| International Paper Marks Tree
Growth Milestone; Growing More Than 8 Billion New Trees
July 28, 2003 Rick Ouellette: 912-238-6399 Wendy Ray: 912-238-6320 Savannah, Georgia - International Paper, the largest tree seedling grower in the world, has surpassed its own record and has grown more than 8 billion new tree seedlings in the U.S. The tree planting represents IP's commitment to reforestation -- growing more and more trees. The more than 8 billion native pine and hardwood tree seedlings cover nearly 13 million acres of forestland, which amounts to a 22 mile-wide forested area that would go around the world. "Tree seedlings are at the foundation of International Paper's global commitment to sustainable forestry management," said Ken Munson, general manager of forestry operations and technology for IP's Forest Resources business. "From planting tree seedlings to harvest to growing more trees, we work diligently to balance the production of paper, packaging and wood products to meet the needs of society with the need to keep our forests across the globe healthy and abundant for today and future generations." International Paper produces more trees -- the world's greatest renewable resource -- than anyone else in the world. IP regrows all forest acres it harvests on company land by replanting or natural reforestation. Balancing environmental responsibility and sound business practices, IP is ensuring the future of the entire forest -- trees and other plants, wildlife, biodiversity, soils, air and water -- for centuries to come. International Paper has 15 nurseries and 25 orchards worldwide, which grow some 400 million pine and hardwood trees each year to plant and sell. Individuals interested in tree seedlings and reforestation can benefit from the company's website at www.supertreeseedlings.com. As one of the largest private landowners in the world, International Paper manages the woods with great care in compliance with the rigorous standards of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program. The SFI program is an independent certification system that ensures the perpetual planting, growing and harvesting of trees while protecting wildlife, plants, soil, air and water quality. In the U.S. alone, IP foresters and ecologists protect more than a half million acres of unique and environmentally important habitat on company forestlands through conservation easements and land transactions to environmental groups. And, IP has a long-standing policy of using no wood from endangered forests. International Paper ( http://www.internationalpaper.com ) businesses include paper, packaging and forest products. Headquartered in the United States, IP has operations in over 40 countries and sells its products in more than 120 nations. |