International Paper

IP state the following as a Sustainable Development Goal - "Because we recognize that deforestation and conversion can negatively affect forest ecosystems, we only procure wood from sources that adhere to the requirements in our Global Responsible Fiber Procurement Policy and will not knowingly accept fiber from controversial sources, forests harvested for conversion to non-forest use, or forests where high conservation values are threatened by management activities." "As a global company, firmly dedicated to sustainable forestry, International Paper uses third-party certification, chain-of-custody and internationally recognized forest certification standards. International Paper recognizes the following certification standards for use in our global operations: • Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a global certification system that provides Principles and Criteria for responsible forest management and chain of custody. Globally, FSC is effective in maintaining high conservation values and avoiding unacceptable wood fiber sources. International Paper has been a member of FSC since 2010 and continues to seek an increase in the availability of certified fiber globally. • Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is a global umbrella organization that supports the promotion of sustainable forest management and chain-of-custody".

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."

As their main headline on their supporting eco-systems page - "We are committed to ensuring a lasting positive impact on forest ecosystems, championing responsible forest management practices, and investing in the long-term sustainability of natural capital." [...] "We endeavor to continue to lead the international business community in responsible forest stewardship to ensure healthy and productive forest ecosystems for generations to come".

"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"

Has a Sustainability Committee: "The committee consists of a multidisciplinary group comprised of Manufacturing, Legal, Sustainability, Forestry, Human Resources, Communication, Business, Supply Chain, Finance and Government Relations."

Lists several restoration projects it has already contributed to: Works with the American Forest Foundation on the Carolinas Working Forest Conservation Collaborative – “450 landowners will be supported with technical assistance and resources … 13,000 acres of forestland to be enhanced, restored and expanded.” “We’ve worked with a variety of stakeholders, like private landowners, government agencies and conservation groups, to develop science-based conservation plans to keep nearly 400,000 acres of Southern pine, oak, bottomland hardwoods and woodlands healthy and intact.” “Since 2013, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and International Paper have invested more than $15 million through the Forestland Stewards partnership. The program has engaged nearly 15,000 private landowners in restoration, conservation and habitat enhancement projects, restoring and protecting more than 400,000 acres of native forest and wildlife habitat.” “In 2018, 19 projects were awarded grants which are expected to establish more than 25,500 new protected acres as well as enhance and protect approximately 113,000 existing acres … one project alone will protect more than 13,000 acres of working forest along the Savannah River in South Carolina.”

Has a long-term conservation goal: "We’re committed to conserving and restoring one million acres of ecologically significant forestland by 2030." Also lists several restoration projects it has already contributed to: “In Brazil, 25% of the land International Paper owns is set aside and planted as indigenous forest which will never be harvested. IP Brazil has five private natural heritage reserves totalling 1,345 hectares in Sau Paulo state.” “We’ve teamed up with WWF to advance forest restoration in Brazil. The first step is a restoration in 5,584 square mile river basin called the Mogi Guacu.”