In 2011, International Paper announced 12 voluntary environmental and social objectives that it planned to achieve by 2020, using 2010’s figures as a baseline.
Environmentally, the greatest improvements were noted in water quality, with a 27% reduction in mill waste water discharges to streams of oxygen-depleting substances (chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand). The company’s goal for 2020 is a 15% decrease.
Progress was also noted in energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, air emissions, solid waste, water use, and fiber efficiency.
Among its social goals, International Paper improved its worker safety, with a reduction in serious injuries by 30% between 2010 and 2012. The firm also formed an international team to put into progress its objective of measuring volunteer support.
International Paper’s chairman and CEO John Faraci said; "By pursuing transparent goals and establishing new relationships with external stakeholders, International Paper is demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement."
The report announced collaborations with respected sustainability organizations including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
"We are very pleased with this first year of progress against our goals, but we are mindful that our sustainability journey is a long one, with more opportunities ahead," said Teri Shanahan, International Paper's VP for sustainability.
International Paper’s full sustainability report is available here.