Paper Check-off Program Now A Reality With Publishing Of Final Rule

Submitted: The Two Sides Team February 7, 2014

The final rule was published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

American Forest and Paper Association
January 22, 2014

The final rule was published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today, formally establishing the program and stating the assessment of 35 cents per short ton on printing and writing, containerboard, paperboard and Kraft paper will begin on March 1, 2014.

"Today's action marks the beginning of the next chapter for our industry to tell the positive story about the benefits of paper and paper-based packaging," said AF&PA Board Chairman David Scheible, president and CEO of Graphic Packaging International. "The Paper Check-off will build a promotional program to showcase the positive attributes of our products."

The Paper Check-off was initiated by a panel of industry leaders and approved by the companies through a USDA referendum.

"Our members are eager to see the Paper Check-off become a reality, giving our industry and its products the opportunity to be recognized for the value they provide to consumers everywhere," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. "We commend the Paper Check-off Panel for its work to coalesce the industry in support of this program, as well as the efforts of USDA to finalize the program."

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 on Twitter @ForestandPaper.