Starting in the 1940’s the planting of trees began outpacing the harvesting of trees. The United States plants 3.2 million seedlings each day, meaning that three seedlings are planted to every tree harvested. These young trees are more efficient at converting CO2 into oxygen and have a positive environmental impact. By planting these young trees, the paper industry has a perpetual supply of raw materials, unlike mining, oil, and gas who have limited natural resources.
Corrugated products are the most recycled packaging material. 93% of corrugated containers are recovered/ recycled (3 years average). Hood Container is an active recycler of Old Corrugated Containers (OCC). Our mills recycle, on average, about 360,000 tons per year of post-retail and post-consumer waste.
The Hood Container Corporation Mill Division is committed to adhering to the letter, and the spirit, of all environmental regulations. In the history of the company, there have been zero Notice of Violations. The division is SFI and FSC certified. This means that our suppliers adhere to the highest standard for forestry stewardship, and best management practices for timber production and harvesting. Both mills are recertified annually for this important designation.
Our paper mills generate the majority of their energy with green fuels. This means using bark and sawdust for boiler fuel and using lignin from the pulping process to generate steam and electricity. The whole tree is used in the pulp and papermaking process, no waste.
Our Corrugated facilities utilize Right-sizing boxes, where we use the latest software and board combination to provide box strength with the least amount of fiber. Our Converting plants have transitioned fuel for their boilers from oil to more-efficient natural gas. Many plants have reduced their power needs by converting to low-wattage LED lights. We also focus on transportation efficiency using optimized shipping schedules to reduce miles and fuel consumption by our trucks hence reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Many of our corrugated facilities also focus on making Green Choices including:
