AF&PA opens entry period for its 2014 Recycling Awards, with deadline set for March 7; award program, which has been redesigned, recognizes new and innovative programs that increase volume of paper recovered for recycling

Debra Garcia

WASHINGTON , January 7, 2014 (press release) – Awards program revamped to recognize more outstanding paper recycling programs

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today opened the entry period for the 2014 Recycling Awards program. The deadline for entries is March 7, 2014.

The redesigned awards program recognizes new and innovative programs that aim to increase the amount of paper recovered for recycling. In each category - business, community and school - there are now more chances to win: programs will be judged on creativity, participation, partnership, and volume of paper collected.

"Our industry has a proud tradition of achievement in paper recovery for recycling, and the AF&PA Recycling Awards allow us to recognize the invaluable involvement of businesses, schools and communities in making paper recycling a success," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.

Each winner will receive a cash prize, an original piece of paper artwork, and local and national visibility. Runners-up will be featured online.

AF&PA will host a webinar about the awards program on Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. (eastern time). To sign up, please visit paperrecycles.org, where you can also find:
· award descriptions, criteria, and entry forms;
· information on previous award-winning recycling programs; and
· more information about paper recycling - including statistics, educational materials, interactive features, and guides.

AF&PA members have set sights even higher by establishing a goal to exceed 70 percent paper recovery by 2020 as part of the sustainability initiative - Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. More than 65 percent of paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered for recycling in 2012. The AF&PA Recycling Awards highlight best practices of successful recycling programs and aim to inspire and encourage others to take up, or increase, their paper recycling efforts.

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The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative - Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 4.5 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures approximately $200 billion in products annually, and employs nearly 900,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 47 states. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

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