International Paper Forms Office of Sustainability

Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 21 June 2007 -- /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) has created an Office of Sustainability to champion company-wide conservation and natural resources stewardship strategies and to support the environmental goals of its customers.

The Office will focus its efforts around wood fiber, conservation, air, water, life-cycle analysis, and other natural resources issues as they pertain to the needs of International Paper customers. The team's work will include raising awareness of key sustainability issues, leading third-party certification and product labeling efforts, developing innovative partnerships with stakeholders, and implementing policies that support the company's sustainability objectives.

Sharon G. Haines will lead the office. She has been with International Paper for more than 30 years and has been integral in developing many of the company's innovative partnerships with conservation groups such as Environmental Defense, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, National Audobon Society, and NatureServe.

"The office of sustainability brings together efforts from across the company to promote conservation and natural resource stewardship and to support our customers' needs," said John Faraci, International Paper chairman and CEO.

As International Paper's director of sustainable forestry and forest policy, Haines championed projects such as the creation of a habitat conservation plan and mitigation bank for the endangered red cockaded woodpecker on company forestland in Georgia and the reintroduction of the boulder darter to the Tennessee River system. In addition, her collaboration with the National Audobon Society on a three-year study of biodiversity on International Paper's managed hardwood forests identified the second highest concentration of amphibians in the United States.

International Paper (NYSE: IP), founded in 1898, is a global uncoated paper and packaging company with primary markets and manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Russia, Latin America, Asia, and North Africa. Its uncoated papers and packaging businesses are complemented by xpedx, North America's largest distributor of printing papers and graphics supplies and equipment. Headquartered in the United States, International Paper employs approximately 54,000 people in more than 20 countries, and serves customers worldwide. Annual sales are about USD 22 billion. International Paper partners with customers and environmental, academic, civic, and governmental organizations, as well as landowners and harvesting professionals, to encourage responsible forest stewardship, improve the health and productivity of forestlands, and increase recovery of our recyclable products. The company has a long-standing policy of using no wood from endangered forests. To learn more about International Paper, its products, and commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability, visit www.internationalpaper.com.

Source: International Paper