One Billion ecotainer Milestone Surpassed

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- To provide a commercially compostable cold cup option for environmentally conscious consumers, International Paper (NYSE: IP) announced today it is expanding its ecotainer(R) brand of foodservice packaging. A national launch of the product was announced in partnership with Coca-Cola at the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago last weekend. In conjunction with the launch of the new cold cup, the company also announced it is has sold one billion ecotainer cups and containers since the brand's market entry.

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"At International Paper, we are committed to delivering the innovative products our customers want and need while ensuring the responsible stewardship of natural resources today and for generations to come," said John Faraci, Chairman and CEO, International Paper. "We are excited to partner with Coca-Cola on the national launch of our ecotainer compostable paper cup specifically created for soft drinks and designed with the environment in mind."

Ecotainer products are made from renewable resources, commercially compostable and have a smaller environmental footprint than comparable products. They meet the ASTM D6400 standard for compostability and are certified by the Biodegradabilty Products Institute (BPI). ecotainer products are also made from renewable resources including trees sourced from responsibly managed forests as certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R) standard. Rather than use a petroleum-based liner, ecotainer products are coated with a plant-based moisture barrier made from Ingeo(TM) by NatureWorks. Because of this unique lining, the ecotainer(R) cold cup can be commercially composted with food waste, which can help reduce the amount of material going to landfills.

The ecotainer cold cup is the logical next extension of the product line. Building on the success of the hot cup, International Paper worked with Freshens and Coca-Cola to bring the cold cup to limited markets starting this past fall and winter. The national roll-out at Coca-Cola will expand access to the cup, which will also be available shortly as a stock print or with customized artwork.

"The ecotainer cold cup is the next step in the evolution of the ecotainer product line," said Austin Lance, vice president of International Paper's Foodservice Business. "Hitting the commercial milestone of one billion ecotainer cups is a clear indication that the product line is a right fit for our environmentally conscious customers, and we are thrilled that we can now offer a compostable option for cold beverages."

International Paper is constantly striving to expand the range of environmentally friendly solutions available to the market. The billionth ecotainer was made less than three years after the 2006 launch with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters of the original ecotainer compostable cup that was made for hot beverages like coffee or tea. The cups are manufactured at International Paper's Foodservice plants in Kenton, Ohio, Visalia, Calif., and Winsford, Cheshire, U.K.

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 about 61,500 people in more than 20 countries and serves customers worldwide. 2008 net sales were approximately $25 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.

SOURCE International Paper

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