Alain Lemaire named "Greenest CEO in Canada"

KINGSEY FALLS, QC, June 7, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Last night at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Alain Lemaire, Executive Chairman of the Board at Cascades, was named "Greenest CEO in Canada", a recognition initiated by Corporate Knights, an organization specialized in the promotion of good corporate practices in terms of social responsibility. This prestigious award, given for the first time, was presented to Mr. Lemaire before more than 500 guests gathered as part of Corporate Knight's 12^th annual gala which reveals and honours Canada's best 50 corporate citizens.

A director who has always prioritized resources

The candidacy of the person who co-founded Cascades and who lead the company for nearly 10 years, taking over from his brothers Bernard and Laurent, was unanimous among the jury members. The jury was made up of leaders from Canada's five most recognized environmental organizations: Équiterre, the David Suzuki Foundation, World Wildlife Fund-Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Pembina Institute. According to Toby Heaps, President of Corporate Knights, "the jury recognized in Alain Lemaire a man who has a number of environmental achievements to his credit. Among these, the ongoing concern to prioritize recycled fibres over virgin wood fibres as a raw material; the development of strategic partnerships to offer Cascade's expertise, namely in energy efficiency and in the management of waste materials; and lastly, the continued willingness to improve the company's results with regard to water and energy consumption."

"This recognition is an exceptional way to conclude my experience as head of the family business that we founded close to 50 years ago. I am also honoured to be the first recipient of this prestigious award," said Alain Lemaire. "I would like to congratulate the other nominees and thank the members of the jury, but also to salute Corporate Knight's initiative for having created this award. Corporate leaders are often recognized for their management style and economic achievements, but rarely for their environmental accomplishments," he added.

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. The Company employs more than 12,000 employees, who work in over 100 modern and versatile production units located in North America and Europe. With its management philosophy, close to half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to deliver the innovative products that customers have come to rely on. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol CAS.

SOURCE: CASCADES INC.