International Paper: One Million Acres of Forestland Conserved

International Paper, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, announced it exceeded its sustainability goal of conserving and restoring 1 million acres of ecologically significant forestland. This milestone achievement enhances biodiversity protection, strengthens carbon sequestration, and supports sustainable land management, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and climate resilience.

“We are thrilled to have surpassed one of our Healthy and Abundant Forest targets to conserve 1 million acres of ecologically significant forestland by restoring nearly 1,158,00 total acres, and we did so six years ahead of schedule,” said Sophie Beckham, Chief Sustainability Oficer, International Paper. “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to nature conservation and to the great work of our conservation partners.”

In 2024, IP reaffirmed our dedication to conserving forest ecosystems, nature and biodiversity with a $15.3 million investment to renew strategic alliances with key conservation partners including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. For over a decade, the Forestland Stewards Partnership has supported projects that, once complete, will restore, enhance or protect more than 2.2 million acres of southern forestlands. This initiative earned the 2024 Leadership in Sustainability Award from the American Forest and Paper Association, recognizing IP’s collaborative approach to forest and wildlife conservation in Southeast U.S. forests.

IP also continued to partner with the American Bird Conservancy to protect at-risk bird species across the U.S. South. This partnership engages a wide variety of stakeholders — from fiber supply teams to local landowners — in initiatives including bird surveys, academic research and the implementation of bird-friendly forest management practices.