CINCINNATI, Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- xpedx, one of the largest and premier distribution companies in North America, has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay (SM) Transport Partner certificate, reflecting its commitment to improve the environmental performance of its freight delivery operations. xpedx is a business of International Paper (NYSE: IP).

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To become a SmartWay Transport Partner, xpedx is measuring the current environmental performance of its fleet of more than 700 trucks and committing to improve the fleet's performance within three years. By defining clear and achievable goals for its delivery operations, xpedx is actively addressing greenhouse gas emissions and air quality.

xpedx is committed to maintain sustainable operations, offer sustainable product choices and provide leadership in sustainable business practices for its customers and suppliers.

"xpedx's work with SmartWay will serve to improve our business and the environment at the same time," said Dave Wallace, xpedx's director, Sustainability. "We'll achieve both goals by adding cost-saving, fuel efficient technology and strategies to our large fleet."

xpedx measured the current environmental performance of its fleet with the SmartWay Transport Fleet Logistics Energy and Environmental Tracking (F.L.E.E.T.) Performance Model to earn the recognition. It has also deployed Xata's XATANET solution, an onboard truck computer system, to track driver performance and diesel fuel usage.

"xpedx is using the information to improve our fleet's efficiency and use less fuel," said Frank DeLost, xpedx's director, Supply Chain Logistics. "These are important elements in our work toward sustainability across our supply chain."

Additional sustainability initiatives from xpedx this year include:

• Earning the U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR status in nine of its largest U.S. distribution locations.
• Implementing a national recycling program to reduce its waste by 10 percent annually in the next three years.
• Developing a sustainability survey / scorecard that the business began applying to its supply chain this year.

About SmartWay

The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a public / private collaboration between the USEPA and the freight industry to improve fuel efficiency, increase environmental performance, and encourage supply chain sustainability.

About xpedx

Cincinnati, Ohio-based xpedx, a business of International Paper (NYSE: IP), is one of the largest and premier distribution companies in North America. xpedx distributes a wide variety of print, packaging and facility solutions supplies and equipment to printers, manufacturers, retailers and commercial facilities from more than 200 locations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information about xpedx, its business segments and stewardship efforts visit xpedx.com.

International Paper and xpedx are registered trademarks of International Paper Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:
Rick Ouellette, vice president, communications, xpedx
513-965-2790 / 901-573-4002
rick.ouellette@ipaper.com

SOURCE xpedx