International Paper

1. Sustainable forestry policy or commitment for all its operations?

The company has a Code of Conduct, Environment Health Safety and Sustainability Policy, Human Rights Statement, and Climate Change Statement which covers various dimensions of social and environmental issues.

2. Sustainable forestry policy or commitment applies to all suppliers?

The company's third-party code of conduct only covers ethical issues and has a more limited scope than the main sustainability policy.

3. High-level position of responsibility for sustainability?

The company's Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) guide the company's sustainability and community engagement strategies.

4. One or more members within the board of the company have responsibility for sustainability?

The company reports that it has a Public Policy and Environment Committee comprising of board members. These board members have overall responsibility for sustainability.

5. Percentage or number of women in senior management team?

The company reports 22% of women in its senior leadership team.

6. Percentage or number of women board members?

The company reports 27% of women on its Board of Directors.

7. Member of multiple industry schemes or other external initiatives to reduce negative environmental or social outcomes associated with timber and pulp production?

[Externally verified] FSC and WBCSD.

8. Collaboration with stakeholders to reduce negative environmental or social outcomes associated with timber and pulp production?

The company reports a collaboration to enhance and restore over 124,327 acres through its Forestland Stewards Partnership with U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, designed to help improve forest management. Furthermore, a partnership with American Bird Conservancy provides critical habitat improvements for endangered bird species. The company has also partnered with WWF and other NGOs to support the development of science-based targets for forests and restoration of the Atlantic Forest in the Mogi Guacu River Basin in Brazil.

9. Sustainability report published within last two years?

The company's latest sustainability report was published in 2022.

10. Reports through standardised reporting systems?

The company's report has been prepared in accordance with the GRI standards and it has also published CDPs (water security, forests and climate change) on its website.

11. Climate risks assessment available?

[Externally verified] The company's CDP climate questionnaire and TCFD report state the actual and potential impacts of climate change on the company, as well as the metrics, targets, and processes used to assess or manage climate risks and responsibilities. This information is externally verified.

12. Natural capital assessment available?

The company has conducted Natural Capital assessments and has published a case study on its webpage.

13. Lists countries and operations?

Processing - United States, Canada, Europe, North Africa, and Latin America. However, the company does not provide all locations at a national level.

14. Lists countries sourcing from?

In 2022, the company reported that it sourced 97% of its fibre from the US and 3% from Canada.

15. Total land area managed/controlled for forestry (ha)?

0

16. Total area of natural forest designated for wood/wood fibre production (ha)?

0 - The company reports that its total forest area in Brazil is approximately 270,000 acres. However, this figure does not cover the company's entire operations.

17. Total area of forest plantation (ha)?

0

18. Area of plantation/natural forest within outgrower schemes (ha)?

380809 - The company reports that 941,000 acres (380,809 ha) of land is managed by private landowners. However, it is unclear whether it covers contracted outgrowers, and if so, whether it covers all of them.

19. Unplanted (areas designated for future development as plantation forest) (ha)?

0

20. Conservation set-aside area, including HCV area (ha)?

0

21. Area of Intact Forest Landscape (ha)?

0

22. Number of Forest Management Units (FMUs)?

23. Maps of forest management units (FMUs)?

24. Forest management plans available for all FMUs?

25. Monitoring of forest management plan implementation available?

26. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on use right (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal.

27. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on forest management (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal.

28. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on timber harvesting (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal.

29. Names and locations of all third-party supplying FMUs?

30. Number of company owned sawmills?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not own sawmills.

31. Names and locations of company owned sawmills?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not own sawmills.

32. Number of company-owned pulp and paper mills?

28 - The company reports 24 pulp and packaging mills in the United States and 4 mills in Canada, Europe, North Africa and Latin America. However, the company also reports a contradictory figure of 30 mills on its website.

33. Names and locations of company-owned pulp and paper mills?

The company provides a map of operations that includes addresses. However, the map is undated and does not match the number of mills reported by the company.

34. Reports total volumes (or percentages) sourced by company-owned sawmills that come from company's own operations and third-parties?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not own sawmills.

35. Reports total volumes (or percentages) sourced by company-owned pulp and paper mills that come from company's own operations and third-parties?

36. Number of third party supplying mills?

37. Names and locations of all third party supplying mills?

38. Reports total volume (or percentages) sourced from third-party supplying mills that come from the supplying mills' own operations and third parties?

39. Procedures to trace raw materials to country of harvest?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Chain of Custody Certification Standard (FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1) and the PEFC International Chain of Custody Standard (PEFC ST 2002:2020). As the requirements of these certifications do not fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria partial points have been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC/PEFC CoC certification. The company also reports that it can trace 100% of its uncertified wood fiber to origin using its in-house Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool. Details of this process are not provided.

40. Percentage of supply traceable to country of harvest?

100 - The company reports that 100% of direct sourcing from uncertified forests is traceable to origin and 100% of indirect sourcing is traceable to a country and county level of origin.

41. Procedures to trace raw materials to FMU level?

The company has FSC COC, PEFC COC and SFI sourcing certificates.

42. Percentage of supply traceable to FMU level?

The company reports that 100% of direct sourcing from uncertified forests is traceable to origin, however, it is not clear what percentage of the company's overall supply this constitutes.

43. Time-bound plan for achieving 100% third-party legality verification of FMUs or achieved?

44. Percentage area (ha) verified as being in legal compliance by a third party?

45. Time-bound plan to source only wood/wood fibre that is in legal compliance verified by a third party?

The company commits to increasing third-party certified volume for every year between 2010 and 2020. This target does not specify legality.

46. Percentage of all wood/wood fibre supply traded/processed verified as being in legal compliance by a third party?

79% - The company reports that 66% of its fibre supply is certified under FSC, PEFC or SFI certifications.

47. Percentage area (ha) FSC FM certified?

48. Time-bound plan for achieving 100% FSC FM certification of FMUs within 10 years?

49. Percentage of wood/wood fibre supply (tonnes) from all suppliers that comes from FSC FM certified areas?

The company reports that it sources 32% of fibre from forests certified to the FSC, PEFC or SFI forest management standards, however it does not provide a figure for FSC FM alone.

50. Commitment to source only wood/wood fibre that meets FSC Controlled Wood and/or PEFC Controlled Sources requirements?

The company commits to only source wood/wood fibre that meets FSC Controlled Wood requirements.

51. Percentage area (ha) PEFC certified (excluding FSC certified area)?

52. Commitment to zero conversion of natural ecosystems?

The company commits to 'eliminating the conversion of natural ecosystem's. However, the company does not explicitly state a commitment to zero conversion of all natural ecosystems.

53. Commitment to zero conversion of natural ecosystems applies to all suppliers?

54. Commitment to zero deforestation?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0). Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC certification. The company also make this commitment through its own reporting.

55. Commitment to zero deforestation applies to all suppliers?

56. Criteria and cut-off date for defining deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0). As the policy requirements do not fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria partial points have been awarded on the basis of the company's partial FSC FM or CoC certification.

57. Criteria and cut-off date for defining deforestation in supplier operations?

58. Evidence of monitoring deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion?

59. Evidence of monitoring deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion in supplier operations?

The company reports that it uses a satellite monitoring system (ForeSite) for uncertified suppliers to ensure fibre is derived from sustainably managed forests. The area monitored is 3,631.24 ha. However, the company does not specifically state this includes monitoring of deforestation and/or conversion and the time-frame for this monitoring is unclear.

60. Amount of deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion recorded in own operations since cut-off date?

61. Amount of deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion recorded in supplier operations since cut-off date?

62. Commitment to restoration of deforestation/conversion in own operations since cut-off date?

The company reports a commitment to restoration and compensation to address past deforestation and conversion, however it is not clear if this covers all operations and it does not include a cut-off date.

63. Commitment to restoration of deforestation/conversion in supplier operations since cut-off date?

The company reports a commitment to restoration and compensation to address past deforestation and conversion, however it is not clear if this covers all suppliers and it does not include a cut-off date.

64. Implementing a landscape or jurisdictional level approach?

The company states that it implements a landscape or jurisdictional-level approach through the Forestland Stewards Partnership which aims to improve the management of private and public forests for environmental and economic needs, restore populations of at-risk wildlife and plant species, and improve water and air quality through healthier forests. This information is self-reported.

65. Biodiversity policy?

66. Biodiversity policy applies to all suppliers?

67. Identified species of conservation concern, referencing international or national system of species classification?

The company has identified several species of conservation concern, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and Giant Anteater. No appropriate system of classification is cited.

68. Examples of species and/or habitat conservation management?

69. Commitment to no hunting or only sustainable hunting of species?

70. Commitment to no hunting or only sustainable hunting of species applies to all suppliers?

71. Commitment to protect forest areas from illegal activities?

The company commits to not knowingly source fibre from illegally logged forests, but does not commit to protecting these areas.

72. Commitment to protect forest areas from illegal activities applies to all suppliers?

73. Evidence of protecting forest areas from illegal activities?

74. Commitment to no use of genetically modified organisms?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0). Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC certification.

75. Commitment to no use of genetically modified organisms applies to all suppliers?

76. Commitment to conduct High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0). Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC certification.

77. Commitment to conduct High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments applies to all suppliers?

78. High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments available?

79. High Conservation Value (HCV) management and monitoring plans available?

80. Commitment to the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach?

The company commits to no conversion of HCS areas. It does not clearly commit to the HCS Approach and the commitment does not clearly cover all operations.

81. Commitment to the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach applies to all suppliers?

The company commits to no conversion of HCS areas. It does not clearly commit to the HCS Approach and the commitment does not clearly cover all suppliers.

82. High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments available?

83. Peer review of all High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments undertaken since April 2015 by the HCSA Quality Assurance Process?

84. Commitment to conduct social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs)?

85. Commitment to conduct social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs) applies to all suppliers?

86. Social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs) available, and associated management and monitoring plans?

87. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on impact assessments (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal.

88. Commitment to no planting on peat of any depth?

89. Commitment to no planting on peat of any depth applies to all suppliers?

90. Landbank or planted area on peat (ha)?

91. Implementation of commitment to no planting on peat of any depth?

92. Commitment to best management practices for soils and peat?

The company commits to best management practices for soils and peat.

93. Commitment to best management practices for soils and peat applies to all suppliers?

94. Evidence of best management practices for soils and peat?

95. Commitment to reduced impact logging?

96. Commitment to reduced impact logging applies to all suppliers?

97. Evidence of implementing reduced impact logging practices?

The company states it has collaborated with the nature conservancy to support its reduced impact logging program. However, this information is undated.

98. Commitment to zero burning?

99. Commitment to zero burning applies to all suppliers?

100. Evidence of fire monitoring and management?

101. Details/number of hotspots/fires in company FMUs?

102. Details/number of hotspots/fires in suppliers operations?

103. Time-bound commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity?

The company reports that it has a target to reduce 35% of GHG emissions (scope 1,2 and 3) by 2030. However, it does not report a baseline year or figure and it is not an intensity based target.

104. GHG emissions intensity?

The company reports GHG emission data for 2022 as 11.95 Million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e). However, this is not reported as an intensity figure.

105. GHG emissions from land use change in company's own operations (scope 1)?

106. GHG emissions from land use change in supplier operations (scope 3)?

107. Progress towards commitment to reduce GHG emissions intensity?

The company reports an increase in its GHG emissions between 2021 (11.05 MT CO2e) and 2022 (11.95 MT CO2e). This is not reported as an intensity figure.

108. Methodology used to calculate GHG emissions?

The company reports that it uses MRR-GHG, and IPCC methodology to calculate GHG emissions.

109. Time-bound commitment to improve water use intensity?

The company commits to reduce water use intensity at its mills by 25% by 2030. This only covers mill operations.

110. Water use intensity?

40 - The company reports its water use intensity as 40 m3/metric ton of paper and pulp produced for 2022.

111. Progress towards commitment on water use intensity?

The company reports an increase in water use intensity from 2021 (39) to 2022 (40).

112. Time-bound commitment to improve water quality (BOD or COD)?

The company reported a target to decrease oxygen-depleting substances by 15% below its 2010 baseline by the end of 2020 but it exceeded this goal by achieving a 35% reduction in 2020. However, the target met over two years ago.

113. Progress towards commitment on water quality (BOD or COD)?

The company reported a reduction in Biological oxygen demand (BOD) from 2019 (20.7) to 2020 (18.9) in million kilograms. However, this information is self-reported and between two to five years old.

114. Treatment of pulp and paper mill effluent?

The company states that it measures and records the amount of effluent generated, identifies constraints, and treats and discharges all effluents. It also states that all its mills are subjected to strict federal and state regulations on effluent quality, details, and other procedures in place to reduce the impact of effluents. This information is self-reported.

115. Evidence of sawmill run-off containment and wastewater treatment?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not own sawmills.

116. Proportion of processing facilities with closed-loop water treatment system?

117. Commitment to protect natural waterways through buffer zones?

118. Implementation of commitment to protect natural waterways through buffer zones?

119. Commitment to minimise the use of chemicals, including pesticides and chemical fertilisers?

120. Commitment to minimise the use of chemicals, including pesticides and chemical fertilisers, applies to all suppliers?

121. Evidence of eliminating chlorine and chlorine compounds for bleaching?

122. Commitment to no use of World Health Organisation (WHO) Class 1A and 1B pesticides?

123. Commitment to no use of World Health Organisation (WHO) Class 1A and 1B pesticides applies to all suppliers?

124. Commitment to no use of chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention?

125. Commitment to no use of chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention applies to all suppliers?

126. Chemical usage per ha or list of chemicals used?

127. Implementation of commitment to minimise inorganic fertiliser usage?

128. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach?

129. Waste management system in place to avoid negative impacts?

The company reports that all its sites strive to minimise waste generated and ensure proper management and disposal of waste. Furthermore, it has an internal network of professionals responsible for site-specific waste management. This network meets quarterly to discuss current events, policy requirements, and best practices. Details of the waste management system are not provided.

130. Commitment to human rights?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0). Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC certification. The company has also committed to the UN Declaration on Human Rights in its own reporting.

131. Commitment to human rights applies to all suppliers?

The company only states that suppliers must follow the law on human rights. However, no commitment to respect human rights could be found.

132. Progress on human rights commitment ?

The company reports that it provides training on human rights issues, participates in human resources audits, supply chain audits, and various third-party assessments, thus tries to mitigate negative impacts. However, the information is limited and self-reported.

133. Commitment to respect indigenous and local communities' rights?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0). Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC certification. The company also commits to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, however it does not clearly cover all operations.

134. Commitment to indigenous and local communities' rights applies to all suppliers?

The company commits its supply chain to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, however it does not clearly apply to all suppliers.

135. Commitment to respect legal and customary land tenure rights?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0). As the policy requirements do not fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria partial points have been awarded on the basis of the company's partial FSC FM or CoC certification. The company also makes this commitment in its own reporting but it does not clearly cover all operations.

136. Commitment to legal and customary land rights applies to all suppliers?

The company commits its supply chain to respect legal and customary land rights, however this does not clearly cover all suppliers.

137. Commitment to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)?

The company commits to FPIC for indigenous people and local communities, however this does not clearly cover all operations.

138. Commitment to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) applies to all suppliers?

The company commits its supply chain to FPIC for indigenous people and local communities, this does not clearly cover all suppliers.

139. Details of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) process available?

140. Examples of local stakeholder engagement to prevent conflicts?

141. Details of process for addressing land conflicts available?

142. Supports the inclusion of women across forestry operations, including addressing barriers faced?

The company states that it sponsors the Women's Forest Congress, which brings a voice to women looking to address challenges facing forests and the forest sector. However, limited details were found.

143. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on population rights (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal.

144. Commitment to enable sustainable use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) by local communities?

145. Commitment to provide essential community services and facilities ?

The company commits to providing essential community services and facilities.

146. Progress on commitment to provide essential community services and facilities?

The company reports that it provides essential services like education to children, vaccination to communities, addressing hunger, and food security for children, families, and seniors. This information is self-reported.

147. Commitment to provide business/work opportunities for local communities?

148. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on labour regulations (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal.

149. Commitment to Fundamental ILO Conventions or Free and Fair Labour Principles?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0). Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC certification.

150. Commitment to Fundamental ILO Conventions or Free and Fair Labour Principles applies to all suppliers?

151. Progress on commitment to respect all workers' rights?

152. Commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment?

The company provides a commitment to eliminate gender-related discrimination.

153. Commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment applies to all suppliers?

The company states that its suppliers must keep workplaces free of harassment and discrimination. However, it does not specify gender-related discrimination with regard to employment.

154. Progress on commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment?

The company reports that it provides training on a code of conduct which covers discrimination-related policies. However, the information is limited.

155. Percentage or number of temporary employees?

156. Percentage or number of women employees?

17.9% - The company reports that 17.9% of employees are women as of 2022.

157. Commitment to pay a living wage?

158. Commitment to pay a living wage applies to all suplliers?

The company only states that suppliers must obey laws on compensation, work hours, and benefits. However, no explicit commitment to pay a living wage was found.

159. Progress on commitment to pay a living wage?

160. Reporting of salary by gender?

161. Commitment to address occupational health and safety?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Chain of Custody Certification Standard (FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1). Partial points have been awarded as the requirements do not full meet the SPOTT scoring criteria. The company also commits to addressing occupational health and safety in its reporting. However, it does not refer to the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Forestry Work.

162. Commitment to address occupational health and safety applies to all suppliers?

The company's commitment to addressing occupational health and safety also applies to all suppliers. However, it does not refer to the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Forestry Work.

163. Provision of personal protective equipment and related training?

Limited, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC Chain of Custody certification (FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1) as the requirements do not fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria.

164. Time lost due to work-based injuries?

2.05 - The company reports a lost workday incident rate as 2.05 for 2021.

165. Number of fatalities as a result of work-based accidents?

1 - In 2021, the company reported 0 and 1 fatalities for employees and contractors respectively.

166. Commitment to support smallholders?

The company helps small landowners to achieve certification of their forest management practices. The company also commits to facilitate the inclusion of smallholders into the supply chain, however this does not clearly cover all operations.

167. Programme to support outgrower scheme and/or independent smallholders?

The company reports a Family Forest Carbon Program to support small landowners. However, it is unclear whether landowners are contracted outgrowers. This information is self-reported.

168. Number or percentage of outgrower scheme and/or independent smallholders involved in programme?

90 - The company reports that 90 landowners were engaged in the Family Forest Carbon Program. However, it is unclear whether landowners are contracted outgrowers. This information is self-reported.

169. Process used to prioritise, assess and/or engage suppliers on compliance with company's policy and/or legal requirements?

The company's third-party code of conduct states legal requirements for its suppliers. However, the process for prioritising, assessing or engaging suppliers is not specified.

170. Number or percentage of suppliers assessed and/or engaged on compliance with company's policy and/or legal requirements?

The company reports that 100% of new suppliers are screened through a due-diligence process which includes environmental compliance criteria. It is not clear what proportion of the company's suppliers have been assessed or engaged.

171. Suspension or exclusion criteria for suppliers?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Chain of Custody Certification Standard (FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1). Partial points have been awarded as the requirements do not full meet the SPOTT scoring criteria. The company also states that the suppliers whose values, policies or practices do not align with its expectation would be terminated.

172. Timebound action plans (including Key Performance Indicators) for suppliers to be in compliance with timber and pulp sourcing commitments?

173. Proportion of direct and indirect supply that comes from FMUs which are compliant with timber and pulp sourcing policies?

174. Commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption?

The company commits to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption.

175. Commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption.

176. Progress on commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption?

The company reports that it conducts risk assessments, which are focused on corruption, procurement fraud, and aspects of business where it directly interacts with government officials. It also states that it provides training to the employees on anti-corruption and ethics-related topics.

177. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on legal registration (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal.

178. Disclosure of the company's management approach to tax and payments to governments?

The company has a tax strategy plan for its Poland operations. However, a strategy for all operations could not be found.

179. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on taxes, fees and royalties (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a geography currently covered by Open Timber Portal.

180. Whistleblowing procedure?

The company has a helpline for whistleblowing. Reporting includes a clear description of steps taken by the company, including how whistleblowers can report unethical conduct and how they are protected.

181. Own grievance or complaints system open to all stakeholders?

The company has its own grievance system which is open to all stakeholders.

182. Details of complaints and grievances disclosed?