Paper Check Off Referendum Passes With Huge Support

Submitted: The Two Sides Team November 20, 2013

Paper and paper-based packaging companies have voted to approve the Paper Check-off promotion program. Companies to be covered by the program participated in the vote, held October 28 to November 8. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the results, in which 85 percent of the companies and 95 percent of the industry production of covered grades voting in the referendum approved the program.

AF&PA – November 15, 2013

"The industry's approval of the Paper Check-off program offers a new opportunity to build on our long history of innovating paper products to meet the needs of consumers around the world," said AF&PA Board Chairman David Scheible, president and CEO of Graphic Packaging International. "Paper and paper-based packaging is a sustainable choice, and the Paper Check-off will allow us to make a concerted effort of educating and informing consumers of the benefits our products offer."

The Paper Check-off was initiated by a panel of industry leaders and approved by those companies who will be assessed.

"The leaders of our industry have expressed overwhelming support to initiate a program that will shine a light on the sustainability benefits of paper and paper-based packaging," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. "The Paper Check-off will offer a brighter future for the recyclable, reusable and renewable paper and paper-based packaging products, which inform and communicate; package and protect; and capture life's memorable moments. We appreciate the work of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide our industry the opportunity to vote for the Paper Check-off."

Contact: Chuck Fuqua
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cfuqua94@gmail.com
comm@afandpa.org