Sustainability is our Responsibility
Our commitment to environmental sustainability drives everything we do:
From safe manufacturing and products to community stewardship and involvement.
At NORPAC, sustainability is more than just a commitment—it’s a core value that influences every decision we make.
From our safe manufacturing processes to our environmentally responsible products and our deep involvement in community stewardship, we are dedicated to fostering a more sustainable world.
Our Sustainable Practices
We understand the vital interconnection between our business, the resources we utilize, and the wellbeing of both local and global communities. Without active participation in recycling programs, managed forests, and maintaining healthy waterways, we recognize that the sustainable environment we depend on to produce our exceptional paper products would not exist.
Paper is inherently a sustainable, recyclable product, and at NORPAC, we maximize this potential. We utilize wastepaper and wood chips as primary raw materials for production. Our paper products are composed of recycled content, contributing significantly to reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable future. Unlike electronic and plastic alternatives, which often result in more environmental damage through e-waste and microplastics, paper remains the most eco-friendly choice over its lifecycle.
Studies and surveys have indicated that a growing number of consumers are considering environmental impacts in their purchasing decisions. According to a 2022 survey by the American Forest & Paper Association, about 70% of consumers said they prefer products made from sustainably managed forests.
Each year, NORPAC recovers and reuses more than 500,000 tons of mixed paper and old corrugated containers that would otherwise end up in landfills. With our $50 million investment in a state-of-the-art recycled fiber plant, we are continuously increasing consumption of wastepaper, significantly boosting our recycling capacity and minimizing landfill waste. This effort is part of our commitment to circular economy principles, ensuring materials are reused and recycled rather than disposed of.
Our sourcing practices prioritize sustainability and community support. NORPAC uses residual wood chips from local sawmills within 25 miles our mill, contributing to local economies while promoting sustainable forestry practices. In the near future, we expect that 100% of our wood chips will be sourced within just ¼ mile of our mill, further reducing transportation emissions and environmental impact.
NORPAC's advanced recovery operations allow us to produce lightweight packaging papers made entirely from recycled wastepaper, predominantly sourced from community recycling programs. This process dramatically reduces landfill waste and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a circular economy that supports sustainable development goals. Nearly all the wastepaper we purchase is considered post-consumer waste or PCW.
We adhere to some of the most stringent environmental standards and certifications in the industry, reflecting our unwavering commitment to responsible manufacturing. All our fibers, both recycled and wood fiber, may be purchased as chain of custody certified under the following global certification programs: Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC-C132345), Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI-01688) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC-29-31-404). These certifications underscore our dedication to sustainability, transparency, and environmental stewardship.
How we are Lowering Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Did you know that NORPAC is one of the largest paper recycling sites in the country? Our substantial investment in innovative recycling processes allows us to transform mixed paper into high-quality products efficiently, significantly reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Our electricity is 96% renewable, supplied by our local utility district through hydroelectric, wind, solar, and nuclear energy sources. Watch the video below to see how our efforts are making a real impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What’s recyclable in your town?
Check out this interactive map to learn what’s recyclable in your county to help do your part.
Knowing what’s recyclable in your county is a great way to contribute to sustainability efforts in your community.
Our commitment to environmentally sustainable practices extends beyond our business—it's about creating a healthier world for everyone.
Join us in our mission to achieve a more sustainable future by learning more about recycling opportunities in your area and participating in our shared goal of environmental stewardship.