PEFC welcomes International Paper as International Stakeholder member

20 August 2014 News

International Paper, a global leader in the paper and packaging industry with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and North Africa, has joined PEFC as an International Stakeholder member.

“As the largest user of wood fiber in the world, International Paper depends upon the sustainability of working forests globally,” commented Sophie Beckham, Global Forest Stewardship and Sustainability Manager at International Paper. “We believe forest certification is an important tool to promote responsible forest management, and we look to the global PEFC system for verification of forest stewardship.”

“IP is committed to expanding its use of certified fiber to meet our customers’ needs, and the PEFC endorsed national certification systems such as the North American based Sustainable Forestry Initiative helps us meet our 2020 goal to increase our certified fiber purchases by 35%.”

International Paper’s commitment to sustainable forest management is backed up by its long-term engagement as a certificate holder in North and Latin America, as well as Europe and Asia. Since 2007, when all IP’s US-based mills achieved PEFC Chain of Custody certification, the company has gone on to certify its forest area in both the US and Brazil, as well as holding PEFC Chain of Custody certificates in China, France, Malaysia and Taiwan.

With a vision to be one of the best and most respected companies in the world, International Paper ensures there is substance in everything they do, from the products they make, to investing in communities and protecting the environment.

The company is committed to stewardship all over the world, from receiving the Climate Leadership Award to aggressively managing and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. International Paper also supports all credible third-party certification programs including the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and PEFC’s North American member Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

With International Paper joining as an International Stakeholder member, PEFC now counts 22 International Stakeholder members, as well as 38 national members.

Benefits & Opportunities of PEFC Membership

• Participate in PEFC's annual General Assembly as a member of PEFC Council with full-voting rights
• Join PEFC Working Groups and Committees on relevant topics such as Standards Revision, Marketing, and Regional Promotions
• Nominate representatives for consideration to the PEFC Board of Directors
• Collaborate on specific projects of mutual interest
• Stay informed and abreast of PEFC developments throughout the year
• Communicate your PEFC engagement and involvement
• Support PEFC's promotion of sustainable forest management and responsible procurement

More information about how to become an International Stakeholder member here.