WASHINGTON, D.C. (News release) -- The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) joined global industry executives and CEOs in Berlin, Germany, for the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) Annual Meeting and the 8th International CEO Roundtable.

At its May 16 annual meeting, the ICFPA celebrated its 15th anniversary and approved a new purpose statement to guide its 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."

AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman congratulated Jane Molony, executive director of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa, on her selection as ICFPA president and Elizabeth de Carvalhaes, president and CEO of the Brazilian Tree Industry, who will serve as immediate past president for the next two years.

The ICFPA's 8th biennial International CEO Roundtable took place on May 18. More than 25 forest-based industry CEOs and association leaders representing 12 countries met to discuss industry innovation, sustainability advancements, and political trends affecting the industry at local and international levels.

WestRock CEO Steve Voorhees, Glatfelter Chairman and CEO Dante Parrini, and Harman represented the AF&PA board.

The first Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation Award was presented to:
- Koh Sakai, for Cellulose Nanofibers Prepared by Phosphorylation
- Shuji Fujisawa, for Biocompatible Nanocellulose/Polymer Composite Microparticles Formed by Emulsion-templated Synthesis
- Esthevan Gasparoto, for Cutting-edge Technologies for Forest Monitoring and Measurement

The award was launched by the ICFPA in 2016 to encourage competition and recognition of potential game changing technologies for the future of the forest, paper and wood-based products industry.

AF&PA is a founding member of the ICFPA. The ICFPA serves as a forum of global dialogue, coordination and cooperation. Currently, the ICFPA represents 18 pulp, paper, wood and fiber-based associations that encompass 28 countries, including many of the top pulp, paper and wood producers around the world. For more information on the ICFPA, visit icfpa.org.