International Paper

Overall approach

4/10
- Overarching commitment on deforestation
  
  0/4
- Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
  
  1/1
  
  Signatory
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  Which initiatives?: World Business Council for Sustainable Development Forest Solutions Group; WWF Global Forest & Trade Network; The Capitals Coalition; Other initiative
  
  If Other Initiative, specify: The Nature Conservancy; Arbor Day Foundation
  
  IP are members and signed up to a number of initiatives with the statements that - "International Paper recognizes the importance of strategic collaboration to make meaningful progress across our value chain. Engaging with third-party organizations helps us broaden our sustainability efforts so that together, we have a greater impact."
  
  Open source document
  Open source document
- Awareness of the value of forests
  
  1/1
  
  Awareness
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  "A source of livelihood for millions, forests store carbon, purify drinking water and provide habitat for wildlife. They also enable us to make products people depend on every day. At International Paper, our entire business depends upon the sustainability of forests."
  
  Open source document
- Deforestation as a business risk
  
  1/1
  
  Business risk
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  What revenue comes from industries relevant to each forest risk commodity?: $21,000,000,000
  
  What type of risk is recognised?: Operational; Reputational
  
  What poportion of a company’s annual revenue depends on each forest risk commodity?: 100%
  
  What proportion of revenue that comes from relevant industries is exposed to each forest risk commodity?: Paper 100%
  
  Type of risk if Other. Also add any relevant details: NA
  
  "Moreover, we may be directly impacted by, and are working to manage, the risks and costs to us, our customers and our vendors of the effects of climate change, greenhouse gases, and the availability of energy and water resources. These risks include the potentially adverse impact on forestlands, which are a key resource in the production of our products, increased product costs and a change in the types of products that customers purchase. We also face risks arising from the increased public focus, including by governmental and nongovernmental organizations, on these and other environmental sustainability matters, such as packaging and waste, deforestation, and land use"
  
  Open source document
  Open source document
- High-level management of deforestion
  
  1/1
  
  High-level management
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  Which commodities does it apply to?: Pulp & paper
  
  How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?: Reports half-yearly
  
  "Our CSO (a position formalized in 2019) is the company officer responsible for guiding and executing our sustainability strategy, including the development and implementation of our Vision 2030 goals. The CSO reports directly to the SVP of Global Citizenship and Human Resources who reports directly to the CEO. Forest Stewardship is a key focus area under our "Sustaining Forests" strategic pillar, and the CSO who leads our Global Citizenship team has day-to-day responsibility for the company's Forest Stewardship strategy. The CSO's regular reporting to the Board (twice annually) includes updates and discussion on forest -related issues and our corporate voluntary sustainability goals (ie, Vision 2020 and Vision 2030): goal-setting and revision, progress against targets, challenges and opportunities, and partnerships development. To monitor and track our progress across the above-mentioned areas, we annually collect, review and validate company-wide environmental performance data."
  
  Open source document
- Executive compensation linked to deforestation
- Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
  
  0/1
- Reporting on emissions from land-use change
  
  0/1
- Disclosure of conservation activity
- Disclosure of reforestation activity
  
  Reforestation disclosure
  
  Yes
  
  0/0
  
  How many hectares of reforestation or restoration are being or have been conducted or facilitated by the company?: NA
  
  "We’re committed to conserving and restoringone million acresof ecologically significant forestland by 2030"[...]"International Paper wouldn’t exist without thriving forests, so we’re working diligently to restore the health of forests...we've teamed up with World Wildlife Fund to advance forest restoration in Brazil. The first step is a restoration project in a 5584 square mile river basin called Mogi Guacu, one of the most threatened forests in the world"
  
  Open source document
- Target to reduce emissions in scope 1/2
  
  Reduce emissions
  
  Yes
  
  0/0
  
  Type of climate target: Other or unclear
  
  Is this target aligned with/verified by SBTi?: Yes
  
  What is the target date for the company to achieve their climate target?: 2030
  
  "As part of our Vision 2030...We set an ambitious target to reduce our Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 35%, aligned with best-available climate science."
  
  Open source document
Commodity score

26/90
- Pulp & Paper
  
  26/90
  - Commitment Strength
    
    5/17
    - Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
      
      5/9.5
      - Commitment details
        Protects priority forests (including High Conservation Value, High Carbon Stock, and peatlands)
        
        2/6
        
        Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
        
        Protects priority forests (including High Conservation Value, High Carbon Stock, and peatlands)
        
        2/6
        
        When was this commitment set?: 2010
        
        Which certification schemes are used?: FSC; PEFC
        
        Type of sustainability commitment: Reduce the volume of virgin wood fibre used in paper and packaging products through usage of recycled content
        
        What paper/pulp product does their commitment apply to?: Paper products; Pulp; Packaging
        
        "TARGETS: 100% of our fiber from sustainably managed forests or recovered fiber while safeguarding forests, watersheds and biodiversity"[...] "We will not accept:  Fiber sourced from forests in which high conservation values are threatened by forest management activities[...]"For forestlands that we own or lease, we commit to third-party certification of the forest management practices to a credible forest certification standard. We recognize global certification systems including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and national systems including the Brazilian Forest Certification Program (Cerflor), the Canadian Standards Association Group Sustainable Forest Management System (SFM), and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). For fiber that we purchase, we commit to sourcing according to the following principles:"
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        Yes
        
        2/2
        
        Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        
        Yes
        
        2/2
        
        "TARGETS: 100% of our fiber from sustainably managed forests or recovered fiber while safeguarding forests, watersheds and biodiversity"[...] "We will not accept:  Fiber sourced from forests in which high conservation values are threatened by forest management activities[...]"For forestlands that we own or lease, we commit to third-party certification of the forest management practices to a credible forest certification standard. We recognize global certification systems including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and national systems including the Brazilian Forest Certification Program (Cerflor), the Canadian Standards Association Group Sustainable Forest Management System (SFM), and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). For fiber that we purchase, we commit to sourcing according to the following principles:"
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Target date
        2028-2030
        
        0.1/1
        
        Target date
        
        2028-2030
        
        0.1/1
        
        What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: FSC Certification
        
        2030 vision: "100% of our fiber from sustainably managed forests or recovered fiber while safeguarding forests, watersheds and biodiversity"[...] "We will not accept:  Fiber sourced from forests in which high conservation values are threatened by forest management activities[...]"For forestlands that we own or lease, we commit to third-party certification of the forest management practices to a credible forest certification standard. We recognize global certification systems including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and national systems including the Brazilian Forest Certification Program (Cerflor), the Canadian Standards Association Group Sustainable Forest Management System (SFM), and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). For fiber that we purchase, we commit to sourcing according to the following principles:"
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        Yes
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        Interim target date
        
        Yes
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        What date is given for the interim milestone?: 2020
        
        Vision 2020 Goals: "Increase third-party certified fiber by 35%"
        
        Open source document
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/7.5
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/2
      - Target date
        Post 2050 or no target date
        
        0/1
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
  - Associated Human Rights Abuses
    
    3/17
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Details of commitment: UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: All suppliers
      
      "This Supplier Code of Conduct (“Code”) outlines our expectations regarding the workplace standards and business practices of our suppliers, along with their parent entities, subsidiaries, affiliates, subcontractors and others who are within their supply chain (“supplier”)...Respect and Dignity. Suppliers are expected to keep their workplaces free of harassment, harsh treatment, violence, intimidation, corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion, verbal abuse and discrimination....Freedom of Association. Suppliers must respect the right of their employees to join or not to join any lawful association without fear of retaliation....Workplace Health and Safety. We expect suppliers to promote secure, safe and healthy work sites...Suppliers shall only employ workers with a legal right to work. Illegal child labor and forced labor are forbidden in any circumstance.[...]"International Paper respects international principles of human rights including those expressed in the UN Declaration of Human Rights."
      
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      No
      
      0/2
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      No commitment
      
      0/2
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/1
    - Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      No
      
      0/3
    - Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
      No
      
      0/3
    - Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
      No
      
      0/3
  - Implementation and Reporting
    
    18/56
    - Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
      
      0/0
    - Reporting is independently verified
      Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme
      
      2/2
      
      Reporting is independently verified
      
      Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme
      
      2/2
      
      For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: NA
      
      Is the performance of compliance of some suppliers, sources, or origins not verified, and if so why not?: NA
      
      Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: FSC and PEFC certification
      
      Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: FSC and PEFC certification
      
      What methods are used for verification?: FSC and PEFC certification
      
      What percent of the company's supply volume is verified using company verification systems?: 38.6%
      
      Open source document
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      Yes, encouraged
      
      0/3
      
      Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      
      Yes, encouraged
      
      0/3
      
      "This Supplier Code of Conduct (“Code”) outlines our expectations regarding the workplace standards and business practices of our suppliers, along with their parent entities, subsidiaries, affiliates, subcontractors and others who are within their supply chain (“supplier”)...We encourage suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of their operations and safeguard the natural resources on which we all depend, especially through reasonable efforts to reduce or eliminate waste of all types. Such efforts include source reduction, recycling, composting, reusing materials and conserving water and energy."
      
      Open source document
    - Deforestation cut off date
      No
      
      0/2
    - Collaborative actions
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Collaborative actions
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      What is the nature of that participation?: Attending & contributing to meetings; Providing support/ advice/ experience/ expertise
      
      What initiatives does the company participate in?: The Nature Conservancy on Natural Climate Solutions ; WWF
      
      "We are collaborating with The Nature Conservancy on Natural Climate Solutions, the conservation, restoration and improved forest management techniques that increase carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in managed forest landscapes. Our collaboration is supporting their Reduced-Impact Logging for Carbon (RIL-C) initiative in Gabon and Indonesia, where they are developing a set of scientific practices that balance the economic needs of forest-based communities with environmental goals. RIL-C can reduce up to 50% of CO2 emissions in a commercial forest operation."[...]"International Paper is one of the first five companies in the United States to partner with WWF on the launch of Forests Forward. This global program engages with companies and other stakeholders around the globe to deliver effective nature-based strategies for forests that help achieve their business and sustainability goals."
      
      Open source document
    - Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
      No
      
      0/2
    - Risk assessments for forest risk
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Risk assessments for forest risk
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      How frequently are assessments conducted?: Unspecified
      
      For what percentage of material produced or sourced by the company has forest risk been assessed?: 100%
      
      In the 2013 Sustainability Report - "Sustainable forestry and ongoing supply of wood fiber" is listed as a 'risk & opportunity'. In 2014, we continued to develop our Supply Chain Strategy and our work to roll out our Supplier Code of Conduct (SCOC)...We ensure and monitor compliance with the SCOC by scheduling recurring training and relying on diligent processes, including the following: Supplier Risk Assessment Matrix screening that captures supply disruption, financial stability, alternative supply sources, and material substitution; Fiber supplier audits and checks performed by three separate groups: International Paper’s Global Sourcing Fiber Supply and EHS&S departments, and the international third-party auditor, Bureau Veritas.
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      No
      
      0/2
    - Accessible grievance mechanism
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Accessible grievance mechanism
      
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism
      
      Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
      
      "Contact us by phone. Use these phone numbers to contact the HelpLine by telephone from within the listed countries.[...]MECHANISMS OR HOTLINES ESCALATION THROUGH International Paper provides a confidential HelpLine for employees, contractors, and the general public to raise concerns related to potential violations of company policies or legal compliance. For employees, the HelpLine supplements existing reporting channels, including reporting to their manager or supervisor, their managers’ manager, Human Resources, Internal Audit, Corporate Security, the Legal department, and the Global Ethics and Compliance Office. There is no requirement that employees follow any particular chain of command. Where permitted by law, employees can report anonymously, by calling the HelpLine or submitting web report to the HelpLine"
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
      Reporting total volume
      
      3/3
      
      Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
      
      Reporting total volume
      
      3/3
      
      What product types/sectors is this in?: Paper and packaging
      
      What is the non-DCF commodity volume sourced from known production areas, and proportion of total supply chain volume this represents?: NA
      
      Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume: NA
      
      Total volume: 20839 Metric Tonnes
      
      Reporting certified/compliant volume: NA
      
      For 2021 International Paper reported 17869 tonnes of sales of industrial packaging including 2223 tonnes of recycled packaging. Further they reporting 2970 tonnes of sales of global cellulose fibers.
      
      Open source document
    - Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
      No
      
      0/5
    - Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
      No
      
      0/5
    - Upstream: Impact assessments for land development/acquisition
      Yes
      
      4/4
      
      Upstream: Impact assessments for land development/acquisition
      
      Yes
      
      4/4
      
      For what percentage of production units has an ESIA been carried out as part of the land use planning process?: 100%
      
      How does the company remedy adverse social and environmental impacts linked to their operations and/or supply chains?: NA
      
      "As part of International Paper’s strategic sourcing process, our sourcing teams conduct a pre-contract risk assessment based on the principles of our Supplier Code of Conduct and other risk factors. The assessment provides transparency and highlights areas of potential social, environmental and financial risk. After the initial pre-contract risk assessment and contracting with a supplier, we take a deeper look into their potential risks through the use of our risk assessment tool. We continue to assess suppliers for risk via a third-party survey platform. Dependent on the survey results, we may initiate a third-party on-site audit to take a closer look at the supplier. Both the survey and audit are a means to monitor our supply chain and verify compliance to our Supplier Code of Conduct. Our buyers use the feedback from these surveys and audits to help suppliers create action plans for continuous improvement."
      
      Open source document
    - Upstream: Reporting production/processing locations
      Reports location of company-owned processing facilities
      
      1/4
      
      Upstream: Reporting production/processing locations
      
      Reports location of company-owned processing facilities
      
      1/4
      
      What is the area, in hectares of production units, on which non-DCF commodities are produced or processed, by country and jurisdiction: NA
      
      From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: Only jurisdiction disclosed: Sao Paulo (municipalities Brotas, Espírito Santo do Pinhal Mogi Guaçu and Conchal)
      
      For what percent are boundaries (of holdings under conservation) disclosed?: 0%
      
      For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: 0%
      
      For what percent are boundaries (of certified land holdings) disclosed?: 0%
      
      What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company produced/processed/sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: NA
      
      For what percent are point locations (of holdings under conservation) disclosed?: 0%
      
      What is the total land area owned, managed, or controlled by the company for the forest risk commodity?: NA
      
      For what percent are point locations (of certified land holdings) disclosed?: 0%
      
      What is the total area of land (in ha) that is available for future production, e.g. concessions?: NA
      
      In what jurisdiction(s)/subnational region does the company operate and/or source material?: All states in the US; Chihuahua; Estado de Mexico; Guanajuato; Jalisco; Nuevo Leon; Puebla; Sinaloa; Tamaulipas; Veracruz; Graneros
      
      What is the total area (in ha) of natural ecosystem on land owned, managed, or controlled by the company?: NA
      
      For what percent are point locations (of land holdings and processing facilities) disclosed: 0%
      
      What type of conservation designation and/or conservation status is used?: NA
      
      In what country(ies) does the company operate and/or source material?: Countries of Sourcing: United States: 83.6% Brazil 4.8% Poland:3.6% Russia:3.1% Canada 2.8% France: 2.1%; Countries of Operation: USA Mexico Chile
      
      What is the total area in production (in ha)?: NA
      
      What types of ecosystems are these?: NA
      
      International Paper have >283397ha in production, as reported in their CDP Forests 2021 report. They report having processing facilities across North America and Chile, and reporting sourcing paper from Europe, North America and Brazil.
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Reporting suppliers
      No
      
      0/4
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance of production/processing
      Yes, using an internal verification system
      
      4/4
      
      Upstream: Monitor compliance of production/processing
      
      Yes, using an internal verification system
      
      4/4
      
      Does the company use a jurisdictional monitoring mechanism?: No
      
      For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: 0%
      
      How frequently is compliance assessed?: Annually
      
      For what percentage of the commodity sourced by the company is deforestation/conversion monitored at the farm level on production units known to be in the company's supply chain?: 0%
      
      If so, what jurisdictions and mechanisms does the company use?: NA
      
      What tools, processes, bodies carry out monitoring of the company's production or processing operations?: Risk Assessment and Audit
      
      For what percentage of production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages, or otherwise controls does the company use external processes or actors, such as certification, to monitor compliance?: 0%
      
      Does the company use a certification system?: No
      
      "At International Paper, our global supply chain sustainability team creates and implements compliance and risk management strategies. Throughout our global supply chain, we promote: • Safe and healthy working conditions • High ethical standards • Protection of human rights and dignity • Responsible use of natural resources • Compliance with all applicable laws...After the initial pre-contract risk assessment and contracting with a supplier, we take a deeper look into their potential risks through the use of our risk assessment tool. We continue to assess suppliers for risk via a third-party survey platform. Dependent on the survey results, we may initiate a third-party on-site audit to take a closer look at the supplier. Both the survey and audit are a means to monitor our supply chain and verify compliance to our Supplier Code of Conduct. Our buyers use the feedback from these surveys and audits to help suppliers create action plans for continuous improvement."
      
      Open source document
    - Upstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      Yes, for its suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      
      Yes, for its suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: 100%
      
      How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems
      
      For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: 0%
      
      How frequently is compliance assessed?: Annually
      
      What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: 100%
      
      For what percentage of the commodity sourced by the company is deforestation/conversion monitored at the farm level on production units known to be in the company's supply chain?: 0%
      
      "Strategic Supplier Improvements We monitor supply chain risk through annual sustainability surveys that cover all aspects of our Supplier Code of Conduct: ethics, safety, labor and environmental compliance...At International Paper, our global supply chain sustainability team creates and implements compliance and risk management strategies. Throughout our global supply chain, we promote: • Safe and healthy working conditions • High ethical standards • Protection of human rights and dignity • Responsible use of natural resources • Compliance with all applicable laws...After the initial pre-contract risk assessment and contracting with a supplier, we take a deeper look into their potential risks through the use of our risk assessment tool. We continue to assess suppliers for risk via a third-party survey platform. Dependent on the survey results, we may initiate a third-party on-site audit to take a closer look at the supplier. Both the survey and audit are a means to monitor our supply chain and verify compliance to our Supplier Code of Conduct. Our buyers use the feedback from these surveys and audits to help suppliers create action plans for continuous improvement."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
      
      1/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
      
      1/2
      
      Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
      
      What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: Create action plans for continuous improvement
      
      Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No
      
      What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Failure to comply with supplier code of conduct
      
      Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: Yes
      
      "After the initial pre-contract risk assessment and contracting with a supplier, we take a deeper look into their potential risks through the use of our risk assessment tool. We continue to assess suppliers for risk via a third-party survey platform. Dependent on the survey results, we may initiate a third-party on-site audit to take a closer look at the supplier. Both the survey and audit are a means to monitor our supply chain and verify compliance to our Supplier Code of Conduct. Our buyers use the feedback from these surveys and audits to help suppliers create action plans for continuous improvement...In extreme cases, International Paper reserves the right to terminate a relationship with a supplier whose values, policies or practices are not aligned with our expectations."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      No disclosure
      
      0/2
Commitment strength

5/17

Avg. score
Implementation and Reporting

18/56

Avg. score
Associated Human Rights Abuses

3/17

Avg. score

Profile

International Paper is one of the leading producers of fiber-based packaging, as well as pulp and paper, in the world. International Paper is selected as a powerbroker for pulp & paper.

Sector

Industry sector

Paper Products

Segments

Producer, Trader, Processor, Manufacturer

United States

Company Type

Company type

Collective Commitments

Consumer Goods Forum member

New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

International Paper

How we assess the Forest 500

To ensure deforestation free supply chains, companies need to adopt and implement timebound and measurable policies for forest risk commodities.

All assessments use policies published on company websites, some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

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Disclaimer

This assessment has been carried out following the methodology developed for the Forest 500 project, available here. Please see our disclaimer applicable to all information contained within this site and our terms and conditions for use of data presented on this site.

All assessments use policies published on company and financial institution websites, and while we endeavor to keep them updated some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Please contact us with any concerns or feedback about this or other assessments included in the Forest 500.