International Paper Announces Significant Progress on 2020 Sustainability Goals

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper published its 2012 Sustainability Report, revealing progress against its voluntary goals including certified fiber use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, and water quality improvement.

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In 2011, International Paper announced 12 environmental and social goals that it planned to achieve by 2020. Using a 2010 baseline, the company is reporting goal progress that includes:

• A 10 percent absolute reduction in on-site fossil fuel GHG emissions.  This puts the company halfway toward its 2020 goal.
• A 15 percent reduction in criteria pollutant emissions through energy savings and fuel mix changes. This significant reduction exceeds the company's overall 2020 reduction target.
• Achieving a 27 percent reduction in oxygen depleting substances in water released from mill operations, which exceeds the company's 2020 water quality goal.
• Boosting purchases of third party certified fiber by 18 percent, exceeding IP's 15 percent goal for 2020.
• A 30 percent drop in life-changing injuries and fatalities between 2010 and 2012 as IP strives for an accident-free workplace.

"Last year we announced 12 voluntary goals to help focus our sustainability efforts. This report details progress we have achieved," said Chairman and CEO John Faraci. "By pursuing transparent goals and establishing new relationships with external stakeholders, International Paper is demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement."

The report also highlights groundbreaking collaborations with prominent sustainability organizations including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Collaborations for 2012 and early 2013 include:

• Joining the CEO-led World Business Council for Sustainable Development and its Forest Solutions Group where IP will provide global business leadership in expanding sustainable forestry.
• A major donation to and collaboration with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to create the "Forestland Stewards" initiative.
• Joining WWF's Global Forest and Trade Network in North America and Brazil.
• Joining the U.S. Department of Energy Better Plants Program, which commits International Paper to reduce energy intensity by 15 percent over 10 years at all U.S. facilities.
• Collaboration with the Dogwood Alliance – a non-profit working to improve how southern U.S. forests are managed – on a forest mapping pilot project in the southeastern U.S.

"We are very pleased with this first year of progress against our goals, but we are mindful that our sustainability journey is a long one, with more opportunities ahead," said Teri Shanahan, International Paper's vice president, sustainability. "We are confident that working to achieve these goals will drive business results, and support our customers' needs. We look to build on progress with a cycle of goals that demonstrate our continual progress."

The comprehensive report details progress against all International Paper's 2020 sustainability goals, set in 2011, which 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 2012 were $28 billion.  For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.

SOURCE International Paper