AICC Boxscore 2013

Paper Check-off: Moving Forward By Donna Harman, President & CEO, American Forest & Paper Association

Just a few days shy of 2013, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued the proposed national Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order for public comment. Comments are being accepted until March 4, 2013. The proposed program, more commonly referred to as the Paper Check-off, would help to highlight the benefits and sustainability of paper and paper-based packaging products and allow the industry to showcase its products. Through consumer education and information, the program would allow our industry a unique opportunity to make a sustained investment in telling our story in a targeted and positive way and to correct any misperceptions about our products that may persist. Research previously commissioned by the paper and packaging industry confirmed that consumer misperceptions tend to be based on incomplete or inaccurate information. For example, some of the studies’ participants were unaware of the industry’s sustainable forest management practices and thought paper recovery rates were much lower than they are. When presented with the facts about our industry’s products, however, participants’ viewpoints improved dramatically. Consistently presenting consumers

which will carry out activities to highlight the renewability, reusability and recyclability of paper and paper-based packaging. The USDA oversees such promotional, research and information programs for numerous industries, which each have initiated and continue to fund their own Check-off programs. A referendum will be held among eligible domestic producers and importers prior to the program going into effect. The paper and paper-based packaging industry has a great story to tell. Our collective industry action to promote our products through a Paper Check-off program will help the industry gain greater traction than each product acting alone and will help improve the perceptions of our industry at-large. From great product attributes to high recycling rates and sustainable business practices, educated consumers and product buyers are the key to securing existing markets and unlocking future markets for our products.

with the facts on the sustainable nature of our industry’s products will allow them to make informed decisions, and empower them to choose paper products in their purchasing decisions. The health and well-being of our industry, our supply chain, and the communities in which we operate will benefit from this program. The forest products industry employs nearly 900,000 people, including 329,000 jobs directly affected by the four segments (printing and writing papers; kraft packaging paper used for products such as grocery bags; containerboard used to make shipping containers; and paperboard used for food and beverage packaging, tubes, etc.) to be included in the Paper Check-off. The total number of jobs affected by covered grades through the supply chain reaches 1.4 million jobs. The Paper Check-off was initiated several months ago by a panel of industry leaders. The program will be funded by producers and importers of 100,000 tons or more annually who will make an investment of 35 cents per short ton. Converters will not be asked to contribute, nor will producers and importers of less than 100,000 short tons. The entire supply chain will benefit from better consumer knowledge about the attributes and sustainability of paper products. The program will be administered by a 12-person board of directors,

For more information, visit papercheckoff.com. 

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