As we look forward to the 37th observance of Earth Day this Saturday, Business Roundtable is featuring the stories of member companies that are creating jobs and growing our economy, while leading the way to a sustainable future through innovative strategies and partnerships. They are all part of our 10th annual sustainability report, Create, Grow, Sustain: Delivering Shared Success.
Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Mark S. Sutton, International Paper exemplifies this spirit of responsible stewardship of our nation’s resources. International Paper employs nearly 34,000 people in North America, making it the world’s largest packaging and paper company. In 2017, they were recognized as a 2017 World’s Most Ethical Company® by the Ethisphere Institute.
International Paper has made sustainable forests — the very foundation of its business — a top priority.
In 2013, the company partnered with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to launch the Forestland Stewards initiative, a highly successful partnership that works to protect and enhance ecologically important forestlands and coastal savannas in eight southern U.S. states.
The initiative began with an initial $7.5 million investment from International Paper that NFWF has parlayed into more than $24.5million in matching funds. Forestland Stewards coordinates with private landowners, government agencies and conservation groups to develop science-based conservation business plans that have restored nearly 250,000 acres to date.
This year, International Paper is renewing its investment in this proven conservation model with an even larger donation.
“As a result of the success of this investment, this year, International Paper reaffirmed our commitment to the Forestland Stewards initiative by announcing an additional five year, $10 million gift to expand the partnership,” Sutton announced. “The gift will help continue to conserve and enhance an additional 300,000 acres of forests across several states.”
International Paper’s strong and growing commitment to the Forestland Stewards initiative demonstrates this global leader’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, forest health and responsible use of natural resources.
