Page 28 - Tree Line - North Carolina Forestry Association - First Quarter 2023

COMMUNICATIONS CONVERSATIONS
What Does the
Circular Economy
Mean to Forestry in North Carolina?
By Amanda Murphy, Director of Communications
For me, the most fascinating part of forestry is the environmental sustainability component. I had no idea how sustainable forestry was before joining the NCFA in September of 2020. The majority of members I’ve visited over the past two years have
pointed out some way they are ensuring the industry for future generations, which by definition is sustainable.
During this time, I’ve also heard a term I’ve come to love: the circular economy. I looked it up and found a definition from The Ellen MacArthur Foundation: “The circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.”
Three principles encompass a circular economy, driven by design:
• Eliminate waste
• Circulate products and
materials (at their highest value) • Regenerate nature
NCFA toured the WestRock mill in Roanoke Rapids at the end
of October. Pictured from left: Mike Powell, Jessica Ireland, Easton Loving, Mark Britton, Reed Wheless, Ellis Crew, Joey Briggs, Jill Bite, and Amanda Murphy.
THE FOLLOWING Q&A WITH WESTROCK MARKS MY FIRST EFFORT AT HIGHLIGHTING FORESTRY AS A CIRCULAR, SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY.
Q: What makes your business sustainable
for generations to come? Why is sustainability such a company focus?
A: The WestRock Roanoke Rapids-NC and Florence-
SC Mills are integral parts of the North Carolina forestry community. Both mills provide a market for the forest products industry in North Carolina by creating jobs
and manufacturing products in a continuous, sustainable manner for future generations.
Sustainability and innovation are fundamental to WestRock’s vision to become the world’s best paper and packaging company. We have a real opportunity to help reduce plastic consumption and shift the world towards more sustainable packaging options and we are supporting our customers in meeting their sustainability goals while providing more environmentally conscious products to their customers and consumers.
Q: How important is it that you have this
resource available for future generations?
A: Building on a proud legacy of sustainable
forestry, WestRock has established meaningful environmental goals,
investing in sustainability and supporting our team members and communities on our journey to build a better future for all. This holistic approach makes our planet better.
Q: What are practical ways you have
made your business sustainable? Whether that be environmentally protecting air, water, soil, or economically?
A: We look at sustainability holistically, developing
solutions at every point
of the circular economy,
from responsible forestry to packaging design to recycling infrastructure. We focus on continuous improvement
in our environmental performance, working to ensure that as we invest in our business, we do so in a way that is sustainable and reduces our impact. ■
26 ncforestry.org / FIRST QUARTER 2023