Better Practices, Better Planet is one of the longest standing sustainability initiatives for a U.S. manufacturing industry. Since 1998, it was required that AF&PA members commit to environment, health and safety (EHS) principles. In 2011, AF&PA launched Better Practices, Better Planet2020 sustainability goals. Having met or achieved most of the goals for 2020, AF&PA is now in its second generation of sustainability goals: Better Practices, Better Planet 2030.

The sustainability award winners demonstrate the industry's long-held commitment to improving practices that advance sustainable products for a sustainable future. The 2024 Sustainability Award winners were selected by a diverse judging panel of sustainability experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, GreenBlue, Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology, Clemson University, Resources for the Future and the National Association of Manufacturers.