International Paper Marks Major Tree Growing Milestone

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 1  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- International Paper has reached a significant milestone -- growing more than 9 billion tree seedlings. The company started growing tree seedlings in the 1950s and continues to show its commitment to the environment by producing more trees. IP foresters have reforested nearly 120,000 acres of land so far this year.

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As the world's largest grower of the trees, International Paper produces more than 300 million hardwood and pine tree seedlings each year that are planted on company land or sold to others in the forest industry, forest consultants, federal and state governments, family forest owners, commercial landowners and conservation  groups. The company has been helping to renew the forests to make them healthier and more abundant than they were a century ago.

"Each time a person purchases paper and wood products, it helps our industry grow more trees," said David Liebetreu, IP's vice president, Forest Resources. "Our company and our products encourage long-term forestland stewardship, which is important to ensure trees will be around today and for many generations to come. As our company transitions much of our land to new ownership, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable forestry."

As part of its commitment to well-managed forests, International Paper has joined other members of the paper industry to form the Abundant Forests Alliance. The AFA shares information with consumers and customers about the many ways the industry is helping to ensure that with proper care and management there will always be abundant forests. For more information about AFA and many great facts about the forest, visit http://www.abundantforests.org/.

Individuals, family forest owners and others interested in tree seedlings and reforestation can learn more by visiting International Paper's seedling web site at http://www.supertreeseedlings.com/.

Headquartered in the United States, International Paper has been a leader in the forest products industry for more than 100 years. The company is currently transforming its operations to focus on its global uncoated papers and packaging businesses, which operate and serve customers in the U.S., Europe, South America and Asia. These businesses are complemented by an extensive North American merchant distribution system. International Paper is committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability, and has a long-standing policy of using no wood from endangered forests. To learn more, visit http://www.internationalpaper.com/. 

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DATASOURCE: International Paper



CONTACT:  Rick Ouellette, [phone], for International Paper



Web site:  http://www.internationalpaper.com/

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