MEMPHIS, Tenn. (News release) -- International Paper has released its 2020 Global Citizenship Report. One of the world's leading producers of fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper, the company shares the final progress it made against its 2020 goals and outlines its approach to sustainability across its value chain.

Some notable 2020 achievements include:

• GHG Emissions: 21.4% reduction in GHG emissions (scope 1 & 2) since 2010

• Fiber Certification: 48% increase in certified fiber volume since 2010

• Recycling: 66% increase in recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC) since 2010

• Water Quality: 35% decrease in oxygen-depleting substances in its mill water discharges since 2010

• Community Engagement: $23 million donated to charitable organizations in 2020, with a cumulative impact of $165 million since 2010

The report also provides a look at the company's pandemic response in what was a challenging year for people across the world, including the company's donation of two million corrugated boxes to help global food banks address increased demand for food assistance.

"While challenging on many levels, 2020 gave us an opportunity to truly live up to our core values of Safety, Ethics and Stewardship," said International Paper Chairman and CEO, Mark Sutton, in the report. "We made measurable improvements to close out our Vision 2020 sustainability goals, and I am pleased with the progress we made throughout the past decade. Our progress on these goals helped us address the expectations of our customers and our communities, become a better company and recognize that there is more we must do."

Last year the company introduced its Vision 2030 goals, which demonstrate its commitment to building a better future for people and the planet and which build on the progress the company made toward its 2020 goals. The company begins measuring progress toward its Vision 2030 goals this year.

Two recent actions are advancing the company's sustainability efforts. International Paper has committed to a science-based target with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi-validated targets would make International Paper one of the first forest products companies in North America to have an SBTi-approved target for a GHG emissions reduction. The company has also recently announced membership in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Network, the world's leading circular economy network, to collaborate with others to improve its fiber-based innovations, waste reductions and solutions for products' end of life.

The International Paper 2020 Global Citizenship Report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards: Core option.

You can download this and other reports at InternationalPaper.com/Reports.