Recycling role model receives Lifetime Achievement Award
(New Orleans, LA) – The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), the Voice of the Recycling IndustryTM, today recognized Crawford Carpenter, who recently retired from Caraustar Industries, with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Carpenter received the award for his lifetime of dedication to the education and preparation of the next generation recyclers, researchers, and citizens.
“Crawford Carpenter’s passion for education and for the recycling industry creates a true legacy within the industry,” said Robin Wiener, president of ISRI. “Thanks in part to his efforts millions of students are now receiving ISRI’s recycling curriculum as part of their K-12 education. Hundreds have received financial support needed to go to college because of Crawford’s energy and determination in promoting the Recycling Research Foundation and Paper Stock Industries scholarship programs. It was also his vision that led to the creation of the national veterans stipend program providing educational support to those who served in our military. A whole new generation is better aware of our industry, and many will see jobs in recycling because of what they learned from or due to Crawford.”
After serving as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, and receiving Masters Degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin in 1971, Crawford Carpenter began a long and distinguished career in the recycling industry. Crawford joined the Container Corporation of America (CCA) as an internal auditor. He quickly rose through the ranks at CCA to become division controller for its Paper Stock Division. Shortly after CCA was acquired by Smurfit in 1986, he moved to Gaylord Container Corporation and was ultimately recruited to join The Newark Group. At The Newark Group, which was later purchased by Caraustar, Crawford became heavily involved in ReMA and the Paper Stock Industries (PSI) Chapter.
Crawford quickly moved up the association ladder, serving as PSI Chapter President, ReMA Board member, Paper Division Board Member, Recycling Research Foundation President, and Education and Training Committee Vice Chair. Throughout his time with ISRI, Carpenter devoted his time and energy to educating future generations about recycling. He helped lead the organization’s youth educational outreach and curriculum development through the JASON Project. Carpenter also helped expand and promote the Recycling Research Foundation Scholarship program, and the creation of a National Veterans Stipend, to assist veterans in furthering their education.
The award was presented to Mr. Carpenter during ISRI’s annual convention and exposition in New Orleans. It is the largest gathering of recyclers in the world. Dr. Hershel Cutler, the organization’s first executive director, was also presented with the award this year.
Photos available up on request.
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The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) is the Voice of the Recycling Industry. ReMA represents approximately 1,300 companies in 21 chapters in the U.S. and 34 countries worldwide that process, broker and consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics, and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, ReMA provides education, advocacy, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment, and sustainable development. Generating more than $105 billion annually in U.S. economic activity, the scrap recycling industry provides nearly half a million Americans with good jobs.