International Paper earns third-party certification of its U.S. paper mills and container plants

Jun 28, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. International Paper announced on June 28, 2007 that its U.S. pulp and paper mills and container plants are now third-party certified to ensure their products are made from sustainable wood fiber. The moves are part of the company's commitment to forest stewardship and providing customers a broad range of products made from renewable resources. "Customers have choices in today's marketplace," said John Faraci, International Paper chairman and chief executive. "We want our customers to know we are committed to making high-quality paper and packaging from sustainable sources. Independent, third-party certification is an important step in demonstrating that commitment." To further expand its sustainable product offerings and provide customers with more certification options, International Paper will also pursue Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain-of-custody certification. These are the latest in a long history of commitments by International Paper to ensure the continuing health of the world's forests. "International Paper has been a leader in sustainable forestry and forest conservation for decades," said Dr. Sharon Haines, International Paper's director of sustainability. "By encouraging responsible, sustainable management of forestlands, including reforestation and regeneration, International Paper not only provides the essential paper and packaging products people use everyday, but we also ensure that forests continue to be healthy and abundant for generations to come." International Paper, founded in 1898, is a global uncoated paper and packaging company with primary markets and manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Russia, Latin America and Asia. Its uncoated papers and packaging businesses are complemented by xpedx, North America's largest distributor of printing papers and graphics supplies and equipment. Headquartered in the United States, International Paper employs approximately 54 000 people in more than 20 countries, and serves customers worldwide. Annual sales are about $22 billion.