New US study for environmental paper industry Market demand for environmental office and printing papers is lagging, and a new US "listening study" intends to find out why. The study, funded through a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency will provide a comprehensive "snapshot" of the industry and its markets, in order to reveal the basis for the obstacles slowing market development. It is also expected to provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding and discussing the issues, as well as recommend courses of action to further work on resolving the underlying barriers. The study will include as wide a range of participants as possible, including collaborators in gathering perspectives and information. The Recycled Paper Coalition, a group of more than 250 major corporations and organisations such as Bank of America, Hewlett Packard, R.R. Donnelley & Sons, and Walt Disney Company that are dedicated to increasing recycled paper use, will collaborate in researching issues blocking market development. Starting with a list of nearly 100 questions reflecting issues and controversies within the environmental paper field, Conservatree* will gather perspectives from all interested and involved parties on the questions of concern to them. It will also identify as much relevant research and technology as possible. This study is not intended to decide which perspective is 'right,' but rather to give equal and respectful representation to each opinion that impacts an issue. We hope to help make it more possible for people with differences of opinion to work together on achieving an environmentally and economically sustainable paper production system for the future." *Conservatree is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive information and tools for purchasers to make informed choices in environmental papers. Further information is at http://www.conservatree.com/learn/ListenSnapshot/Listen.shtml