International Paper releases 2011 Sustainability Report

International Paper has released its 2011 Sustainability Report detailing the company's 12 new voluntary sustainability goals.

The company expects to reach a number of goals by 2020, which include:

• 15% improvement of energy efficiency in purchased energy use
• 20% absolute reduction in global GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) associated with the production of products
• 15% global increase in third party certified fiber volume

In addition to these goals, International Paper set a host of other goals addressing issues such as fiber certification, philanthropy, safety and water use.

"At International Paper, sustainability is more than a business practice," says Chairman and CEO John Faraci. "Environmental, social and economic performance has been at the core of our company for more than 110 years.  Stewardship of the forestland and surrounding habitat is ingrained in our company's DNA."

The report highlights International Paper's sustainability commitment in every aspect of the business.  "At every point of the International Paper supply chain â€" from the design of our paper and packaging, to the people and manufacturing processes, to end-use recycling and other beneficial uses, International Paper strives for a sustainable product life cycle," added Faraci.

Sustainability highlights from 2011 include the following:

• Awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leadership Award
• Met 71 percent of global paper mill energy requirements with renewable biomass
• Named "Most Admired Forest and Paper Products Company®" by Fortune Magazine for Nine of last 10 years.
• Named one of Ethisphere Institute's "World's Most Ethical Companies" for the sixth consecutive year
• Total Safety Incident Rate decreased to its lowest rate ever
• Donated more than $11 million worldwide to charitable organizations.

David Kiser, International Paper's Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability, says, "While our focus as a forest products company is by necessity on the environmental aspects of our operations, the coverage of our new goals is broad and includes both social and environmental dimensions of sustainability."

The report, available in print and online, achieves a B-level application of the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) guidelines.  This represents an ongoing commitment to best practice transparent reporting.

To view the report or request a printed copy, please visit www.ipsustainability.com