by Thomas Miner

A unique collaboration of stakeholders across the paper supply chain including NGO’s, paper producers, paper purchasers and consumer product companies have created a new online resource to enable customers and companies to make more informed decision about the paper they buy and sell.

The Paper Life Cycle details the processes paper must go through, from forest to shelf, including the manufacturing process, end-use issues and recovery in a very interactive and science-based format. The purpose of the sight is to provide transparency to all stakeholders in the paper supply chain, therefore allowing more informed decisions around the purchase and sale of paper products.

The website features in-depth articles, trend reports and guidance on key questions facing paper manufacturers and buyers. Discussion topics include climate change, forest practice management, recycling, illegal logging, energy use, product performance and other issues relevant to environmental stewardship internationally - from forest management strategies in the Tropics to recovery initiatives in North America.

Contributors and reviewers of the project include: Corporate Forum for Paper and the Environment (a partnership between Metafore and members of the Forest Products Association of Canada, along with several of their key customers), World Resources Institute, National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI), American Forest & Paper Association, Procter & Gamble, Canfor Pulp, Catalyst Paper, Boise, Sappi Fine Paper, Time Inc. and 3M.

Image Credit: designingmeat40

Reprinted with permission from Sustainable Life Media