These include top-rated schools such as: n Auburn University (Alabama) n Georgia Institute of Technology n Miami University (Ohio) n North Carolina State University n State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry n University of Maine n University of Washington n University of Minnesota n Western Michigan University n University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point These institutions pursue research agendas of importance to the industry including: n Obtaining the highest possible sustainable value from forestbased biomass n Improving the efficiency of wood use and decreasing chemical use in pulping and bleaching operations n Increasing the use of recycled fiber and improving the strength of recycled pulps to reduce the use of virgin wood fiber n Developing processes that produce biofuels and chemical building blocks from renewable forest resources n Improving environmental management systems n Optimizing pulping processes to reduce energy requirements n Developing new effluent treatment and spent pulping liquor recovery processes that enhance performance, improve chemical and odor removal, increase energy recovery, and enhance water recycling Cooperative	Partnerships The Agenda AF&PA, works to advance breakthrough technologies for the forest products industry with a strong focus on opportunities to improve sustainability.