GLENS FALLS, NY — Finch Paper LLC has been awarded the 2009 Pulp & Paper International (PPI) Award for Efficiency Improvements. The award was presented during a ceremony in Munich, Germany, on Wednesday, October 28.
Finch Paper earned the award based on the success of its mill-wide Continuous Improvement Initiative, through which the company has reduced its energy consumption by 4% and $2 million, reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 13%, and achieved nearly $4.2 million in savings through manufacturing-related efficiency improvements.
“This award is shared by every Finch employee for contributing great ideas and working hard to improve our efficiencies, reduce our costs and deliver unsurpassed value to our customers,” said Finch Paper President & CEO Joseph F. Raccuia. “Through our employees’ world-class efforts, we are positioning Finch Paper to be a successful business, a first-rate employer and an active member of our community for many years to come.”
The Finch Paper Continuous Improvement Initiative is designed to elevate the company’s efficiencies, effectiveness and flexibility, and strengthen its competitive position.
The energy conservation portion of the Initiative is focused on reducing Finch Paper’s use of fossil fuels (oil and natural gas), and the resulting generation of greenhouse gasses. Finch Paper already generates two-thirds of its energy needs through the use of non-fossil fuel sources, including biomass (wood waste that is burned to produce energy) and hydroelectric power.
Employee Energy Action Teams have been formed in key areas of the mill’s operations to identify, evaluate and implement energy-reduction projects. Improvements have also been achieved through the development and use of a comprehensive energy model and daily operating reports to closely monitor and adjust energy usage. More than 119 energy reduction “action items” have been completed as part of the process, reducing energy use by 4% and $2 million. These reductions have resulted in a 13% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
The second key component of the Continuous Improvement Initiative is focused on manufacturing-related efficiency improvements, through which Finch Paper has achieved savings of $4.2 million.
“All around the globe, printing paper manufacturers are fighting to survive in an increasingly challenging business landscape,” Mr. Raccuia said. “At Finch, we won’t settle for survival. We’re here to thrive, and our accomplishments to date have pointed us firmly in that direction.”
Judging for the PPI Awards was done by a panel of internationally known industry representatives. PPI is the leading trade publication for pulp, paper and paperboard manufacturers in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
About Finch Paper
Finch Paper is widely recognized for the quality of its uncoated printing papers, its industry-leading customer service, and its commitment to sustainable forestry. Finch Premium Blend, Finch Fine® text and cover, Finch Casa Opaque, Finch Opaque and the Finch Digital portfolio are popular choices for corporate marketing materials, direct mail, book publishing, and business office use. All Finch Premium Blend, Finch Fine® and Finch Casa Opaque products are Forest Steward Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody Certified, and all of the fiber utilized by Finch Paper across its product line is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) program. As part of a landmark environmental partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Finch foresters manage more than 100,000 acres of forestland owned by TNC in New York’s famed Adirondack Region.
Finch Paper samples and swatchbooks can be ordered at www.finchpaper.com. For more information on Finch Paper, please call (800) 833-9983 or contact your local Finch Paper merchant (directory available at http://finchpaper.com/find-distributors/index.php).
