The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), a trade group representing U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers, will host an on-the-record media briefing on Thursday, June 23, to discuss SB 54, an extended producer responsibility (EPR) proposal under consideration in the California State Legislature. The proposal would impose new costs on producers to fund recycling programs but could undercut the investments industries, like the paper industry, are already making in recycling infrastructure.
Before taking questions, Terry Webber, AF&PA vice president of industry affairs, will discuss topics including:
- The Strength of the U.S. Recycling System: Despite challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, AF&PA will share data that demonstrates how the paper recycling system is stronger than ever. AF&PA recently announced that 68% of all paper consumed in the U.S. was recycled in 2021.
- Impacts of California’s EPR Proposal: One-size-fits-all EPR programs, like the one put forth in California, could undermine or even reverse the success of paper recycling. According to the EPA, more paper by weight is recovered for recycling than plastic, glass, steel, and aluminum combined.
- Significant Industry Investment: The paper industry has planned around $5 billion in manufacturing infrastructure investments by 2024, which will help continue the best use of recycled fiber. That is nearly $2.5 million per day in investments.
