IP Joins WWF's Global Forest and Trade Network

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International Paper, Memphis, Tenn., USA, has joined the Global Forest & Trade Network in North America (GFTN), one of World Wildlife Fund (WWF)'s initiatives focused on eliminating illegal logging and promoting environmentally and socially responsible forest management. IP joins a network of more than 200 companies and communities around the globe committed to the responsible forest management and sourcing of forest products.

"We have long been committed to responsible forestry everywhere we operate, and collaborating with WWF is an excellent way to demonstrate and grow that commitment," said Teri Shanahan, IP's VP, Sustainability.

The initial scope of IP's participation in GFTN will encompass fiber sourced for the company's North American and Brazilian mills, representing more than two thirds of its global fiber volume.

"By joining GFTN and increasing its sourcing of credibly certified fiber, International Paper—as the world's largest paper and packaging company—can use its purchasing power to drive improvements in responsible forestry around the globe," said Suzanne Apple, VP of Business and Industry for WWF. "This kind of leadership is critical to conserving the places and species we are working so hard to protect."

In the U.S., IP has increased its sourcing of Forest Stewardship Council certified fiber by more than 1.2 million tons over the past five years, and expects to triple that increase by the end of 2014. While IP supports multiple certification standards, the company has developed a highly successful model for increasing its supply of FSC-certified fiber in the Southeastern U.S. In Brazil, IP's operations source approximately 75% of its pulpwood from FSC-certified sources.

As a GFTN participant, IP will release an updated global fiber sourcing policy. The company announced a set of voluntary goals in 2012, including one focused on increasing third-party certified wood fiber by 15% by 2020. Participation in GFTN aligns well with this goal, as the company implements an action plan toward achieving its 2020 target. In addition, IP will support WWF's efforts to protect forests, holding particular value for their biodiversity, landscape, and socio-economic benefits.