IP demonstrates leadership through environmental, social sustainability

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Demonstrating its commitment to clear and transparent reporting of environmental and safety performance, International Paper (NYSE: IP) has released its 2004-2006 Sustainability Update.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/IPLOGO )

The report details the company's progress in a number of important areas, including environmental compliance and accountability, air and water quality, energy efficiency, and forestland stewardship. In addition, the report addresses IP's contributions to global environmental initiatives such as greenhouse gas reduction and compliance innovation.

"I'm proud of the progress we've made in protecting our environment and maintaining a safe workplace for our employees," said John Faraci, IP's chairman and chief executive officer. "While we are now making important changes in our company to focus and strengthen our operations, we will not be distracted from our mission of making International Paper the most respected and responsible company in our industry."

David Struhs, IP's vice president, environmental affairs, said, "Our company has been sharing our environmental, economic and social performance with the public for more than a decade. Over the years, these reports have offered a level of transparency unmatched in our industry. The sustainability report builds on that tradition."

    Report Highlights:

    * The company's use of fossil fuels decreased 20 percent from 2001 to
      2005. The decrease was accomplished through efficiency improvements and
      growing reliance on carbon-neutral biomass fuels.

    * International Paper formed public-private partnerships in seven
      different communities to identify innovative approaches to go beyond EPA
      standards at a lower cost. Further, the company has invested a portion
      of the savings in local environmental priorities, such as air and water
      quality improvements and wetlands restoration. These projects reduced
      pollutant emissions by more than 6,300 tons and, through decreased fuel
      usage, reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 440,000 tons beyond what
      would have been achieved with the conventional compliance approach.

    * International Paper has reduced its number of environmental incidents by
      65 percent since 2002. The company had only 27 environmental incidents
      in 2005, across 31 paper mills and nearly 200 other manufacturing and
      converting facilities worldwide.

    * International Paper is active in several greenhouse gas emissions
      programs in the U.S. and abroad. IP is a charter member of the Chicago
      Climate Exchange, and one its most active traders, providing a large
      volume of credits to buyers. The company is also a founding member of
      the U.S. EPA Climate Leaders program, committing to 15 percent reduction
      in greenhouse gas emissions by 2010. The company's operations in Europe,
      subject to the EU Emission Trading Scheme, continue to exceed their
      reduction commitments each year.

    * International Paper has protected more than 1 million acres of
      forestland through sales or donations of forestlands or conservation
      easements, including its recent sale of nearly 300,000 acres of high-
      value conservation lands to The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation
      Fund.

For more information, download a full copy of the report from the company's Web site, at www.internationalpaper.com.

Headquartered in the United States, International Paper has been a leader in the forest products industry for more than 100 years. The company is currently transforming its operations to focus on its global uncoated papers and packaging businesses, which operate and serve customers in the U.S., Europe, South America and Asia. These businesses are complemented by an extensive North American merchant distribution system. International Paper is committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability, and has a long-standing policy of using no wood from endangered forests.

SOURCE  International Paper
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    /Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/IPLOGO /
    /Web site:  http://www.internationalpaper.com /
    (IP)

CO:  International Paper
ST:  Tennessee
IN:  PAP
SU:

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