Sustainability for a Sustainable Paper Industry, 1995 Environmental Conference Proceedings

A.M. SPRINGER

Miami University

The paper industry is entering a crucial stage in it’s development in the environmental area. The low visibility approach used in the past has failed. The public has a poor image of the industry as polluting and reacting to environmental problems rather than leading in their solution. Some of this impression is false. The paper industry needs a new all encompassing approach to viewing and solving environmental problems. Sustainability appears to be such an approach. This paper reviews the reasons why we must adopt a sustainable approach and gives the environmental principles which it encompasses. The paper reviews two definitions of sustainability. The principles which the paper industry endorses through AFPA are reviewed. The four areas in which the industry needs to develop policies to bring it to a sustainable position are presented. A suggestion that TAPPI develop the best management practices for the industry is put forth as an effort to help the industry establish some initiative in the environmental area.