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When it comes to providing supply chain assurances, producing conservation outcomes, and supporting education and community engagement – Forests are the Answer. The 2018 SFI Annual Conference will explore this theme and engage you in a discussion focused on why Forests are the Answer to so many of the most important sustainability challenges we face in the sector and in our communities.
The SFI Annual Conference brings together thought leaders and influencers: forest sector representatives, conservation and community partners, and Indigenous leaders as well as some of the most engaged forest product customers in North America. This year’s conference will discuss topics relevant to national and international initiatives across the forest sector. Come to the 2018 SFI Annual Conference to learn more and engage with the SFI community.
The 2017 SFI Annual Conference by the Numbers
97% of post-conference survey respondents would recommend this conference to a colleague
Between 300 and 500 people attended the SFI Conference and joint sessions held with the Canadian Institute of Forestry
People came from around the world representing 11 countries: United States, Canada, China, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Malawi, Netherlands, South Africa, and Switzerland
SFI’s student mentorship program included 28 students from 13 universities and three countries
Highlights from Past SFI Annual Conferences
Below is a video of highlights from the 2017 SFI Annual Conference.
International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order to supply a dry fiberboard recycling line to Sonae Arauco’s mill in Mangualde, Portugal. The line will recycle end-of-life fiberboards back into valuable fibers as new raw material for fiberboard production. It will be the first industrial-scale fiberboard recycling line in the world. Paulo Pinto De Sousa, Director at Sonae Arauco, says: “Recycling fiberboards is an important step towards a circular economy. It reduces the consumption of natural resources and energy. We know ANDRITZ as a strong supplier of solutions for the fiberboard industry and are convinced that they are the right partner for our innovative fiberboard recycling project.”
Atlantic Packaging is a member of the Composting Consortium, led by Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy. The Consortium has just launched its 2025 Grant Program in collaboration with the US Composting Council (USCC) and the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). This initiative arrives at a pivotal moment for the U.S. composting industry, offering critical funding to help composters and municipalities expand their capacity to process certified compostable packaging and food scraps. While consumer demand for food waste diversion continues to rise, most composting facilities in the U.S. still only accept yard trimmings. This grant program aims to change that by supporting infrastructure upgrades, public education, and market development that enable the inclusion of compostable materials—helping to divert more food waste from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Funding can be used by eligible U.S. compost manufacturers and municipalities in various ways, including: *Installing new equipment to reduce contamination from conventional plastics *Conducting trials for compostable packaging inclusion *Updating signage and outreach materials to improve participation and reduce confusion
Results of the 2023 study show clearly that, whilst paper retains its place as a vital communication and packaging material, there remain misconceptions about the environmental impact of the paper industry. The 2023 study found that consumers still perceive forests are decreasing in size, with 60% believing European forests are shrinking, although this number has improved since 2021 from 64%. The number of consumers who understand European forests are actually growing in size has improved to 15% in 2023 compared to 10% in 2021. It shows that consumers are becoming more aware of these facts within the myths that surround the paper industry. The truth is, European forests are growing in size and between 2005 and 2020, grew by an impressive 58,390km² – an area larger than Switzerland and the equivalent to 1,500 football pitches of forest growth every day.[1]