Domtar and World Wildlife Fund Canada Partnership Results in a New Line of Papers

“Domtar and WWF-Canada have done many great things together for nature, such as spearheading the expansion of protected areas. We are particularly proud of our latest joint endeavour, because it has resulted in a new line of papers that meet the needs of customers who want to be reassured that the products they purchase come from forests that are managed in a sustainable and in an eco-sensitive manner”, said Raymond Royer, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Domtar is firmly committed to the sustainable management of forest resources. That is why we have certified all our forest management practices to FSC and other internationally recognized standards and sought independent third party verification”, added Mr. Royer.

“I congratulate Domtar for achieving FSC certification of its new, high quality papers,” said Monte Hummel, WWF-Canada President. “Domtar is now offering consumers a better environmental choice. WWF wants to grow our partnership with Domtar to expand the production and sales of FSC products.”

Domtar has certified all of its forest practices according to ISO 14001 standards and, when possible, to FSC standards. In fact, Domtar has already successfully FSC-certified two forests it manages: one in the Province of Ontario and one in the State of New York. Both were accredited Resource Manager by SmartWoodCM, which is a forest management certification program recognized by FSC.

Domtar is also actively involved with FSC Canada in developing Regional FSC certification standards for both the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence and boreal forest regions. This commitment, combined with Domtar’s strong customer focus, led to the development of two papers that bear the FSC certification logo: Domtar Plainfield Opaque and Domtar Cornwall Coated Cover.

These papers provide customers with excellent certified alternatives to products they already use for a broad range of needs: from corporate stationery and annual reports, to mailings, books, cards and more.

While FSC standards and necessary guarantees to track the chain of custody are rigorous and demanding, Domtar’s manufacturing of certified papers demonstrates that such requirements are achievable. Even more significant, the Domtar / WWF-Canada partnership clearly illustrates that environmental groups and industry can help each other attain their objectives.

Domtar is the third largest producer of uncoated free sheet paper in North America and the fourth largest in the world. It is also a leading manufacturer of business papers, printing and publishing papers, and specialty and technical papers. Domtar manages close to 36 million acres of forestland in Canada and the United States, and produces lumber and other wood products. Domtar has 12,500 employees across North America. The company also has a 50% investment interest in Norampac Inc., the largest Canadian producer of containerboard.

WWF-Canada is part of WWF International, one of the world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation groups. Founded 40 years ago, this global network now works in over 100 countries, investing nearly 400 million dollars annually in some 700 projects and conservation programs running at any one time around the world. All WWF offices are united by the common goal to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by: conserving the world’s biological diversity; ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable; and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

The Forest Stewardship Council is the independent non-profit organization that sets today’s internationally recognized standards for forest management. The 450 member-strong council, representing industry, social and environmental groups along with other stakeholders, monitors activities to ensure that the highest standards possible for environmentally and socially responsible forestry are met and maintained. Products bearing the FSC brand offer consumers the opportunity to contribute to environmental efforts by supporting high-standard forestry.