International Paper Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

In celebration of World Rivers Day, International Paper (IP) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) are highlighting their collaboration through the Forestland Stewards Partnership. This partnership supports initiatives like The Longleaf Alliance to restore ephemeral and seasonal wetlands in the Savannah River watershed in South Carolina.

The restoration project, led by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Lab, aims to revitalize wetlands and surrounding longleaf pine forests to improve water quality and protect at-risk species. These efforts are important for maintaining the drinking water supply for over 500,000 residents and providing habitats for rare amphibians like the gopher frog.

IP is also part of the Savannah River Clean Water Fund, working with The Nature Conservancy to protect and manage forests across the watershed. These initiatives demonstrate IP's commitment to sustainable forestry management and ecosystem preservation.

International Paper's Chief Sustainability Officer Sophie Beckham received the Bronze Award at Futur/io's 2024 CSO Awards North America. The awards recognize North American CSOs driving corporate sustainability with high, scalable impact. Beckham was chosen through a rigorous selection process developed by Futur/io and partners, using a four-quadrant model criteria.

The selection considered corporate behaviors, ESG and SDG performance, environmental and human impact, and a self-assessment survey. A Grand Jury selected the final winners from the Top 20 ranking CSOs. Beckham, who holds a Master of Forestry degree from Yale, has been advancing IP's planet stewardship initiatives since 2013.

She expressed honor at being selected among talented sustainability leaders, attributing the award to the collective efforts at IP in advancing their Vision 2030 goals.

International Paper's 2023 Sustainability Report outlines the company's commitment to circularity as a key strategy. This approach prioritizes renewable, sustainably managed, recycled, and reused resources throughout their value chain. The company focuses on four pillars:

1. Using every part of the tree, including selling pine chemicals.
2. Sourcing sustainable raw materials, with 5.2 million tons of recovered fiber used annually.
3. Implementing circular manufacturing processes, with 48% of manufacturing waste diverted for beneficial uses in 2023.
4. Creating innovative products designed for sustainability and easy recycling.

IP also partners for IT circularity, remarketing over 2,500 systems and recycling 183,389 pounds of assets in 2023. The company collaborates with customers and partners to develop circular, low-carbon solutions, emphasizing the sustainability benefits of fiber-based packaging.

International Paper (IP) is progressing towards its goal of conserving and restoring 1 million acres of ecologically significant forestland by 2030. The company's strategy involves working with wood suppliers, forest landowners, community stakeholders, and conservation organizations. A key example is IP's long-standing relationship with Wise Batten, who owns a forest plantation in Black Swamp along the Savannah River floodplain.

Batten's land provides renewable fiber for IP's products while also serving as a habitat for wildlife, including the Swallow-tailed Kite. Through best management practices and conservation easements, Batten is helping to protect thousands of acres for future generations. IP collaborates with landowners like Batten to organize tours for customers, showcasing sustainable forestry practices and their importance in creating healthier, more abundant forests.

International Paper is actively addressing climate change risks and opportunities, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable practices within the pulp and paper industry. The company:

- Is one of the first North American pulp and paper companies with an approved Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) target

- Follows the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations for reporting

- Responds to Climate Disclosure Project's (CDP) questionnaires on Climate Change, Forest, and Water Security

- Has published a TCFD Report outlining climate-related risks, opportunities, and corresponding strategies

- Anticipates more acute impacts from extreme weather and water scarcity in the coming decade

- Sees significant opportunities in the growing low-carbon circular economy

- Continues to refine climate scenario analyses for effective planning and transparent communication with stakeholders

International Paper (NYSE: IP) has filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC for its pending acquisition of DS Smith Plc (LSE: DSS). The company's board recommends shareholders vote 'FOR' the proposal to issue new IP common stock for the combination. The special meeting is scheduled for October 11, 2024, with shareholders of record as of September 12, 2024, eligible to vote. DS Smith has set October 7, 2024, for its shareholder meeting to approve the deal.

The acquisition aims to create a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, focusing on North American and European markets. It's expected to increase vertical integration, improve profitability, enhance customer offerings, and accelerate sustainability initiatives. The transaction will be structured as an acquisition of DS Smith by IP, following U.K. Takeover Code and English law.

Marcez Mitchell, VP of North American Container (NAC) Specialty at International Paper (IP), is leading his team to success through authentic leadership. Starting as an intern in 1999, Marcez has risen through the ranks, bringing a wealth of experience to his current role. His leadership philosophy, inspired by his father, emphasizes authenticity, transparency, and trust.

Under Marcez's guidance, NAC Specialty is embracing innovation and a profitability mindset to expand its offerings in paper bags, molded fiber, Enhanced Graphics Solutions, SpaceKraft®, and specialty retail and packaging display. Marcez believes that NAC Specialty has significant growth potential and is poised to make a substantial impact on IP's future.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) has announced leadership changes, with CEO Andy Silvernail elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2024. This appointment follows Mark Sutton's planned retirement from the Board on September 30, 2024. Silvernail, who joined IP as CEO in May 2024, brings two decades of experience leading global companies in manufacturing and technology sectors.

Lead Director Chris Connor praised Sutton's legacy and expressed confidence in Silvernail's leadership. Silvernail's background includes executive roles at KKR & Co., Madison Industries, and IDEX , where he achieved significant shareholder returns and employee engagement improvements. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Stryker

International Paper's Customer Commitment Centers and graphic designers play a important role in community engagement and sharing the company's sustainability story. Through creative projects like puppet shows, dinosaurs, and rocket ships, they educate communities about sustainability and company values.

In a notable initiative, International Paper contributed corrugated supplies to the Science Museum of Minnesota for a "Cardboard City" makerspace. This building and engineering studio encouraged children, parents, and science educators to use their imagination and ingenuity to create new structures or repurpose existing ones. This project exemplifies how International Paper combines creativity, education, and sustainability in its community outreach efforts.