Australia’s pulp and paper industry, already recognised for their continued production of essential packaging and paper needs during the worst of the COVID 19 pandemic, has an even more serious contribution to make during the current Sydney lockdown.
The Australian Forest Products Association NSW (AFPA NSW) CEO Sue Grau said, “Our pulp, paper, tissue and packaging industries are supporting the delivery of food and essential products and services to the NSW community.
“The NSW Government has acknowledged this by including fibre processing and manufacturing, and the manufacture of food and fibre packaging on the list of authorised operations. Our businesses are moving quickly to adapt as the rules are clarified.
AFPA NSW member, Oji Fibre Solutions who manufacture cardboard used in food and pharmaceutical packaging, is located close to the centre of the impacted local government areas of Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown.
“There would be a critical shortage of food packaging within days if Oji’s production was interrupted, as the availability, storage and transport of food is interconnected and complex,” Ms Grau said.
“As Premier Gladys Berejiklian has stressed, this is a vital part of our ongoing health and safety, and we welcome the NSW Government’s recognition of the importance of maintaining supply chains.”
“But, it must be noted that the pulp, paper and packaging industries rely on the entire forest products supply chain, including forest managers and harvesters, right through to the processors. AFPA NSW welcomes Deputy Premier John Barilaro’s commitment that the NSW Government is also focussed on protecting the regions, where these activities are largely based.”
“We appreciate the efforts of the NSW Government to deliver essential services to the community of NSW, and in recognising the ongoing contribution of our industry in this space,” concluded Ms Grau.
The original media release is here: 210719_AFPA_NSW_Media_Release_-_ More_than_toilet_paper_-_pulp_and_paper_industry_are_essential_services_in_NSW