In the Pursuit of... Common Ground, 1994 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Daniel B. Mulligan, Oscar A. Rubio

In the rush to respond to the landfill crisis, the Paper Industry has been caught up in the well-intended efforts to positively impact the problem. The multitude of legislative and regulatory mandates has created more confusion than direction. Knocking heads does not produce supported solutions and only serves to intensify the differences brought about by diversity of positions. The industry has achieved a desired outcome along with increased credibility by its participation in the American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM, committee on Recycled Paper. The outcome, of the more than 200 committee members, is approaching 90% agreement to the definitions and grade standards for recycled content paper and paperboard. The significance is that common ground has been found through an established forum with strict due process procedures. Of the committee’s voting members the industry was limited to no more than 50% of those eligible to vote the balance being state and government officials, and other diverse interest.

This paper discusses the strengths and benefits and the of the ASTM process and the results achieved by the committee. It is intended to show how significant consensus can be developed from diversity, an important consideration for the industry.