Resolute Forest Products Wins 2015 AF&PA Leadership in Sustainability Award for Safety
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) recognized Resolute Forest Products as a leader in sustainability with a 2015 AF&PA Sustainability Award. The award was presented at AF&PA’s annual meeting on Friday, November 13 in San Antonio, Texas.
Resolute received the Leadership in Sustainability Award for Safety for its Working Towards Zero Incidents project. Designed to recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry, AF&PA’s annual sustainability awards are given based on the merit of entries received across multiple categories.
“Resolute is making great strides towards their goal of zero injuries in their facilities by not only requiring the use of protective gear, but by developing better-performing and more efficient gear,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.
A multi-disciplinary task force at Resolute took the initiative to design a safer, watertight, more comfortable, breathable chemical protective suit that is appropriate for all mill-related working requirements. In addition, the new suits can be used for at least a year, as opposed to the previous disposable suits, of which employees used and discarded about five per month.
“I would like to thank AF&PA for honoring Resolute with the Leadership in Sustainability Award for Safety,” said Resolute’s President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Garneau. “The new protective suits have significantly increased the safety and comfort of our employees, who are always our top priority.”
AF&PA member company applicants are considered in two categories. Projects that support progress toward the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals qualify for recognition in the “Leadership” category, which has five subcategories that correspond to the goals: Paper Recovery for Recycling, Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Sustainable Forest Management, Safety, and Water. The “Innovation in Sustainability” award is reserved for projects that merit recognition for their contribution to sustainable business practices, not one of the goals specifically.
AF&PA releases its sustainability report every other year. The 2014 Sustainability Report showed that the U.S. pulp, paper, packaging and wood products manufacturing industry has made significant, measurable progress toward achieving its Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals.
