Managing Climate Risks: International Paper’s Strategy for a Resilient Future

Sep 19, 2024 12:05 PM ET
Scenic landscape of a forested area and waterway in the background.

Originally published in International Paper's 2023 Sustainability Report

Climate change is disrupting society and business today. As we face physical and transition risks now and in the years ahead, identifying these risks and opportunities for our company and the communities where we operate is key. We’re working to better understand these risks and determine the best way to monitor, measure and address them. As one of the first North American pulp and paper companies to have an approved Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) target, we continue to use the SBTi-approved methodology to inform the strategies we need to implement.

Our reporting also follows the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), a framework for companies to analyze and report on climate-related risks, and to inform investors on exposure to financial risks related to climate change. We additionally respond to Climate Disclosure Project’s (CDP) Climate Change, Forest and Water Security questionnaires to transparently disclose our risks and opportunities in those core areas of sustainability.

Our latest TCFD Report maps out our climate-related risks and opportunities as well as the corresponding mitigation and adaptation strategies. As a leading producer of renewable fiber-based products, we see significant opportunities in the growing low-carbon circular economy. However, we are already experiencing weather-related impacts exacerbated by climate change. We believe that we are more likely to experience an increase in acute, rather than chronic, impacts related to extreme weather and water scarcity during this decade. We continue to refine our climate scenario analyses to plan effectively and communicate transparently to our stakeholders.

Learn more in this report’s Sustainable Operations section and our Climate Change Statement.

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About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper - EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.