Welcome and Introductory Comments, 1996 Life Cycle Assessment Symposium Proceedings

Paul W. Magnabosco

Federal Paper Board Company, Inc.

During 1995, the TAPPI Futurists identified Life Cycle Assessment as one of four forest and paper industry "hot topics" and called for a symposium on the subject. Also in 1995, AF&PA, through its Life Cycle Analysis Working Group, acknowledged the increasing significance of these issues worldwide to the forest and paper industry and the importance of its assistance to the industry. Further, NCASI's Operating Committee had identified technical issues related to life Cycle Assessment as an important new area of their investigative program and was considering this as a topic for special attention at NCASI's 1996 regional meetings. Recognizing the need for an industry symposium and in order to optimize results, TAPPI, AF&PA and NCASI pooled resources to quickly bring together a top-notch group of experts. "Life Cycle Assessment: Methods and Applications for the Forest Products Industry" is the first event of its kind and is truly international, with speakers from a total of five countries. This symposium is designed to promptly respond to the needs of a wide range of industry professionals faced with various aspects of the Life Cycle issue. The LCA Symposium Program Committee, with representatives from TAPPI, AF&PA, NCASI, and the forest products and paper industry deserve a hearty thanks for their outstanding efforts.