networking for anyone gardening with children.
Evergreen Packaging and KidsGardening announce winners of its 2020 annual Carton 2 Garden contest
MEMPHIS, TN, Nov. 19, 2020 (PRNewswire) -Evergreen Packaging has announced that it is the recipient of the American Forest & Paper Association's (AF&PA) 2020 Leadership in Sustainability Award for Sustainable Forest Management for its submission, Family Forests – The Key to Certified Success. Awards were presented at the AF&PA's Presidents Forum online event.
"Our winning project demonstrates Evergreen's commitment to responsible forestry," said John Rooney, President of Evergreen Packaging. "By partnering with the Appalachian Woodlands Alliance and the American Forest Foundation, we've been able to help family forest landowners overcome obstacles to gain forestry certification. That helps us obtain more certified fiber to meet market demand and also helps to ensure healthy forests for years to come."
Evergreen Packaging recognizes that family forests are key to sustainable forestry, and the company is focused on helping family forest landowners increase access to forest certification programs.
"Protecting our Planet's Resources is one of our sustainability pillars, and central to that commitment is the protection of our forests and sustainable forest management," explained Derric Brown, Sustainability Director for Evergreen. "In addition, one of our paths for promoting sustainable forestry is engaging in strategic partnerships."
As a founding member of the Appalachian Woodlands Alliance (AWA), Evergreen Packaging has been instrumental in helping develop the Smallholder Access Program (SAP), a two-year Forest Stewardship Council (FSC – C016043) pilot program targeted to southern and central Appalachia woodland owners under 250 acres. The Appalachian Woodlands Alliance, including Evergreen as a participant, is the recipient of an important award, the Forest Stewardship Council's 2020 FSC Leadership Award in the Uncommon Partnership category.
"This successful partnership has enabled us to participate in a pilot project designed to improve forest health and to help meet rising customer demand for certified products," says Brown.
In 2019, Evergreen Packaging also committed significant funding to the American Forest Foundation (AFF) to support the development of a Landscape Management Plan (LMP) for the state of South Carolina. This plan encompasses a high level, holistic approach to forest management, incorporating regional priorities such as wildlife habitat, species biodiversity and clean water supplies. These two programs are examples of how Evergreen Packaging is reducing barriers and increasing access for small landowners to participate in forest certification programs. These actions ultimately improve sustainable forest management practices in the United States and support the company's Sustainability Vision to "lead and inspire sustainability stewardship."
Brown explains the long-term goal: "Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Engaging small landowners in responsible forest management is essential to healthy communities and the sustainability of our forests. Evergreen believes that sustainably managed forests benefit the environment, are crucial to our industry, and the goals of our company and our customers."
Evergreen paper and paperboard produced from certified wood can be found in a variety of products, including PlantCarton Packaging, cupstock, ovenable trays, and a variety of paper specialty products found in millions of homes throughout the world.
Evergreen Packaging, a global leader in paper packaging solutions, makes paper and paperboard products from responsibly sourced fiber which are designed to deliver product freshness, brand distinction and supply chain confidence. Our products are manufactured globally in facilities in the US, Asia, Central America and the Middle East/North Africa. Evergreen Packaging is the number one supplier of liquid packaging board in the world. Evergreen Packaging cartons contain protective layers of plastic (including cap and spout). Fiber used in our products comes from forests in the US where responsible forestry practices are used and where overall growth exceeds harvest. www.evergreenpackaging.com. Evergreen Packaging's parent company is Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
Evergreen Packaging wins AF&PA's 2020 Leadership In Sustainability Award for sustainable forest management
WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 13, 2020 (Press Release) -The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today announced its annual Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 Sustainability Award winners, which recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry and are awarded based on the merit of entries received across multiple categories.
"We had a record number of submissions to our Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 awards program, which underscores that sustainability is a top priority for our industry, even in the midst of a global pandemic," said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. "I continue to be impressed by our industry's commitment to leadership in sustainability. Our members are constantly striving to reach new limits of possibility and these awards give us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on innovative sustainability success stories."
AF&PA's Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 Sustainability Initiative is one of the most comprehensive sets of sustainability goals established for a U.S. manufacturing industry, nearly a decade ago. The initiative recognizes the three essential pillars of sustainability — economic, environmental and social — interdependent factors that collectively support long-term viability, growth and improvement. The Sustainability Award winners demonstrate the industry's long-held commitment to improving practices to build a better planet today. AF&PA congratulates the following winners:
Leadership in Sustainability – Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Resolute Forest Products:Modernization of Coosa Pines (Alabama) Mill Helps Reduce Resolute's Carbon Footprint
Resolute's $4 million upgrade to the Coosa Pines mill's cogeneration turbine resulted in a 65 percent reduction in purchased energy and enabled the mill to self-generate 40 percent of its energy use in 2019 and to increase total energy sourced from renewable sources, including biomass and hydroelectricity, to 68 percent.
Leadership in Sustainability – Safety
Clearwater Paper:Aspects & Impacts Process to Identify and Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities (SIF) Risks
Taking a proactive and systematic approach, Clearwater Paper's risk-based assessment program resulted in an immediate improvement in specific safety targets and employee engagement – each site met their 20 percent improvement goal within the first year.
Leadership in Sustainability – Sustainable Forest Management
Evergreen Packaging:Family Forests – The Key to Certified Success
Through major investments in regional programs, Evergreen Packaging is reducing barriers and increasing access for small landowners to participate in forest certification programs and ultimately increase sustainable forest management practices in the region.
Leadership in Sustainability – Water
Sappi:Somerset Mill's Caustic Reclaim & Reuse
Sappi North America's Somerset Mill designed and installed an innovative system that recovers used sodium hydroxide during boiler feed water preparation and repurposes caustic. The process has reduced the use of caustic purchases of wood-related products by 660 tons per year, reduced water use by more than 12,000 gallons per day, as well as reduced acid consumption in the wastewater treatment plant by 816 tons per year.
Innovation in Sustainability (Large Company)
WestRock:Pak On Demand Pouch System
Pack On Demand is a major advance for the paper-based packaging market, enabling companies to produce right-sized, highly, sustainable fiber-based pouches. The innovative pouch system uses automation to increase packing rates by up to five times. In addition, the fiber-based pouches are 100 percent curbside recyclable.
Innovation in Sustainability (Small Company)
Appvion:Innovative and Sustainable Direct Thermal Technology
Appvion's patent-pending technology is the next innovation in direct thermal paper. CleanSlate is a transformational technology that eliminates chemical developers and leuco dyes, as well as chemical reactions to form the image. The first application of CleanSlate Technology is point-of-sale (POS) receipt paper and Appvion has applied the technology to thermal label and ticket products as well.
The Price Companies:Restoration & Management of Marginal Agricultural and Timberlands
The Price Companies are increasing conservation and sustainable forest management practices throughout the Mississippi Delta region, enhancing the profitability of marginal agricultural and timberland and restoring many of the original features that make the Delta unique.
The 2020 AF&PA Sustainability Award winners were selected by a judging panel of sustainability experts from the Department of Energy, GreenBlue, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Quad Packaging, Two Sides North America and Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states.
AF&PA announces award-winning sustainability projects to seven member companies
Posted in: Bio-Insight 11/13/2020 - 12:16
MEMPHIS, TN, Oct. 20, 2020 (Press Release) -In a new sustainability report, Pactiv Evergreen has announced a new goal that by 2030, 100% of its products will be made with recycled, recyclable or renewable materials.
"Consumers and brands are increasingly looking for sustainable packaging solutions. Pactiv Evergreen is committed to meeting those market demands," said John McGrath, the company's CEO. "We are nearly two-thirds of the way towards our goal based on 2019 net revenues, and in the next decade, we will work to achieve that 100% goal."
The report further outlines a comprehensive sustainability strategy, which includes a new vision, mission and pillars that ground the company's current and future initiatives.
Additional highlights from the report include:
Pactiv Evergreen has decreased its greenhouse gas emissions by 10% in the last five years and plans to explore ways to achieve further reductions.
About half of the company's annual energy consumption comes from renewable sources including biomass, hydropower, wind and solar.
About 20% of the virgin fiber in Pactiv Evergreen's paper products comes from chain of custody forests that meet at least one of three internationally recognized standards, offering global brands supply chain assurance.
The company's dedication to worker safety has resulted in injury rates that are three times better than industry benchmarks.
Evergreen Packaging was recently integrated into Pactiv after operating separately under the same holding company. Now North America's largest manufacturer and distributor of food and beverage packaging, Pactiv Evergreen is focused on advancing its sustainability efforts to provide innovative products that meet market demands for its wide variety of customers.
"Separately, Pactiv and Evergreen have already made significant contributions to reduce their footprints and improve environmental performance. Together, we're accelerating these efforts and amplifying our deep commitments to sustainability," said Lynn Dyer, chief sustainability and public affairs officer of Pactiv Evergreen. "We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish for ourselves, our customers, our communities and our planet."
About Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
Pactiv Evergreen Inc. is the largest manufacturer and distributor of food and beverage packaging in North America with a diversified mix of customers, including restaurants, foodservice distributors, supermarkets, food and beverage producers, food packers and processors. Additionally, the company manufactures paper and paperboard from responsibly sourced fiber, providing supply chain confidence to customers. With over 15,000 employees, the Lake Forest, Illinois-based company helps make today's convenience-oriented lifestyle possible with products that give people the freedom to eat and drink fresh food and beverages safely anytime and anywhere.
Pactiv Evergreen commits to 100% recycled, recyclable or renewable materials by 2030
Public hearing spurs robust turnout for and against Evergreen Packaging paper mill permit in North Carolina
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