The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has recognized RPA member Seaman Paper Company of Massachusetts, Inc. with the 2015 AF&PA Sustainability Award for Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction for their Soft Steps Forward Initiative.
As part of the Soft Steps Forward Initiative, Seaman Paper made a commitment to decrease their dependency on purchased fuel and electricity, producing 97 percent of their thermal (steam) energy from carbon-‐neutral biomass. In addition, Seaman installed a backpressure turbine that runs on steam to help meet their electricity needs. Despite the sharp increases in oil and electricity costs over the past decade, these measures have had a positive impact on Seaman Paper’s energy costs.
“Seaman Paper’s achievements in advancing their energy efficiency are a testament to their perseverance and ingenuity, which is sure to lead to continuous improvement in years to come,” said AF & PA President and CEO Donna Harman.
Seaman Paper President and CEO George Jones added “Many thanks to the AF&PA for recognizing our achievements in energy conservation. We are proud of our success in establishing an economically feasible project for a paper mill of our size.”
AF&PA Member Company Applicants are considered for recognition in two categories: projects supporting progress toward Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals in a specific subcategory qualify for “Leadership” recognition, while the “Innovation in Sustainability” award is reserved for projects contributing to sustainable business practices, not one of the goals specifically.
AF&PA releases its Sustainability Report every other year. The 2014 Sustainability Report indicated that the U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, and wood products manufacturing industries have all made significant and measurable progress toward achieving its Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals.
For more information about the Sustainability Awards Program and AF&PA’s Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 initiative, visit afandpa.org/sustainability.