International Paper Announces 12 Voluntary Sustainability Goals To Be Achieved By 2020

Goals, Accomplishments and Partnerships Highlighted in 2011 Sustainability Report

News provided by

May 16, 2012, 11:00 ET

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper released its 2011 Sustainability Report that showcases the company's new suite of 12 voluntary sustainability goals. The company expects to reach a number of goals by 2020, which include:

15% improvement of energy efficiency in purchased energy use
20% absolute reduction in global GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) associated with the production of products
15% global increase in third party certified fiber volume

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20020701/IPLOGO )

In addition to these goals, International Paper set a host of other goals addressing issues such as fiber certification, philanthropy, safety and water use.

"At International Paper, sustainability is more than a business practice," said Chairman and CEO John Faraci. "Environmental, social and economic performance has been at the core of our company for more than 110 years. Stewardship of the forestland and surrounding habitat is ingrained in our company's DNA."

The report highlights International Paper's sustainability commitment in every aspect of the business. "At every point of the International Paper supply chain – from the design of our paper and packaging, to the people and manufacturing processes, to end-use recycling and other beneficial uses, International Paper strives for a sustainable product life cycle," added Faraci.

Sustainability highlights from 2011 include the following:

Awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leadership Award
Met 71 percent of global paper mill energy requirements with renewable biomass
Named "Most Admired Forest and Paper Products Company®" by Fortune Magazine for Nine of last 10 years.
Named one of Ethisphere Institute's "World's Most Ethical Companies" for the sixth consecutive year
Total Safety Incident Rate decreased to its lowest rate ever
Donated more than $11 million worldwide to charitable organizations.

David Kiser, International Paper's Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability, said: "While our focus as a forest products company is by necessity on the environmental aspects of our operations, the coverage of our new goals is broad and includes both social and environmental dimensions of sustainability."

This report, available in print and online achieves a B-level application of the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) guidelines. This represents an ongoing commitment to best practice transparent reporting. To view the report or request a printed copy, please visit www.ipsustainability.com

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include uncoated papers and industrial and consumer packaging, complemented by xpedx, the company's North American distribution company. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company employs approximately 70,000 people following the acquisition of Temple-Inland Inc. and is strategically located in more than 24 countries serving customers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2011 were $26 billion. Temple-Inland Inc., which was acquired in February 2012, had 2011 net sales of $4 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.