International Paper (IP), a US-based manufacturer, has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, detailing the advancements towards its Vision 2030 sustainability targets.
The company says it aims to foster a low-carbon economy using fibre-based products across its value chain and is targeting to ensure that all its offerings are 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
As of 2023, the company reported that 97.2% of its pulp and packaging products met this criteria.
Specifically, this includes 98% of IP's packaging products and 94% of its pulp products.
IP said that it is using an average of 34.5% recycled content for its North American corrugated packaging products, which include 28.7% post-consumer fibre.
In addition, 94% of the projects in the company's Global Cellulose Fibers innovation pipeline support renewable solutions, and nearly half of its manufacturing waste has been repurposed, avoiding landfill disposal.
IP noted an increase in its combined scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2023.
However, this rise is attributed to the sale of renewable energy certificates (RECs), which does not reflect an actual increase in GHG emissions.
The company clarified that while REC sales will persist in the short term, they will eventually be phased out to align with its Vision 2030 goals.
IP has made progress in reducing emissions at specific sites such as the containerboard mill in Georgia, US, as well as announced a new project to cut emissions at its Iowa mill in the country.
Although reduced biomass fuel use has partially offset GHG reductions from these projects, the company stated it has seen a decrease in scope 3 emissions due to lower consumption and production, coupled with improved industry emission factors.
IP vice-president and CSO Sophie Beckham said: “Guided by Vision 2030, our sustainability framework, International Paper has continuously worked alongside customers and strategic partners to become a leader in renewable fibre-based solutions and to help facilitate a low-carbon, circular economy.”
