The Washington Times recently featured an opinion piece by an advocate for the plastics industry that included multiple unsubstantiated environmental claims about paper-based packaging. Two Sides North America submitted the following letter to the editors in response. To the editors: Why is it that whenever someone wants to extoll the sustainability benefits of plastic packaging products, they feel compelled to claim that plastics have “a lower environmental impact” than paper-based packaging (America succumbs to plastic paranoia, September 26) instead of simply making a fact-based environmental case? Could it be because paper products are the gold standard for circularity and true sustainability?

Below is a statement from FPAC President and CEO, Derek Nighbor: “Canada’s forest sector is positioned to be one of the leaders in our move to a low-carbon economy. We have already reduced GHG emissions by over 66% since the early 1990’s and were the first major industry group in the country to put forward a plan to help achieve the federal government’s Paris Agreement targets. Canada has an advantage that is the envy of most countries on the planet. Our forests and the sustainably sourced products they provide will be among the most powerful tools in Canada’s toolbox. Our managed forests and the wood products from them already constitute a carbon sink in Canada, and we can continue to reduce emissions and store more carbon for longer in the coming years. Forests are complex ecosystems and they need to be monitored and taken care of – even more so in a dynamic and changing environment."

Sustana, the sustainable fiber and paper industry leader, has joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact initiative. Sustana’s engagement in the UN Global Compact — a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices – reflects its longstanding and continued adherence to sustainable practices and its ongoing support for the Ten Principles focused on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. “With this announcement, Sustana is proud to continue its commitment to developing solutions to move society toward a greener, more circular future,” said Fabian de Armas, Chief Executive Officer for Sustana.