Global Forest and Paper Industry Focuses on Innovation and New Forest-Based Products
On its fifteenth anniversary, The International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) reflects on its purpose with the release of a new statement for the future:
“To benefit global society through collaboration with industry, governments and non-governmental organizations on public policies that facilitate the manufacture of sustainable products from virgin and recycled forest-based resources that meet human needs for information, packaging, housing, hygiene, energy and other innovative products.”
The ICFPA purpose statement connects people to products and the planet and is at the root of why we exist. The forest-based industry is leading in the development of innovative products and processes to benefit society. Based on the understanding of the importance of far-sighted use of natural resources, we can ensure their availability for future generations while benefiting the present. The ICFPA has also updated its mission, broadening the scope of the organization to represent an innovative forest-based industry:
“Serve as a forum of global dialogue among national and regional industry associations and their leadership to cooperate in the development of common positions on issues of mutual interest, represent the forest, paper, wood and forest fibre-based industries with global policy organizations and coordinate action and distribute information through member associations.”
“The global forest products industry has significantly invested in research and has been developing new products and technologies to make the best use of wood and fibre-based products. We are an innovative industry with a key role to play in the transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy that will benefit current and future generations” said ICFPA President Jane Molony. “With this purpose statement and revised mission, we look forward to promoting the interests of the forest, paper, wood and fibre-based industries in global venues and serving as a resource for policy makers and other stakeholders in the years to come.”
The ICFPA’s purpose statement is the latest in a series of statements developed by its members associations. All ICFPA policy statements are available at https://www.icfpa.org/resource-centre/statements.
The ICFPA serves as a forum of global dialogue, co-ordination and co-operation. ICFPA represents 17 pulp, paper, wood and fiber-based associations that encompass 35 countries, including many of the top pulp, paper and wood producers around the world.