WASHINGTON (News release) -- The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement in celebration of the 61st anniversary of National Forest Products Week (October 17-23).

"During National Forest Products Week, we recognize and celebrate our people - the approximately 950,000 individuals who make up the forest products industry and produce essential products, sustainably made.

"Our strength as an industry comes from our people. They bring undeniable value to communities, big and small, and are highly effective champions at sharing the good news of the sustainability of our forests and how to recycle paper and packaging products.

"The forest products industry is contributing to a more sustainable future. AF&PA member companies and their employees make products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative--Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future.

"This initiative includes goals to advance more resilient U.S. forests and a circular value chain through the production of renewable and recyclable products. It also includes goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, focus on worker safety, and drive water stewardship throughout manufacturing operations. Throughout National Forest Products Week we celebrate this work and shine a light on the people who are stewards of our forests, communities and our planet."

For more information about AF&PA and the products our member companies make, visit afandpa.org/forestproductsweek. And follow us at @ForestandPaper and join the conversation with #ForestProductsWeek for real-time news on National Forest Products Week.