WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) Vice President of Industry Affairs Terry Webber issued the following statement in response to the Colorado General Assembly passing (HB22-1355), which would create an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program.
“AF&PA is disappointed with the Colorado State House’s passage of a command-and-control EPR program that includes paper.
"Paper recycling is a model that works. Consistently high recycling rates, continuous industry investments and ongoing efforts to promote voluntary recycling are proof that EPR is not the right policy approach for sustainable paper products.
“Colorado should instead focus on addressing barriers to recycling access because of underfunded and underdeveloped recycling programs.
"We encourage the Colorado State Senate to vote to oppose this misguided EPR legislation."
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative—Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $60 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.
Source: AF&PA
