Metafore, a program of the sustainability nonprofit GreenBlue®, today announced the release of the latest version of Environmental Paper Assessment Tool (EPAT), an innovative assessment tool that allows buyers and sellers of paper products to evaluate environmental performance data along the paper supply chain.

EPAT (www.epat.org) provides mill-level data for paper products on energy use, water use, recyclability and compostability, certified forest management, human health and safety, and 15 other environmental performance indicators.

By developing comprehensive environmental metrics for paper products, EPAT offers paper suppliers a single, consistent framework for reporting environmental data. The application offers paper buyers a customized analysis of purchasing options based on a company's sustainability objectives.

"We have collaborated with several leading paper buyers and sellers to implement new features to EPAT," says GreenBlue Project Manager Theron Jourdan, who has overseen development of the application. "The added functionality makes EPAT an even more robust tool for guiding paper purchasing decisions."

The latest upgrade includes updated normalization for mill data, a supplier data export feature, energy use indicator worksheets, and the ability for paper buyers to view "innovation credits" in greenhouse gas reduction efforts and minimum impact mill efforts.

"All paper suppliers to Hearst subscribe and participate in the EPAT by providing their confidential mill data to the system for our evaluation," said Craig DeRusha, Vice President of Magazine & Book Paper for Hearst Magazines.

Since its October 2006 launch, Metafore has worked with leading paper buyers, manufacturers, and environmental NGOs to refine and continue development of the application. The latest point release of EPAT 2.1 was made possible through the generous support of Time Inc., Hearst Corporation, Abitibi Bowater, Catalyst Paper, NewPage Corp., Sappi Fine Paper, UPM-Kymenne, and Verso Paper.

Webinar
Metafore will be providing an online overview of EPAT and its functionality.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 1:00 - 2:00 pm EST
Register: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/v82u1fogjuqo

EPAT Licenses
To purchase a license for EPAT, visit www.epat.org. Annual licenses are $3,000.

About Metafore and GreenBlue
Metafore, a program of the nonprofit GreenBlue, specializes in working with businesses to implement innovations relating to evaluating, selecting and manufacturing environmentally preferable wood and paper products.

GreenBlue

GreenBlue

GreenBlue is a nonprofit that equips business with the science and resources to make products more sustainable. We’re building a world where businesses are leaders for environmental stewardship and products are designed from the start with sustainability in mind.

GreenBlue currently works in three program areas: chemicals, packaging, and forest products, as well as working one-on-one with companies through GreenBlue Advisory Services. Our team of scientists, engineers, designers, and business strategists translates complex scientific concepts into concrete business strategies.

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