Groundbreaking CO2 calculator

Superfos has developed a new, professional tool that enables precise calculations of the carbon footprint of each packaging solution. The goal is to reach lower CO2 emissions through green innovations

June 16, 2008 — Leading packaging manufacturer Superfos has an ongoing focus on reaching a smaller carbon footprint and now this aim has reached a groundbreaking new level. A new CO2 tool calculates each packaging containerís precise CO2 emissions through the choice of raw material, energy consumption in production, transport and disposal.

ìThe calculator is both an important part of our carbon footprint strategy and our respond to an increasing customer wish combined with a lack of market standards in this field. Though packaging accounts for only 10% of an average productís total CO2 emission, there is still room for improvement. And precise calculations give us a head start on reaching a smaller carbon footprint because it enables us to pick out the best way to take action,î says Product Design Manager Torben Noer from Superfos.

Precise emissions in each market
As energy systems and waste disposal are very different from country to country, it used to be difficult to calculate the actual footprint on each market. However, this problem is solved in Superfosí calculator. A real break-through, according to Torben Noer: "Our calculator enables us to differentiate between the waste handling, energy systems and recovery systems in each market including whether there is a recycling system or not. Furthermore, the calculations show that the use of virgin plastic is environmentally expensive, so we are focusing on various ways to reduce the need for virgin material. In one calculation, natural fillers save about 7 grams of CO2 on each container. Added up to a million containers, this equals the CO2 emission from an average car driving all the way around the world!"

More calculations
Aquados has reduced the CO2 emissions on each washing powder tub by 20 grams through the new UniPak EcoTM container. The yearly savings add up to 39.2 tons of CO2, equivalent to the emissions from an average car going around the world 5.5 times.

The removal of a UniPak containerís collar has led to a 4 grams reduction in the CO2 emission of each container. With 1 million containers, this reduction adds up to 4 tons of saved CO2 ñ or what an average car emits driving from Paris to Barcelona and back more than 10 times.

The change from round to square containers can save 8 grams of CO2 emissions due to pallet optimisation, fewer truck loads and fewer raw materials. With 2 million containers this can save 5 truck loads, 293 pallets and 7.2 tons of raw material.

Further information, please contact Corporate Communication Manager Annette Gottsche +45 5911 1107.

Superfos is one of Europeís largest manufacturers of injection moulded plastic packaging, supplying high-quality packaging for food, non-food and health care markets. Superfos is headquartered in Denmark and has 1,500 employees at 10 production facilities across Europe and one in the United States with an annual turnover of Euro 360 million.

Paper Recycling Hits Record High

Industry Meets Goal Ahead of Schedule, Sets New Aggressive Target

April 1, 2008, New York, NY – In 2007, an all-time high of 56 percent of the paper consumed in America was recovered for recycling, achieving a significant industry goal five years ahead of schedule. Announcing the achievement today, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) also set a new goal of 60 percent recovery by 2012.

“Industry is demonstrating a real commitment to environmental sustainability by continuing to set and achieve aggressive paper recovery goals,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. “Whether at home, school, or work, paper recovery is something we can all do to make a difference.”

“While the upward trend in recovery rates is most encouraging, getting to 60 percent is an important challenge for all of us. Everyone has a role to play in our effort to sustain and grow the country’s recycling programs and recover more paper,” continued Patrick J. Moore, chairman and CEO, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation. Smurfit-Stone is a longstanding AF&PA member and is one of the world's largest paper recyclers. The company collected more than 7 million tons of recyclable material in 2007.

The 54.3 million tons of paper recovered in 2007 add up to more than 360 pounds for every man, woman, and child in America. Each percentage point is the equivalent of approximately one million additional tons of recovered paper – enough to fill more than 14,000 railroad cars.

Joining the announcement at the industry's 131st Annual Paper Week conference, Maria Vickers, Deputy Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Solid Waste applauded the paper industry's achievements in increasing paper recycling, noting that “in 2007, the US recycled over 25 million tons more paper than was recycled in 1990. This increase in paper recycling reduced emissions by more than 97 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, comparable to the annual emissions of nearly 18 million cars.” She also noted that EPA and AF&PA continue to work together on projects to stimulate paper recycling across the country.

Matthew McKenna, president and CEO of national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful, a partner of AF&PA on projects to promote paper recycling in schools, praised the Association and its members for their efforts. “True environmental progress, like what we celebrate today, comes when industries work together with communities, organizations, and dedicated individuals to make things happen.”

More information about paper recovery and recycling can be found at www.paperrecycles.org.

The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership Announces Criteria

Pittsburgh, PA, March 17, 2008—The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP Partnership) revealed the much anticipated criteria on how to become a sustainable, green printer at the National Environmental Health and Safety Conference (NEHS) last week in Indianapolis, IN.

At the NEHS Conference general session on March 12, the SGP Partnership announced its criteria for becoming a sustainable, green printer. The criteria will guide printers on their journey towards sustainability. Printers who meet these requirements and are verified will be listed on the SGP Partnership registry website (www.SGPPartnership.org), which can be used as a resource for print buyers.

The SGP Partnership announced there will be two categories of registration—Candidate Pending Verification (CPV) and SGP Printer. The CPV category will give a facility a twelve-month time frame in which to meet all criteria for an SGP Printer. Facilities that already meet the criteria for an SGP Printer may bypass the CPV category and apply for recognition under that category. Among other requirements, SGP Printers will have to complete an annual progress report and will be subjected to periodic verification by an accredited third party.

It is important that printers understand that sustainability encompasses more than just environmental issues. Corporate social responsibility is another major component. As a result, the criteria are based on all three key elements of sustainability—people, planet, and profits.

The criteria will be beta tested during the upcoming months and modifications will be made as needed prior to the registry launch this summer. If you are interested in viewing the criteria, please visit the SGP Partnership website and refer to the Registration Program document on the “Become a SGP Printer” page. SGP has set up a comment section on the website and is encouraging feedback on the criteria from the printing community and other interested parties during the beta-testing phase of the project. Comments will be accepted until April 18, 2008.

Stora Enso Taking Action to Reduce CO2 Emissions by 20%

March 17, 2008 — Stora Enso is taking its climate change commitment to the next level. It is one of the first companies in the forest products industry to extensively study its carbon footprint and set a target to cut emissions. Stora Enso is committing to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2020.

This target not only covers the Group’s direct CO2 emissions from production, but Stora Enso is seeking to reduce indirect emissions from purchased electricity and heat as well. Stora Enso has already made good progress in reducing direct CO2 emissions. Since 2003, 20% has been cut per tonne produced.

The target will be achieved through improvements in energy efficiency and increasing the use of biomass. The paper industry is already the biggest producer and user of bioenergy in the world. Carbon-neutral biomass accounts for 70% of Stora Enso’s internal energy production.

Renewable and recyclable
From a climate change point of view, Stora Enso’s products have many advantages. They are made from a renewable resource – wood. They store carbon. At the end of their life cycle, they can be recycled or burned as biomass energy. These factors make paper, board and wood products climate-friendly alternatives.

Read more about the carbon footprint study and the CO2 target in Stora Enso’s Annual Report 2007 on pages 68-71. Download or order a copy from www.storaenso.com/annualreport.

FTC Eco in the Market: Green Packaging Claims Public Workshop - April 30, 2008

When: April 30, 2008, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Where: FTC Conference Center, 601 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Whttp://www.ftc.gov/bcp/workshops/packaging/index.shtmlashington, DC 20001

The Federal Trade Commission is planning to host a public workshop on April 30, 2008, to examine developments in green packaging claims and consumer perception of such claims. This workshop is one component of the Commission’s regulatory review of the Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (16 CFR Part 260), which the FTC previously announced in a Federal Register Notice on November 26, 2007. For questions related to the workshop, contact FTC Attorneys Janice Podoll Frankle (202-326-3022), Laura Koss (202-326-2890), or Anne M. McCormick (202-326-3583), Division of Enforcement, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission.

A live webcast will be available during the event for those who wish to participate but who cannot attend in person. Just bookmark the page link above and return on April 30, 2008 to link to the webcast.

PRE-REGISTRATION
The event is free and open to the public. All attendees will be required to display a current driver's license or other valid form of photo identification. The Conference Center is accessible to people with disabilities. If you need an accommodation related to a disability, please call Marcy Baskin, (202) 326-2285.

Pre-registration for this workshop is not necessary, but is encouraged, so that we may better plan for the event.

To pre-register, email your name and affiliation to greenpackagingworkshop@ftc.gov.

NOTE:
When you pre-register, we will collect your name, affiliation, and your email address. This information will be used to estimate how many people will attend. We may use your email address to contact you with information about the workshop.

FILING A COMMENT — Deadline: April 11, 2008

The Commission invites interested persons to submit written comments on issues related to this workshop. Comments should be captioned “Green Packaging Workshop – Comment, Project No.P084200” and submitted according to the instructions below.

To File Electronically:
Follow the instructions and fill out the form at https://secure.commentworks.com/ftc-packagingworkshop.

To File in Paper Form:
Include “Green Packaging Workshop – Comment, Project No.P084200” both in the text and on the envelope, and mail or deliver to the following address:

Federal Trade Commission/Office of the Secretary
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Room H-135 (Annex B)
Washington, DC 20580

Because postal mail in the Washington area and at the Commission is subject to delay, please consider submitting your comments in electronic form, as prescribed above. The FTC requests that you send any comment by courier or overnight service, if possible.

To Request Confidential Treatment:
You must file in paper form and clearly label the first page of the document with “Confidential” and comply with Commission Rule 4.9 (c).

FTC PRIVACY POLICY
Under the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) or other laws, we may be required to disclose to outside organizations the information you provide when you pre-register. The Commission will consider all timely and responsive public comments, whether filed in paper or electronic form, and as a matter of discretion, we make every effort to remove home contact information for individuals from the public comments before posting them on the FTC website.

The FTC Act and other laws we administer permit the collection of your pre-registration contact information and the comments you file to consider and use in this proceeding as appropriate. For additional information, including routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, see the Commission’s comprehensive Privacy Policy.

NatureFlex™ Goes CarbonZero

January 28, 2008, Cumbria, U.K. — Innovia Films has achieved CarbonZero status on its full range of NatureFlex coated biodegradable and compostable packaging films through the implementation of carbon-reduction schemes.

NatureFlex is one of the few packaging materials that has been tested to and complies with the specification required for soil, home composting and waste water applications at ambient temperatures, as well as for industrial composting.  It has now built on its environmental credentials with its new CarbonZero status.

Following a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on its NatureFlex products during 2007 which was conducted to allow the company to quantify the environmental impact of the product on a “cradle to gate” basis; the company were able to determine the carbon footprint of coated NatureFlex biodegradable and compostable packaging films in 2008.

“Reducing a company’s carbon-footprint should principally be achieved through improvements in energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption, enhanced process technology and waste reduction.  We have already made significant cuts in this way and are committed to continuing this in the future.  Any manufacturing process will inevitably have an environmental impact and our involvement in these initiatives allows us to offset the overall effect of NatureFlex™ production and reassure our customers it is actually CarbonZero at the point of despatch from Innovia’s premises,” said David Beeby, Innovia Films Chief Executive.

The fact that Innovia Films uses renewable raw materials to manufacture NatureFlex is an excellent start-point; NatureFlex films are typically around 95% renewable as measured by ASTM D6866.

Working with a leading carbon services company, co2balance, who provide carbon reduction schemes both locally and globally, Innovia Films decided to plant 3,000 trees at Sand Martin Wood, Faugh, Cumbria.  The planting of this new forest with a mix of British broad leafed trees within 30 km of their Wigton site was selected because NatureFlex is manufactured in Cumbria.  The forest is directly owned and managed by co2balance which will ensure that it is properly maintained into the future.

In addition, Innovia Films will contribute to a scheme that distributes “solar ovens” to poor communities in Africa.  This helps to reduce deforestation, reduces CO2 emissions from open stove burning, reduces energy costs and provides health and safety benefits to the users.

The NatureFlex range of films comprises a transparent cellulose base manufactured from sustainable wood pulp. By adding specially formulated biodegradable and compostable surface layers Innovia Films is able to control the moisture permeability of these films to produce material suitable across a whole range of applications from high moisture content fresh produce to more hygroscopic bakery products.

NatureFlex films are stiffer and more oriented than many bio-polymers currently on the market which makes them ideal for use in standard flow-wrap and form-fill-seal equipment for food packaging. Glossy and transparent, they are also static-free for easy handling.

Says Innovia Films Market Development Manager - Sustainable Technologies, Andy Sweetman: “These films offer many advantages. They are not only biodegradable and compostable for those packer processors keen to use sustainable packaging but also have a technical performance second to none.

“Everyone is looking for films which will operate at increasingly rapid speeds with no loss of seal integrity and no increase in downtime and handling problems.

“We have been astonished so far at the performance capabilities of NatureFlex especially in relation to machinability.”

Key application areas are: wrapping fresh produce, especially organic ranges, confectionery twistwrap, tampons and other personal care products.

Kodak Again Named to "Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations" List

Also receives "A+" sustainability rating from Roberts Environmental Center

ROCHESTER, N.Y., January 29, 2008 — Eastman Kodak Company has once again been named to the list of “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World.”

The list is compiled by Corporate Knights, Inc., with Innovest Value Strategic Advisors as the research analytic data provider. Kodak has been selected for the list in all four years of its existence.

As noted on the Global 100 website (http://www.global100.org/2008/index.asp), a company that makes the Global 100 is part of a select group -- companies whose sustainability performance falls within the top five per cent of their sector, and have been chosen from among 2,000 of the world's largest corporations. These companies have demonstrated through performance and strategic intent a greater ability to successfully manage the “triple bottom line” (society, environment, and economy).

In addition to this latest recognition on the Global 100 list, The Roberts Environmental Center, a research institute associated with Claremont McKenna College, has announced that Kodak has received an “A+” sustainability rating in the Scientific, Photo and Control Equipment sector. The next highest rating in the sector was a “B.” The Roberts Center has produced some 800 on-line reports on individual companies as a joint effort among the center's faculty, research associates, and students in Claremont’s five colleges. All analyses are available online (http://www.roberts.cmc.edu/).

“Kodak is very pleased that we continue to be recognized for our commitment to global sustainability,” said David M. Kiser, Kodak’s Director of Health, Safety, and Environment, and a Kodak Vice President. “It is especially gratifying to know that these ratings were compiled after detailed analysis of key criteria for leading worldwide companies.”
About Eastman Kodak Company

About Eastman Kodak
Kodak is the world’s foremost imaging innovator. With sales of $10.7 billion in 2006, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak’s system of digital and traditional products and services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; Businesses effectively communicate with customers worldwide using Kodak solutions for prepress, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; and Creative Professionals rely on Kodak technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or still images.

More information about Kodak (NYSE:EK) is available at www.kodak.com.

Sustainable Forestry Initiative Program Marks Record Growth

Arlington, Virginia, January 15, 2008 —The Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R) (SFI(R)) program recorded substantial growth in 2007, including a 750 per cent increase in locations with SFI chain-of-custody certification that can track products from certified forests.

"We started 2007 with 21 certificates at 48 locations, and ended it with 102 SFI chain-of-custody certifications at 408 certified locations," SFI Inc. President and CEO Kathy Abusow said. "This represents a 386 per cent increase in certificates and a 750 per cent increase in certified locations - and it appears the momentum will continue in 2008."
Chain-of-custody certification means a company has a tracking system in place that identifies the amount of certified, uncertified and recycled content in the forest products it buys, uses or sells.

There was also an impressive increase in the amount of SFI-certified lands - to 143.7 million acres (58.1 million hectares) at the end of 2007 from 135 million acres (54.6 million hectares) at the end of 2006. The SFI sustainable forestry certification program is one of the largest in the world, with a standard based on principles and measures that promote sustainability including measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk and forests of exceptional conservation value.

Abusow said she was not surprised by the SFI program's growth. "More companies and more consumers are understanding the benefits of forest certification, and know that when they see the SFI label on a product - be it a juice box, printer paper or a two-by-four - that the wood fiber in that product is from a legal and well-managed source."
"Consumers are enthusiastically embracing SFI certification because they want to know they are buying forest products with a solid environmental pedigree," said Larry Selzer, President and CEO of The Conservation Fund. "The SFI program is fully independent, with a board that represents environmental, social and industry equally. It's clear that SFI and all those who adhere to the SFI standard are committed to continuous improvement, protecting forests of exceptional conservation value, and stopping illegal logging."

"In light of today's global markets and the fact that 90 per cent of the world's forests are not certified, it is especially important to recognize forest products that come from certified well-managed sources of supply," Abusow said. "By asking for SFI-certified products, customers can reward a company's environmental stewardship and, at the same time, know they are helping to strengthen forest management globally. SFI certification is a nice addition to any corporation's corporate social responsibility portfolio of tools. SFI certification is good for business and good for forests."

Companies that recently earned SFI chain-of-custody certification include Quebecor World, EarthColor, Smith-Litho, xpedx, Graphic Communications, JELD-WEN and RR Donnelly's plant in Chamblee, GA. Program participants that recently had lands certified include BC Timber Sales, Crown Pine Parent, Downie Street Sawmills, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Scotch Plywood Company and Evergreen Pulp Inc.

About SFI Inc.
SFI Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit organization and is solely responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program. SFI Inc. directs all elements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program including the SFI Standard, chain-of-custody certification, labeling and marketing. SFI Inc. is overseen by a three-chamber Board of Directors representing social, environmental and economic sectors.
For more information about the SFI program, visit www.sfiprogram.org.

Sonoco Recycling Opens New, Larger Facility in Charleston

HARTSVILLE, S.C., January 14, 2008 - Sonoco (NYSE:SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, has relocated its Charleston, S.C., recycling operation from 20 Braswell Street to a new, state-of-the-art materials recycling facility 1.5 miles away at 2025 Tellico Road in North Charleston.

“Our new North Charleston facility is larger—a nearly 30,000 square foot building on a 5-acre site—and much more efficient than our former location,” said Myles Cohen, vice president and general manager of Sonoco Recycling, the Sonoco business unit formerly known as Paper Stock Dealers. “Its additional space and improved productivity will allow us to process and warehouse a larger volume of recyclables than we’ve been able to handle in the past. This new capability will benefit the community and our Company through increased environmental sustainability.”

Sonoco Recycling’s new Charleston facility accepts and processes most corrugated boxes and other grades of paper materials, metals and plastics, and will have an annual recycling capability of approximately one-quarter of a billion pounds of recyclable materials. The facility accepts curbside material delivered by the public and offers flatbed pick up of baled material, van service for loose, palletized or baled material and roll-off service for 30- and 40-yard open and closed top containers. Sonoco, which processes and uses many of these recycled materials to produce recycled paperboard at its South Carolina paper mills, then uses that paperboard to produce new consumer and industrial packaging, making Sonoco one of the few cradle-to-cradle suppliers of packaging in the industry.

“One of the strategic benefits of this location is its proximity to the Port of Charleston,” said Cohen. “Recovered paper is the number one product exported from the United States, and this facility will expand Sonoco’s capability to export recovered paper to Asia and India.”

Annually, Sonoco Recycling collects and processes about 3.5 million tons of recyclable materials through 46 locations in North America and Europe, using a fleet of trucks with 1,300 trailers and a team of recycling professionals, many of whom are experts in waste management and manufacturing process improvement.

The public is invited to tour the new facility January 15-18. Interested individuals should call +843/577-6840 to schedule a private tour. The public is also invited to an Open House at the recycling facility from 2-5 p.m., Friday, January 18. Individuals interested in attending should call +843/577-6840 to RSVP.

About Sonoco
Sonoco, founded in 1899, is a global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 330 operations in 35 countries serving customers in 85 nations. Additional information about Sonoco is available at http://www.sonoco.com.

Quad Registers Printing Plants for LEED Certification

Company on Target to Be First Major Commercial Printer to Achieve LEED Certification From U.S. Green Building Council For All Manufacturing Sites

Janaury 7, 2008 — Quad/Graphics, the hemisphere's largest privately held commercial printer, has registered all 10 of its core U.S. printing plants for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The accomplishment puts Quad/Graphics on target to be the first printer of its kind to have all its major manufacturing sites designated as green buildings.

LEED is a voluntary green building rating system that provides measurable benchmarks for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. The system was developed by the USGBC, a non-profit organization committed to promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable building practices.

Quad/Graphics will achieve LEED certification for each facility by meeting certain criteria in five different areas: sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials and resource selection, and indoor environmental quality. The company intends to have its Sussex, Wis., headquarters certified in 2008 and all remaining plants certified thereafter.

"Quad/Graphics has always been committed to doing business in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way, and we already meet many of the criteria necessary for LEED certification," said President & CEO Joel Quadracci. "Through LEED, we'll verify through an independent third party that our buildings and facilities operate as green as possible. We know this brings tangible value to our employees and our clients, and once again reinforces that what's good for the environment is also good for business."

Already Quad/Graphics has comprehensive recycling operations, recycling 98.5 percent of all waste leaving its plants, including paper, fluorescent lamps, co-mingled containers, metal, plastic, wood and concrete. The company actively promotes carpooling and subsidizes a bus route from Milwaukee, Wis., to its suburban Sussex and Pewaukee plants. At its printing facility in West Allis, Wisconsin, native prairie plants reduce the flow of rainwater into storm sewers and minimize grounds maintenance.

As the company pursues certification, it will implement additional green practices and processes, including more robust energy and water management systems that build on its existing success.

The company’s LEED-certification announcement comes on the heels of two recent awards for environmental stewardship.

In late October 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented Quad/Graphics with an Environmental Excellence Award for its participation in the SmartWaySM Transport Partnership. The award recognizes Quad/Graphics’ leadership in reducing emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from its freight transport activities. In 2006 alone, Quad/Graphics prevented the emission of 11,878 tons of carbon dioxide – the equivalent of taking 2,332 passenger cars off the road. It also prevented the emission of 70.5 tons of nitrous oxide and 1.13 tons of particulate matter.

Earlier in October, Quad/Graphics received the Going Green Recognition Award for the way it integrates and balances economic growth, social equity and environmental management into its business practices. The award was presented at Wisconsin 75 annual awards program sponsored by the Milwaukee office of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, a professional services firm that provides audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services. The Wisconsin 75 program spotlights the largest closely held businesses headquartered in the state and recognizes their contributions to the Wisconsin economy.

About Quad/Graphics
Sussex, Wis.-based Quad/Graphics (www.QG.com) has long been known for its environmental stewardship and social responsibility, garnering a long list of local, state and national honors. These include the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce's Business Friend of the Environment Award, the Wisconsin Partners for Clean Air and the Department of Natural Resources Clean Air Recognition Award, the Climate Wise Partner Achievement Award, the National Air Filtration Association's Clean Air Award, the American Forest & Paper Association's Recycling Award, and the Rainforest Alliance's Sustainability Award. Quad/Graphics is the largest privately held printer of magazines, catalogs and other commercial products in the Western Hemisphere. It has 12,000 employees worldwide and boasts annual sales of $2 billion.

Iggesund Radically Reduces Its Fossil Fuel Use 

January 3, 2008 — Iggesund Paperboard is reducing its use of fossil fuel by three-quarters. The company will thereby cut its emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil sources by three-quarters at Iggesunds Bruk, where the company’s flagship product, Invercote, is made. The radical reduction is the result of a detailed energy assessment plus investments totalling about 10.5 million euro, and corresponds to the emissions from 20,000 cars each driven 15,000 kilometres a year.

“But our goal is even higher than this,” says Klas Simes, energy coordinator at Iggesunds Bruk. “We plan a gradual changeover so that we will ultimately not use any fossil fuel at all, and will also be self-sufficient in electricity.”

The reduction in Iggesund Brukís carbon dioxide emissions will be implemented in 2009. It will come from a combination of energy savings plus investments in increased capacity for biofuel use. Klas explains that the measures are not primarily motivated by the current intense media discussion of carbon emissions:

“We can’t respond in a short-term, erratic way, like public opinion sometimes does. We have a long-term environmental programme, and environmental aspects are considered when making every investment decision. But our job — and there is no contradiction involved — is to deliver a first-class product at a competitive price. If we want to do this in the long term we have to act systematically and rationally.

“The huge rises in energy costs in recent years have focused attention on this area. We’ve worked hard to achieve an intelligent solution that ensures our competitiveness ñ and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is just one result of that.”

For decades now Iggesund has been implementing a long-term environmental programme encompassing the entire production process at Iggesunds Bruk. The company’s energy supply is based on heat from Iggesund’s own production process plus electricity, almost half of which is also produced by the company. Today over 90 percent of this electricity comes from biofuel. With regard to heat, Iggesunds Bruk produces a surplus. As well as being used in the production process, the heat is also used to dry timber in a nearby sawmill and to heat homes nearby.

“We could be self-sufficient in electricity and independent of fossil fuel within the fairly near future,” Klas Simes concludes.

EPA Widens Window on Regulatory Process

EPA is sharing more information about ways the public can get involved in environmental regulation.

The new site is easily accessible from EPA's homepage and can be found by choosing "Laws, Regulations, Guidance & Dockets" from the left-hand navigation bar.

For more information, contact Dave Ryan, (202) 564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov

SC Johnson Reduces Greenhouse Gases by the Truckload

Racine, Wisconsin, November 28, 2007 — Innovation is not only the hallmark of SC Johnson's products, but also its efforts to continually improve the eco-efficiency of transporting those products to market. The company recently completed a transportation-logistics project that eliminated 1,882 tons of greenhouse gases (GHGs) over a 12 month period - the equivalent of making 90 two-person households carbon neutral for a year.

SC Johnson's Truckload Utilization Project created a system that combines multiple customer orders - and multiple products – to load the fullest, best configured trucks possible. The company recently completed the first year of executing the new system and the results are impressive: in addition to decreased GHGs, SC Johnson used 2,098 fewer trucks, cut fuel usage by 168,000 gallons and saved approximately $1.6 million.

"Loading a truck may seem simple, but making sure that a truck is truly 'full' is a science," said Pat Penman, SC Johnson's director, Global Environmental & Safety Actions. "Focusing on consistently hitting a trailer's maximum weight provided a huge opportunity to reduce our energy consumption, cut our greenhouse gas emissions and save money. It illustrates how innovation can drive prosperity and responsibility."

The Science of Truckloading
The project began with six months of thorough research, which resulted in an insightful discovery: SC Johnson was missing the benefits of loading trucks to their maximum weight capacity. The research showed that the different weights and sizes of various products have a profound effect on how a truck should be packed for maximum efficiency. For example, a truckload full of Ziploc(R) brand products was far below a truck's most efficient load weight, where as a smaller number of pallets of Windex(R) glass cleaner will hit the maximum weight target while leaving empty space in the trailer.

After completing its research, SC Johnson began strategically packing multiple products on the same load. In making this a standard process involving multiple departments, the company learned it could ensure the most efficient weight capacity is reached, thereby shipping the same amount of product using fewer trucks.

The company further enhanced it shipping efficiency by maximizing the use of "day cabs." A day cab, which is a truck cab with no sleeping compartment for the driver, is typically 3,000 pounds lighter than a standard truck cab. Using the lighter day cab enabled the company to increase the amount of product loaded into the truck's trailer before the vehicle's maximum weight was reached. The company now requires that day cabs are used for all regional shipments - those that can be completed in one work day – which further improves transportation efficiency.

Another opportunity to increase efficiency involved revising a customer incentive plan. Prior to this study, SC Johnson offered an incentive program that encouraged customers to order a minimum of two layers of every product with their shipments. That meant great product diversity in the orders, but it didn't drive efficient truckloads. By modifying this program so only one layer of product was required, SC Johnson was able to better combine products to maximize truckload utilization. It also cut the number of pallets needed, which further reduced the truck's weight and enabled more product to be loaded onto the trailer. Modifying the incentive program also benefited SC Johnson's customers by reducing their inventory and dock congestion.

A History of Environmental Leadership
For 121 years, SC Johnson has held steadfast to its environmental commitment and spirit of innovation. From being one of the first consumer products manufacturers to join the EPA's Climate Leaders program in 2002 to its leadership as the first company to remove chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from all aerosol products - three years ahead of the 1978 U.S. mandate, SC Johnson continues to look for innovative ways to safeguard our shared environment. In 2001, SC Johnson devised the Greenlist(TM) process, a patented raw material rating system, to transform the way the company measures, tracks and advances its products to further the company's longstanding commitment to environmentally responsible products. Through the Greenlist(TM) process, SC Johnson continues to lead the way with responsible raw material choices.

People interested in learning more about SC Johnson's legacy of environmental stewardship can visit the company's new environment section of its corporate Web site at www.scjohnson.com The site highlights SC Johnson's key initiatives, provides in-depth discussions of topics with worldwide environmental impact, offers videos and interactive games and identifies ways consumers can lighten their environmental footprint and strengthen their own communities. Also, available for download on the site is SC Johnson's 2007 Public Report.

Report Offers Framework for Energy Efficiency Policies

November 16, 2007 — More than 60 energy, environmental and other organizations have collaborated on a new report that could save Americans more than $500 billion in energy costs over 25 years and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 90 million vehicles, EPA announced on Nov. 13.

The "National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency Vision for 2025" provides a framework for states, utilities and other stakeholders to consider when seeking policies and programs to achieve all cost effective energy efficiency measures.

"Environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility -- and I'm pleased to see states, utilities and energy customers are taking this motto to heart," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By committing to conservation, Americans are making the vision for an energy efficient future a reality today."

Kevin Kolevar, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) assistant secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, stated: "Opportunities to increase and maximize energy efficiency in our homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities are both enormous and quantifiable and are a key component of the president's robust energy initiatives. The national action plan recognizes the role of prioritizing energy efficiency through incentive based programs and policies, which can reduce energy use, benefit our environment and add to a company's bottom line."

The action plan, launched in 2006, is facilitated by EPA and DOE. The plan provides five recommendations for helping states and utilities overcome policy, regulatory and other barriers that limit investment in energy efficiency even when investment in more efficient homes, buildings and industries would cost less than new supply and would lead to overall lower energy bills. Along with the vision for 2025, the Action Plan Leadership Group released a number of "how-to" resources to help parties meet energy efficiency commitments and announced new commitments under the action plan from more than 30 organizations. The list of organizations and their new commitments can be found at http://www.epa.gov/eeactionplan under Leadership Commitments.

Nearly 120 organizations have already taken action over the past year to make the action plan a reality, according to EPA. These commitments to energy efficiency from 42 utility commissions and state and local agencies, 34 utilities, nine large-end-users and nearly 40 other organizations have helped remove barriers to energy efficiency by establishing and supporting new energy efficiency programs, collaborating and the state and local levels, exploring policies to align utility incentives with cost-effective energy efficiency, educating stakeholders and meeting aggressive energy savings goals.

The document can be accessed at http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/actionplan/resources.htm.

P&G Sets Sales Target for Greener Products

October 30, 2007 — Procter & Gamble has announced five-year sustainability goals as part of its 2007 Global Sustainability Report. P&G says that it plans to generate at least $20 billion in cumulative sales of products with reduced environmental impact over the next five years. Financial Times reports that the environmental impact of those products will be at least 10 percent less than those of previously available products. This is believed to be the first time a consumer products company has set itself a financial target for developing and selling greener items, rather than for waste or energy reduction.

P&G’s sales target for environmentally enhanced products will be significantly supported by its move to shift its liquid detergent market in the U.S. to double concentrate formula.

P&G is also changing its core statement of corporate purpose - that it seeks to “improve the lives of the world’s consumers with its branded products and services” – to add the phrase “now and for generations to come,” according to the FT article.

The company also said it will reduce CO2 emissions, energy and water consumption, and disposed waste per unit of production by an additional 10 percent each, contributing to a 40 percent reduction over the decade (2002-2012).

Other goals include:

• Improve the lives of 250 million children through its corporate cause, Live Learn and Thrive. It will also deliver another two billion liters of clean water through its Children’s Safe Drinking Water program over the next five years. The company estimates that this will prevent 80 million days of disease and save 10,000 lives.
• Help P&G employees build ‘sustainability thinking and practices’ into their daily work.
• Continue to work with external stakeholders, such as the Centers for Disease Control, UNICEF, the World Health Organization and Populations Services International, to create new opportunities and solutions for the world’s sustainability challenges.

P&G is a founding member of the recently announced Supply Chain Leadership Coalition, an organization that will press suppliers to release data about carbon emissions and climate-change strategies.

Nations, States, Provinces Announce Carbon Markets Partnership to Reduce Global Warning

October 29, 2007, Lisbon, Portugal - A coalition of European countries, U.S. states, Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Norway today announced the formation of the International Carbon Action Partnership (www.ICAPCarbonAction.com) to fight global warming.

ICAP will provide an international forum in which governments and public authorities adopting mandatory greenhouse gas emissions cap and trade systems will share experiences and best practices on the design of emissions trading schemes. This cooperation will ensure that the programs are more compatible and are able to work together as the foundation of a global carbon market. Such a market will boost demand for low-carbon products and services, promote innovation, and allow cost effective reductions so as to allow swift and ambitious global reductions in global warming emissions.

The ground-breaking international and interregional agreement was signed today by U.S. and Canadian members of the Western Climate Initiative, northeastern U.S. members of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, as well as European members including the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and the European Commission. New Zealand and Norway joined on behalf of their emissions trading programs.

Leaders attending the summit included: President José Sócrates, Council of the European Union and Prime Minister of Portugal; European Commission President José Manuel Barroso; Governor Jon Corzine, New Jersey; Governor Eliot Spitzer, New York and Premier Gordon Campbell, British Columbia. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, participated with video messages.

ICAP will open lines of communication for sharing valuable information, such as research, effective policy initiatives, lessons learned and new developments. By working together to establish similar design principles, ICAP partners are ensuring that future market systems, in conjunction with regulation in the form of enforceable caps, will boost worldwide demand for low-carbon products and services, provide a larger market for innovators, and achieve global emissions reductions at the swiftest pace and lowest cost possible. The new partnership supports the current ongoing efforts undertaken under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which all ICAP members agree has a central role in fighting global warming.

Global warming is a problem that requires a global solution. ICAP will facilitate such a global solution by:

• Rigorously and accurately monitoring, reporting and verifying emissions and working to determine reliable sources appropriate for inclusion in a globally linked program.
• Encouraging common approaches and furthering partners' together to expand the global carbon market, helping to prevent leakage.
• Creating a clear price incentive to innovate, develop and use clean technologies.
• Encouraging private investors to chose low-carbon projects and technologies, generating the flow of money needed to support a shift to a low-carbon future.
• Providing flexible compliance mechanisms that ensure reliable reductions at the fastest pace and lowest cost.

The following signatories and/or participants of the event said:

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, United Kingdom: “The launch of the International Carbon Market Partnership is a truly significant step forward in the global effort to combat climate change. Building a global carbon market is fundamental to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while allowing economies to grow and prosper. Trading emissions between between nations allows us all to reach our greenhouse gas targets more cost-effectively. And it therefore allows us to reduce emissions more than we could by acting alone.”

Governor Jon Corzine, New Jersey: “My background as the former head of Goldman Sachs has given me a unique perspective on many market-based solutions to important public problems, such as environmental degradation. But it is my life in public service that has helped me understand that it will take the courage and commitment of a core set of leaders, like those of us gathered today, to drive implementation of smart, feasible, and measurable policies needed to address an issue as urgent as global warming.”

Governor Eliot Spitzer, New York: “Global warming is the most significant environmental problem of our generation, and by establishing an international partnership, we are taking the vital steps to address this growing concern. In the absence of federal leadership, New York is implementing a greenhouse gas emissions trading program that will achieve a 16 percent reduction in power plant emissions by 2019. Today, we continue that work by joining the International Carbon Action Partnership, or ICAP, where we can begin working with our global partners, share experiences and address issues of program design and compatibility, thereby strengthening our markets.”

Premier Gordon Campbell, British Columbia: “Tackling global warming requires international cooperation and collaboration unlike anything we have seen before. It is vitally important that as we design our own market systems we coordinate with other provinces, states, nations and continents. The partnership we have signed today opens the door, for the first time ever, to jurisdictions around the globe to share ideas and new technologies, and ultimately will lay the foundation for a compatible market-based system to trade carbon offsets and credits worldwide.”

John Hutton, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise, and Regulatory Reform, United Kingdom: “This initiative is an extremely important contribution to the global effort to solve the urgent problem of climate change. Business tells us they want clarity on what they will be asked to do, and that they prefer a market-based approach. That is why the global carbon market will be fundamental in the move to a low carbon economy, and why ICAP is such a valuable forum, with its practical emphasis on collaborating and sharing experience and expertise.”

For more information, please visit www.ICAPCarbonAction.com.

DOE Report Details Effects of Climate Change on Energy Production, Use in U.S.

October 18, 2007 — On Oct. 18, the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) announced the release of a report that summarizes what is known about potential effects of climate change on energy production and use in the United States and identifies where research could reduce uncertainties about impacts.

The document, numbered 4.5 and titled "Effects of Climate Change on Energy Production and Use in the United States," is the third in a series of 21 Synthesis and Assessment Products (SAPs) and was coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

"This report represents the first overview of impact vulnerabilities, opportunities and adaptive response issues for the energy sector in the United States," said Thomas Wilbanks, the coordinating lead author of SAP 4.5 from DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory. "It is notable because unlike some other sectors of interest regarding climate change -- such as water, agriculture and human health -- the energy sector has not been the focus of climate impact discussions over the past decade."

The report concludes that climate change poses a range of possible effects on the energy sector in the United States, including reduction of total U.S. heating requirements and increases to total U.S. cooling requirements. The changes are expected to vary by region and season; but since nearly all cooling is provided by electricity while heating is fueled by a variety of energy sources, such as natural gas and fuel oil, demands for electricity are likely to grow. Other effects on energy consumption are less clear primarily due to insufficient information available.

The effects on energy production and supply include the possibility of severe storms and water availability, in addition to the possible impacts of warming on energy exploration, production, and transportation in Alaska. The report finds that climate change could mean increased exposure to severe weather events, especially in storm-prone coastal areas. Reduced snowfall in mountain areas in the West would mean reduced water supplies for hydroelectric power, and changes in precipitation patterns also could have implications for thermal power plant cooling. Because air and water are used to cool thermoelectric power plants, the report finds that warming of the atmosphere and water in rivers used to cool power plants could increase cooling demands and might reduce overall thermoelectric power plant efficiencies. Sea-level rise could have long-term effects on the siting of power plants along the coast. Possible effects of climate change on renewable energy alternatives such as solar energy, wind energy and bioenergy are of great interest, but current knowledge did not support conclusions at this time, officials said.

Research data available varies on possible indirect effects of climate change on energy production and use, but the report indicates that climate change could affect risk management strategies in the investment behavior of some energy institutions. It also is likely to have effects on energy resource and technology choices and research and development investments. Other possible indirect effects on the U.S. energy system include energy prices, depending considerably on progress towards advanced energy technologies, and effects on other countries that are linked to the U.S. energy system.

The authors of the CCSP 4.5 report note that the energy sector is vulnerable to stresses from climate change that if identified early enough, could likely be addressed by adaptation strategies that will reduce eventual costs to consumers and to the energy institutions that seek to meet U.S. needs for energy services.

To access the report and find more information on the CCSP at the U.S. Climate Change Science Program, visit http://www.climatescience.gov.

Recycling and Solid Waste Management Educational Series

October 10, 2007 — EPA is hosting the Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Web Academy to provide training and a networking opportunity to State and Local governments, non-governmental-organizations and other stakeholders. The Web Academy is a monthly educational series to learn directly from experts working throughout the country about the issues, projects, and practices for creating successful waste management programs. The RCC Academy will help participants learn about what works and what doesn’t and to find the tools and information you need to:

• decrease waste
• increase reuse, recycling and pollution prevention, and
• conserve energy and materials

Program format includes guest speaker presentations and a discussion via conference call in conjunction with on-line Powerpoint presentations.

Note: Information on the RCC Web Academy web pages that does not originate from EPA may not reflect official policy or findings by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

WHO: Hosted by EPA Regions 1, 4, 7, and 10, the target audience for this program is state and local government waste management and recycling professionals around the country and not-for-profit organizations that support solid waste management systems.

WHEN: The 1 1/2 hour programs will be held the 3rd Thursday of each month, September 2007 through September 2008 at 1:00 - 2:30 pm Eastern Time (12:00 Central, 11:00 Mountain, 10:00 Pacific)

To participate, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region1/RCCedu/

Consumers Will Double Spening on Green

New Research on Green Perceptions and Behaviors among U.S. Consumers Released by Cohn & Wolfe, Landor Associates and Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates

September 27, 2007, New Orleans — New findings from the 2007 ImagePower™ Green Brands Survey, conducted by WPP’s Landor Associates, Penn, Schoen & Berland (PSB) Associates and Cohn & Wolfe (C&W), were released today at the Sustainable Brands '07 conference produced by Sustainable Life Media in New Orleans, Louisiana. Following a survey conducted in April 2007, the updated Green Brands 2.5 research found that consumers expect to double their spending on green products and services in the next year, totaling an estimated $500 billion annually or $43 billion per month.

“This wave of research very clearly indicates an up tick in purchase intent for most consumers when it comes to green products and services, particularly those that are relatively simple to implement such as installing environmentally friendly lighting and upgrading to energy-saving appliances,” said Tom Agan, Managing Director of Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates.

The research also indicated that despite bipartisan sentiments on politics and religion, 90% of Americans agree that there are important green issues and problems, and 82% believe it is important for companies to implement environmentally-friendly practices.

Conducted by PSB’s Internet Surveys Groups (ISG), the survey also found that consumer perceptions of green continue to change according to various collective definitions and contribute directly to buying decisions. In early research, for example, consumers indicated a close association of the color green with environmentally-friendly products. As products and awareness have increased in sophistication, perceptions have steadily shifted to equating green to saving money and caring for self and society in 2006. Today, the Green Brands Survey finds that consumers perceive green as a direct and positive reflection of their social status, in addition to recognizing its broader value to society and the world.

“Mainstream consumers can now join celebrities in supporting good causes,” said Russ Meyer, Chief Strategy Officer of Landor Associates. “As issues continue to arise around the world, so do positive perceptions of the people who support those issues. With every cause there is opportunity to gain support through a green-savvy consumer population.”

Extending the work released earlier this year that defined five “green attitudes,” ranging from “Bright Green” to “Dull Green,” today’s findings highlight the political and emotional state of each group. Dull Green respondents, for example, who are characterized by making a minimum effort to support environmental change, prioritize crime reduction, religious organizations and healthcare as their main causes. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the majority of Bright Green respondents, or those who are doing everything they can to make a long-term impact on their environment, care most about the environment, animal rights and education. One in five Dull Greens is satisfied with the current state of the environment, while, Bright Greens remain sad and skeptical about the future outlook and one in three even feel anger about the situation.

“The value of examining the everyday lives and activities, as well as the emotions, of our green groups is that we can then adapt and refine the way in which we communicate with them to maximize relevant messages,” said Annie Longsworth, EVP and Managing Director of Cohn & Wolfe San Francisco. “What resonates with Bright Green people is very different from what rings true for Dull Greens, which presents some really exciting marketing challenges and opportunities.”

Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates, Inc. conducted 803 interviews on the Internet among U.S. general population from September 7 - 9, 2007. Respondents were screened to meet the following criteria: Age 18 or over. Gender, age, and region were weighted based on US census information.

About Landor Associates
Landor Associates is one of the world’s leading strategic brand and design consultancies. Founded by Walter Landor in 1941, Landor pioneered many of the research, design and consulting methods that are now standard in the branding industry. Partnering with clients, Landor drives business transformation and performance by creating brands that are more innovative, progressive and dynamic than their competitors.

Landor’s holistic approach to branding is a balance of rigorous, business-driven thinking and exceptional creativity. Its work spans the full breadth of branding services, including brand research and valuation, brand positioning and architecture, naming and writing, corporate identity and consumer packaging design, branded experience, brand equity management, brand engagement and digital branding.

With 22 offices in 17 countries, Landor’s current and past clients include some of the world’s most powerful brands, such as BP, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Diageo, Emaar Properties, FedEx, Frito-Lay, Hyatt Hotels, the City of Hong Kong, LG Group, Microsoft, Numico, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo and Telefonica.

Landor is part of WPP, one of the world’s largest global communications services companies. For more information, visit: http://www.landor.com.

About Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates
Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates (PSB) has nearly 30 years of experience in leveraging consumer opinion to provide clients with a competitive advantage, or more simply - providing clients with Winning Knowledge™.

PSB brings an extensive network and unique knowledge base to bear on communications issues. PSB uses experience and global reach to deliver unrivaled business and political insights.

PSB executes polling and message testing services in over 70 countries for Fortune®500 companies and major political campaigns to develop brand positioning, guide successful advertising campaigns, generate favorable publicity, and advise in crisis management decisions. For more information, visit: http://www.psbresearch.com.

About Cohn & Wolfe
Cohn & Wolfe is a strategic marketing public relations agency dedicated to creating, building and protecting the world's most prolific brands. With offices in the U.S. and Europe, the agency creates and implements powerful communications programs that help clients build their brands and their bottom lines.

The core areas of expertise include consumer, healthcare, technology and corporate communications. Cohn & Wolfe ranks number one by clients for creativity, media placement, client service, senior management and strategic counsel. Cohn & Wolfe also consistently ranks among the top "Best Agencies to Work For" in an annual, industry-wide employee survey. For more information, visit: www.cohnwolfe.com.

DOE's Save Energy Now Initiative Recognizes High-Performing Plants

September 27, 2007 — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is recognizing 180 U.S. manufacturers for making significant improvements to the way their plant uses energy. Over the past year, these industrial plants have participated in and implemented recommendations from DOE’s “Save Energy Now” initiative to save 13.8 trillion Btu—worth over $73 million.

Through the Save Energy Now initiative, DOE’s Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) offers industrial plants the opportunity to work with a DOE energy expert or university-based team in assessing key industrial process systems. These assessments identify cost-effective opportunities and recommend actions plants may take to reduce their energy use and shrink their carbon footprint in the near term. In 2006, more than 700 plants applied for and received assessments. The manufacturers to receive awards from DOE reported their results after six months and met the criteria in one of the following categories:

• Energy Saver Plant—More than 75,000 million Btu total energy savings or more than 7.5 percent total energy savings.
• Energy Champion Plant—More than 250,000 million Btu total energy savings or more than 15 percent total energy savings.

DOE is honoring 115 plants as Energy Saver Plants, and has ascertained that 65 plants deserve recognition as Energy Champion Plants. All of the award-winning companies will be publicly recognized at major industry meetings or ITP events throughout the year and on the Save Energy Now website. To see the list of 2006 Save Energy Now award recipients, visit www.eere.energy.gov/industry/saveenergynow/recognition.html.

After another six months, DOE hopes that some of the plants assessed in 2006 will qualify as an Energy Champion Team. This designation requires a plant to achieve more than 10 percent total energy savings in the original plant and replication in two or more plants.

The Industrial Technologies Program leads national efforts to improve industrial energy efficiency and environmental performance. It is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and contributes to its efforts to provide reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy for America today and in the future.

Sonoco Launches New Waste Reduction Consulting Service

Sonoco Sustainability Solutions Provides Manufacturers, Distribution Centers and Retailers Productivity Savings and New Revenues

HARTSVILLE, S.C., September 27, 2007 - Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, today launched Sonoco Sustainability Solutions (S3), a new service that can provide manufacturing facilities with productivity savings by identifying ways to reduce waste materials going to landfills, and increase profitability by converting waste streams to revenue streams by finding alternative uses for a facility’s previously unrecycled wastes.

S3 is a new service of Sonoco Recycling, one of the largest recyclers in the packaging industry, said Jack Sanders, senior vice president of Sonoco. “S3 was originally developed and piloted at 12 Sonoco plants to improve productivity by reducing waste materials going to landfills,” Sanders said. “However, once we identified the many benefits of the program, we began partnering with some of our customers’ locations and found that the service could provide significant productivity savings along with new revenue sources and environmental benefits.”

Through S3, Sonoco waste reduction experts audit a customer’s location to review its existing program for handling wastes. Then tailored programs are developed that offer significant savings by reducing waste hauling charges and landfill fees. The service also can provide incremental income as Sonoco Recycling works to convert a location’s unrecycled waste streams into revenue streams by facilitating the sale of previously landfilled materials and finding alternate uses for certain wastes. Finally, the service provides reporting of productivity improvements both in terms of financial savings and environmental benefits.

“The goal of S3 is to have zero landfill wastes coming from our customers’ facilities,” said Myles Cohen, division vice president and general manager, Sonoco Recycling. “Most manufacturing plants, distribution centers and retailers have active recycling programs, but they still have wastes going to landfills. Because of our extensive knowledge of the industrial and consumer packaging industry and our expertise in recycling, we have been able to find alternative recycling initiatives for wastes that were previously thought to be unrecyclable, such as plastic banding, bulk plastic liners and sacks, flexible packaging and other materials.”

For more information about Sonoco Sustainability Solutions or to review S3 case studies, visit Sonoco Recycling’s Web site at www.sustainabilitysolutions.com or contact Derek McFarland, national manager, sustainability services, at +803/396-2174.

Sonoco annually collects about 3.5 million tons of recyclable materials including old corrugated containers and other paper, plastics, metals, glass and other materials. Sonoco Recycling collects and processes recyclable materials at 46 locations in North America and Europe, operates a fleet of trucks with 1,300 trailers and has a team of recycling professionals many of whom are experts in waste management and manufacturing process improvement.

About Sonoco

Sonoco, founded in 1899, is a global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 325 operations in 35 countries serving customers in 85 nations. Additional information about Sonoco is available at .

Sonoco’s Global Recovered Paper Division Renamed Sonoco Recycling

September 25, 2007, Hartsville, S.C. – Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, has renamed its global recovered paper operations as Sonoco Recycling, and repositioned the business unit to combine the Company’s long-established recycling capabilities with new market-driven environmentally sustainable services such as waste management consulting, it was announced by Jack Sanders, senior vice president of Sonoco.

As one of the largest recyclers in the packaging industry, Sonoco has extensive materials recovery experience, and we are constantly developing new, cost-effective sustainable packaging solutions and services for our customers,” said Sanders. “The fact is, Sonoco’s recycling capabilities have grown far beyond collecting paper to meet our internal raw material needs. Today, Sonoco Recycling has the resources and expertise needed to meet the changing needs of our customers as they are looking for more environmentally sustainable services.”

Sonoco annually collects about 3.5 million tons of recyclable materials. Collections are expanding to include not only old corrugated containers and other paper, but also plastic, metal, glass and other recyclable materials. Sonoco Recycling collects and processes recyclable materials through 46 locations in North America and Europe, operates a fleet of trucks with 1,300 trailers and has a team of recycling professionals, many who are experts in waste management and manufacturing process improvement.

Sonoco Recycling will continue to use and develop state-of-the-art technology to recover, process and sell recycled materials. Last year, Sonoco began operating a fully automated, state-of-the-art materials recovery facility (MRF) that recycles curbside-collected and dual-stream residential and commercial waste materials from the Raleigh and Wake County, N.C., areas. The 45,000 square foot recycling facility uses a computer-automated reclamation processing system. Sonoco Recycling operates a similar facility in Columbia, S.C.

Myles Cohen, division vice president and general manager, Sonoco Recycling, said the Company also has the unique ability to share its recycling expertise with other manufacturers, distribution centers, retailers and other businesses looking to enhance their environmentally sustainable business practices.

“Recycling is a business that Sonoco has always done well,” Cohen said. “However, today there are many new elements to the business of Sonoco Recycling. With our extensive experience and scope of operations, we are well positioned to reach our ultimate goal, which is to eliminate landfill wastes for the Company and its customers.”

Sonoco Chairman, President and CEO Harris E. DeLoach, Jr., will discuss Sonoco Recycling and the Business of Sustainable Packaging Leadership in a Keynote Presentation at the Third Annual Sustainable Packaging Forum in Pittsburgh, Pa., Wednesday, September 26. Myles Cohen, division vice president and general manager, Sonoco Recycling, will also speak at the Forum about Best Practices in Recycling and Sustainable Operations on Thursday, September 27.

About Sonoco
Sonoco, founded in 1899, is a $3.5 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 300 operations in 35 countries serving customers in 85 nations. Additional information about the Company is available at http://www.sonoco.com.

EPA Releases List of High-Volume Chemicals

Washington, DC, September 10, 2007 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released the first set of Hazard Characterizations on 101 High Production Volume (HPV) chemicals. These characterizations are based on EPA’s scientific review of the screening-level hazard, or toxicity, data that was submitted by the U.S. chemical industry through EPA’s HPV Challenge Program or other information previously collected by the agency.

The HPV Challenge Program challenged companies to provide the public with basic health and safety data on chemicals that are manufactured in excess of a million pounds a year. The hazard characterizations include a summary of the data submitted, EPA’s evaluation of the quality and completeness of the data, and an assessment of the potential hazards that a chemical or chemical category may pose. EPA will combine this information with human and environmental exposure information collected from EPA’s Inventory Update Reporting to develop a risk characterization and, based on that review, determine if additional action is needed to ensure the safety of the HPV chemicals’ manufacture and use.

The agency intends to use this approach to assess risks and identify and take needed action on 3000 HPV chemicals by 2012. This was one of the elements of the North American chemical cooperation commitment announced by the U.S., Canada and Mexico at the Security and Prosperity Partnership North American Leaders’ Summit in Canada in August.

EPA will continue to prepare and periodically post additional HPV chemical hazard characterizations as they are developed. The agency also intends to post risk characterizations on chemicals when they are developed and completed, beginning later this year.

Review the first set of hazard characterizations: http://iaspub.epa.gov/oppthpv/hpv_hc_characterization.get_report

Further information on EPA’s plans for reviewing HPV chemical data: http://www.epa.gov/hpv

Toyo Ink: Promoting Environmental Leadership and Sustainability

September 10, 2007 -- ADDISON, Ill. -- Toyo Ink Group's main strength in the printing inks business can be attributed to its integrated system from raw materials production to the final products. The ink manufacturer's acumen for research and development has helped drive Toyo products' differentiated functions and efficient performance.

Toyo Ink has long been at the forefront of product development that considers the safety and health of consumers. More than 30 years ago, Toyo Ink began institutionalizing at the organizational level its response to environmental issues. Starting with the launch in 1973 of the Environmental Improvement Center and implementation of Environmental Awareness Committees charged with controlling pollution at each plant, efforts to cultivate a robust environmental management system have moved forward.

"Toyo Ink Group has been active in various environmental initiatives in the broader context of developing an action plan to help carry the industry forward in the 21st century," said Fusao Ito, president of the Toyo Ink Group in America. "It is imperative that we take a leading role through reduced waste and resource usage and elimination or safer disposal of harmful byproducts."

Key examples of these actions include drafting internal environmental safety regulations in 1990 and attaining membership in the Japan Responsible Care Council in 1995. Toyo Ink established its Environmental Charter and Action Policies in 1996 to outline official management policy based on the philosophy of sustainable development. Likewise, the ISO 14001 certification system and standards related to environmental management issues provide additional tools to continually improve environmental performance.

Ecology Center
Further steps to bolster environmental activities company-wide led to the creation in 1999 of the Ecology Center at Toyo Ink's Tokyo headquarters. A detailed Environmental Report was published that same year. Subsequent reports, issued annually, have documented progress in such areas as managing chemical substances, developing environmentally responsible products and fostering corporate social consciousness.

"The challenges posed in recent years have proved more opportunity than threat," Ito observed.

Environmental stewardship as a top priority is strongly reflected in Toyo Ink's printing materials. With the Ecology Center as its focal point, the company's R&D team is developing and supplying new products, ranging from process inks and water-based gravure inks with no organic solvents to aromatic compounds-free inks and non-toluene-type inks. In addition, Toyo Ink is making advances in developing a solvent recovery system for gravure inks, from the conceptual stage to actual implementation.

Setting Standards
The Ecology Center screens products for compliance with environmental standards. Products that satisfy the standards are then registered as environmentally friendly. These products not only reduce the residual organic solvents contained in food packages, books and other printed materials, but also improve the environment of printing operations.

At Print 05, Toyo Ink introduced HyPlus 100 Process Series inks. HyPlus 100 allows sheetfed printers to replace inks containing petroleum-derived solvents with formulations for all four basic colors that are entirely free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sales of HyPlus 100 have skyrocketed since its introduction.

Additionally, printers can choose low-VOC vegetable-based inks, among them the HyUnity, HyLite and HyPlus EC series.

Environmental Acceptance
Toyo Ink makes good use of the Japan Environment Association's Eco Mark for third-party certification of printing ink. The Eco Mark identifies products that exert less of a burden on the environment, enabling consumers to make environmentally friendly product choices. Over two dozen Toyo Ink product series, including offset, newspaper, gravure and ultraviolet (UV) inks, display the Eco Mark.

Furthermore, Toyo soybean oil-based inks carry the American Soybean Association SoySeal in addition to the Eco Mark. Toyo Soy Process Series sheetfed inks are formulated with 20 percent natural soy and contain no aromatic compounds.

Diverse Products
Toyo Ink has developed soy-based heatset and coldset web inks for the commercial web and newspaper markets as well. The company produces UV and electron beam (EB) inks that can be printed on sheetfed and web presses. Because they contain no solvents, they release no VOCs into the atmosphere. A line of food-grade inks includes black ink made from squid ink. In addition, the Liofresh Color series, which is made from natural plant materials, is used in confectioneries, cosmetics and dyeing.

As for non-ink products, Toyo Ink offers coating agents that are entirely free of VOCs and cleaning solutions derived from natural fat and oil components.

"Customers receive many benefits from our environmental practices," Ito stated. "These include better quality work through the use of highly pigmented, low-VOC or VOC-free inks."