Science has spoken: Cascades Fine Papers has a small environmental footprint

SAINT-JEROME, QC, Oct. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Earlier today, Cascades released the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results of its fine papers. Third-party validated to ensure transparency and adherence to rigorous standards, it measures the environmental impact of Cascades' fine papers in comparison to the North American industry average. The science has spoken and the results are impressive: Rolland Enviro100 has the smallest environmental footprint, followed by Rolland Opaque50 which has a smaller footprint than the average for virgin and 100% recycled papers.

With supporting evidence, this comparative LCA demonstrates that Rolland Enviro100 and Rolland Opaque50 each have a much smaller impact, 68% and 46% respectively, as compared to the generic North American papers. These outstanding results are primarily due to the types of energy used, biogas and hydroelectricity, as well as the use of recycled fibers. Generated from landfill waste decomposition, biogas is a local and renewable energy that serves 93% of the thermal energy needs for Cascades' Rolland Mill.

"An LCA breaks through the confusion surrounding green certifications and claims and curbs 'greenwashing' by providing comprehensive, quantifiable and rigorous results," explains Julie Loyer, a specialist in communication and sustainable development for Cascades Specialty Products Group.

The LCA is a scientific method that assesses the environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle. Specifically, for each component of the product under evaluation, its environmental impact is quantified and then aggregated to yield a final result demonstrating the potential damages to Human Health, Ecosystems, Non-Renewable Resources and Climate Change.

Cascades is proud to share the results of its LCA as well as an explanatory video, available at www.cascades.com/papers.

A member of the Specialty Products Group, Cascades Fine Papers Group, located in Saint-Jérôme (QC), is a leader in the manufacturing of ecological fine papers and security papers in Canada. Conscious of the environment, the Group uses 50% and 100% recycled fibres in its products and continuously makes efforts to reduce its ecological footprint on the planet.

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products composed mainly of recycled fibres. Cascades employs close to 11,000 employees who work in more than 100 production units located in North America and Europe. Cascades' management philosophy, its more than 45 years of experience in recycling, its continued efforts in research and development are strengths which enable the company to create new products for its customers. The Cascades shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAS.

SOURCE CASCADES INC.