American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA)
The American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) serves as the national trade association for the United States’ forest, pulp, paper, paperboard, and wood products industries. Established in 1992 through the merger of three predecessor organizations, the AF&PA focuses on fostering communication and promoting sound practices within these sectors. It produces a range of resources, including the bimonthly publication "American Tree Farmer" and annual statistical summaries that track industry metrics like recovered paper utilization. The association also conducts comprehensive studies on mills across the country, providing capacity estimates for various grades of paper and wood products.
AF&PA emphasizes the importance of responsible forestry and recognizes member companies that exemplify innovation, sustainability, and effective use of recycled materials through annual awards. Additionally, the association supports research and development in the field by offering monetary awards to young scientists and engineers for original contributions. Overall, AF&PA plays a crucial role in advocating for the interests of its members while addressing environmental concerns related to resource use and sustainability.
On this Page
Subject Terms
American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA)
- DATE: Established 1992
The American Forest and Paper Association is the US national trade association of the forest, pulp, paper, paperboard, and wood products industry.
Background
The American Forest and Paper Association was formed in 1992 by the merger of the American Forest Council, established in 1932; the American Paper Institute, established in 1964; and the National Forest Products Association, established in 1902. The association publishes trade-related information for both members and nonmembers. American Tree Farmer: The Official Magazine of the American Tree Farm System is published bimonthly, and two annual statistical summaries provide information on recovered paper utilization and on paper, paperboard, and wood pulp. A comprehensive annual study of every mill in the United States gives capacity estimates for major grades of paper, paperboard, and wood pulp. When the association believes that sound forestry practices are being misrepresented, it responds in print, as in its 1994 publication Closer Look: An On-the-Ground Investigation of the Sierra Club’s Book, “Clearcut.”
Impact on Resource Use
Member companies grow, harvest, and process wood and wood fiber; manufacture pulp, paper, and paperboard from both virgin and recycled fiber; and produce solid wood products.
Annual awards recognize companies that make the best use of recycled wood products, that demonstrate wood’s versatility, and that are innovative in addressing environmental concerns. An annual monetary award is also made to a young scientist or engineer for original research.
Bibliography
Paper Capacity, Production Declines, but Slight Growth Predicted in ’24." Recycling Today, 28 May 2024, www.recyclingtoday.com/article/paper-capacity-production-declines-but-slight-growth-predicted-in-24/. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.