International Paper Announces Progress on 2020 Sustainability Goals

2013 Sustainability Report Highlights Collaborations to Advance Sustainability

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Jun 03, 2014, 08:00 ET

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper today released its 2013 Sustainability Report titled Connections that Matter, revealing progress against its voluntary sustainability goals and highlighting collaborations that advance sustainability throughout the life cycle of its products. As the world's largest procurer of wood fiber, International Paper remains committed to supporting responsibly managed working forests and to making sustainability a priority throughout its business operations. By working closely with employees, customers, suppliers and communities, International Paper has made strong progress in a number of areas, including:

a 14 percent reduction in criteria emissions from 2010 levels, exceeding the company's reduction goal of 10 percent by 2020;
the announcement of a new goal to reduce manufacturing waste to landfills 30 percent by 2020 and ultimately aim to achieve zero waste;
a 20 percent reduction in year-over-year life-changing injuries, reflecting International Paper's commitment to an accident-free workplace; and
the announcement of a new, higher target for third-party-certified fiber purchases of 35 percent globally by 2020.

"We've already surpassed several of our sustainability targets for 2020 and continue to challenge ourselves to raise the bar on our performance," said International Paper chairman and CEO John Faraci. "Ultimately, our sustainability success - like our business success - comes down to the commitment of our 70,000 employees around the globe."

The report also highlights International Paper's groundbreaking collaborations with prominent non-governmental organizations including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Global Forest & Trade Network and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). In 2013, International Paper continued its collaborative model to help sustain the economic and environmental benefits of working forests. Efforts included:

granting more than $725,000 in three U.S. regions, resulting in on-the-ground work on the Forestland Stewards Initiative, an International Paper partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation;
working with 43 landowners to certify an additional 67,000 acres of forestland through the Forest Stewardship Council™ group certification program;
introducing a Supplier Code of Conduct to more than 40,000 U.S. suppliers, furthering International Paper's sustainable forestry goals and other sustainability objectives.

"The stories of progress in our Sustainability Report illustrate the numerous and valuable connections we have with others throughout our products' life cycle," said Teri Shanahan, International Paper vice president, sustainability. "While some of our most visible connections are with the environment, the report also highlights our connections with customers, communities and other key stakeholders."

The comprehensive report details progress against International Paper's 2020 sustainability goals which were initially set in 2010 and span eight impact areas: energy efficiency, air emissions, safety, waste, water, fiber, supply chain and philanthropy. To view the complete report online or to order a hard copy, please visit www.ipsustainability.com

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global leader in packaging and paper with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include industrial and consumer packaging and uncoated papers, complemented by xpedx, the company's North American distribution company. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company employs approximately 70,000 people and is strategically located in more than 24 countries serving customers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2013 were $29 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.

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SOURCE International Paper