MBA Students Help IP, Staples Identify and Improve Recycling Solutions

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Net Impact, San Francisco, Calif., USA, this past week announced finalist universities for a case competition with International Paper, Memphis, Tenn., and Staples, Boston, Mass. The competition teams MBA students from the Net Impact network to identify recycling solutions to help improve each company's environmental performance and bottom line. From a pool of 10 teams, the three finalist universities selected to participate in a semester-long process are:

• Blekinge Institute of Technology (Karlskrona, Sweden)
• Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (New York, N.Y.)
• University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business / School of Natural Resources & Environment (Ann Arbor, Mich.).

The three finalist teams have been working since February with key leaders at International Paper and Staples, discussing questions and reviewing the progress of their strategic plans. The teams are in the process of submitting their final plans, which will be evaluated by a panel of judges. The winning team will be announced in late June and will receive a $5,000 cash prize, one-year passes to the national parks, and free registration with a travel stipend for the Net Impact Conference at the University of Michigan in November—where the team will present its winning proposal. The other two finalist teams will receive $1,000 each.

"Our partnership with International Paper and Staples is a win-win," says Liz Maw, executive director, Net Impact. "While Net Impact student members are helping IP and Staples come together to uncover environmental opportunities, we are helping build environmentally responsible future business leaders."

Mark Buckley, VP, environmental affairs, Staples, adds that "working with Net Impact and IP on this case competition is a way for Staples to leverage some of the world's top students to apply their business and process expertise to address an issue with significant environmental implications."

David Kiser, IP's VP, environment, health, safety and sustainability, notes that "exploring creative business solutions will help recover more renewable paper products and put them back to use. It will also support improving environmental footprints, sustaining socially responsible business practices, and increasing economic returns."