Government Gets It Right With Support for Environmental Advancements in Pulp and Paper Sector

June 17, 2009

OTTAWA, June 17, 2009 - The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) expressed its strong support for today’s announcement by the federal government of a green transformation program for the pulp and paper sector in Canada.

“This will save jobs and help us maintain our edge as the ‘greenest’ suppliers of pulp in the world.  Canadian pulp and paper mills have already dramatically reduced fossil fuel usage and in a precedent-setting effort, have succeeded in ensuring 60% of their energy supply is from renewable fuels. Today’s announcement will accelerate this progress and will help the industry achieve its ambitious goal of using 100% renewable energy in all its operations,” said Avrim Lazar, President and CEO of FPAC.

”What we particularly appreciate about this announcement is that it demonstrates a commitment to the future of the industry through its support to capital improvements - exactly what industry needs to prepare for the return of markets,” says Lazar.

The Canadian pulp and paper sector has a strong environmental record having invested hundreds of millions of dollars in greening its operations.  This has made the industry a green leader in the marketplace while improving its economic competitiveness.

The sector now produces enough renewable energy to replace three nuclear power plants or power the city of Vancouver for a year.  And it has reduced its GHG emissions by 60% from 1990 levels – some 10 times more than what is called for under Kyoto.

“This announcement is smart policy and smart spending. It will help mills become more energy and cost efficient while making them more competitive and better able to keep pulp and paper jobs in Canada,” says Lazar.

 “The industry has long recognized and acted on the fact that its future lies in being the greenest supplier of product to the global marketplace.  However, continued environmental improvements require large capital investment, something that’s not readily available during these difficult times.   The government’s new Green Transformation Program provides the industry with the capital it requires today to make the environmental upgrades needed for tomorrow,” Lazar concluded.