Scholastic Reports 2011 Progress toward Industry-Leading Goals for Use of FSC-Certified and Recycled Paper

NEW YORK, July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic Inc., the global children's publishing, education and media company, today announced another year of significant progress toward the company-wide goal of strengthening its sustainable paper procurement practices and increasing the percentage of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified and post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper purchased by the company.

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In January of 2008, Scholastic announced goals for 2012 to increase the amount of FSC-certified paper purchased for its publications to 30% and the use of recycled paper to 25%, of which 75% would be post-consumer waste.  Having made significant gains toward the FSC goal between 2008 and 2011, Scholastic increased its goal for 2012 from 30% to 35% of all paper purchased to be FSC-certified. Just one year later, the company has far surpassed the increased FSC goal, having purchased a remarkable 53.3% FSC-certified paper, and is continuing to work toward the recycled paper goal.

"Scholastic is demonstrating real leadership to ensure we have healthy forests for future generations," said Corey Brinkema, President of the Forest Stewardship Council U.S. "And with this leadership, Scholastic is helping cultivate in our children a stewardship ethic on behalf of one of the earth's most precious resources."

In 2011, Scholastic purchased 79,485.5 tons of paper of which 42,357 tons, or 53.3%, was FSC-certified, up from 3.6% in 2007. In addition, 13,249 tons, or 16.67%, of the fiber used to produce the paper was recovered waste paper, up from 13.5% in 2007, and of that amount, 10,117 tons, or 76.36%, was produced from PCW fiber, down slightly from 80.7% in 2007.

The slight decrease in the amount of recycled content purchased year over year between 2010 and 2011 is the result of a continued decrease in the average amount of recycled fiber used by the manufacturers of recycled paper. Scholastic is working to find alternative ways to make up the additional recycled fiber.

"We are very proud of the progress we have made in our paper procurement efforts over the past three years," said Maureen O'Connell, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Scholastic. "Our accomplishments are the result of commitment and cooperation from both our staff and the many suppliers and mills that we work with on a daily basis. We hope that more manufacturers will recognize the importance of offering paper with high recycled and post-consumer content, making it easier for companies to conduct a more sustainable business."

About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology and related services and children's media. Scholastic creates quality books, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home. The Company distributes its products and services worldwide through a variety of channels, including school-based book clubs and book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, on-air, and online at www.scholastic.com.

SOURCE Scholastic Inc.