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Sustainability

Sustainability is part of everything we do.

Although we are a small business, we are one of the largest private employers in the area with nearly 300 employees working at our mill. PTPC is committed to the health and safety of our environment, our employees, and our community. We incorporate sustainability practices into our business through the wise use of our forest, soil, water, and air resources to ensure their continued quality and availability now and in the future.

forest and paper collage

Recycle and Reuse

Port Townsend Paper recycles the equivalent of one-third of Washington’s collection of recycled cardboard each year at our Old Corrugated Container (OCC) onsite recycling facility (picture a football field 10 feet deep with OCC bales–that’s how much we recycle every week!). This recycling facility provides the mill with more than 300 tons of recycled pulp daily. All of our paper grades are manufactured with OCC, the majority of which is post-consumer waste. The paper we make, in turn, is also recyclable, extending the chain of sustainability. To learn more about why paper recycling is important, visit EPA’s Recycling Basics site.

Sustainable Fiber Supply

For the part of our supply that isn’t made up of recycled materials we seek out residual fiber sourced from certified and sustainable forestry operations. Sustainable forestry practices and a sustainable fiber supply mean that we will have fiber for the future. You can read more about our forest and fiber sustainability certifications by clicking here.
Paper example and a picture of a forest with arrow pointing to paper example
Image of a white cardboard box with kraft color inside and image of logs stacked up

Greenhouse Gases

In working with the local Climate Action Committee, PTPC estimated that the 2005 mill-wide direct greenhouse gas emissions were about 153,000 carbon dioxide equivalent tons. Since then we have worked to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reducing the use of fossil fuels. As a result of efficiency improvements and use of renewable carbon neutral biomass we have reduced GHG emissions by over 50% to an estimated 65,000 metric tons/year. PTPC continues to work toward improved air quality by working to maintain our ASB system and working with the Department of Ecology to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.