SCA Sets Sustainability Standard with Ambitious Goals for Tork® Products in North America

Company commits to using exclusively 100 percent recycled and certified fresh fiber for all Tork products; will achieve FSC Certification by 2014

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SCA

Nov 13, 2012, 10:25 ET

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SCA, the maker of the Tork^® brand of Away from Home paper products, today announced that all Tork products in North America are made from either 100 percent recycled fiber or from fresh fiber sourced from suppliers with Chain of Custody certification. The company is also committing to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or comparable certification on all Tork products made from fresh fiber in North America by 2014.

"We've been leaders in sustainable practices since SCA began 80 years ago," said Don Lewis, President of SCA Americas. "The majority of our Tork products are made from 100 percent recycled content. We've extended our industry-leading sustainability approach to our recently launched Tork premium products in North America by initially ensuring the fresh fiber comes from only non-controversial sources from suppliers with Chain of Custody certification. And by 2014, the premium products will also have earned FSC or similar certification."

SCA is the largest owner of private forests in Europe. All SCA forests are certified under the FSC standard and SCA is the world's largest supplier of FSC certified forest industry products. Globally, since 2005, SCA has mandated that all the company's fiber comes from only non-controversial sources.

"SCA plants three trees for every tree we harvest in our forests," Lewis said. "In 2012 we've grown 100 million seedlings at our nursery in the Swedish forest. It's this understanding and respect for nature that drives SCA's sustainability practices in North America and around the world."

All of SCA's Tork products made from 100% recycled content in North America have earned EcoLogo and/or Green Seal certifications. Most are made in mills certified to ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems. Globally, SCA has earned inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Index 2012, the WWF Environmental Paper Company Index 2011 as Best in Tissue, and has been among Ethisphere's world's most ethical companies for five years.

"We developed our new line of premium products with sustainability in mind," Lewis said. "We offer customers the best of both worlds – products made from either 100% recycled or fresh pulp – all with environmental credentials that ensure customers are making solid sustainable choices for their businesses.

"Globally, SCA has an unparalleled track record of environmental and ethical excellence," Lewis added. "Through continuous efforts, we remain the most sustainability-focused company in North America in the Away from Home hygiene products industry with innovative solutions designed to help our customers grow their businesses. It's truly a win-win scenario for our customers."

A copy of the official statement can be found at www.torkusa.com.

About Tork®

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, napkins, and industrial and kitchen wipers. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader. Tork is a global brand of SCA, and a committed partner to customers in over 80 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit: torkusa.com or tork.ca.

About SCA

SCA is a global hygiene and forest products company that develops and produces personal-care products, tissue, publication papers and solid-wood products. Sales are conducted in some 100 countries. SCA has many well-known brands, including the global brands TENA and Tork. Sales in 2011 amounted to $16.5 billion. SCA has approximately 37,000 employees. For more information about SCA, please visit: www.sca.com

Sustainability

SCA delivers sustainable solutions with added value for our customers from safe, resource efficient and environmentally sound sourcing, production and development. Recent third party accreditations for the SCA sustainability work include Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2011, the WWF Environmental Paper Company Index 2011, and Ethisphere – World's most ethical companies 2012.

SOURCE SCA