The European paper industry today launched its fourth Sustainability Report, in which it highlighted its impressive performance on an increased number of indicators and targets including its decrease in specific emission of CO2 per tonne of paper produced by 42% since 1990.

The report shows that the paper industry even during difficult economic times has a good track record as a sustainable sector in Europe and that it is delivering on its targets and indicators set in previous Sustainability Reports.

Since its last report CEPI has had many achievements and has thoroughly reviewed its targets and indicators. As a result the report includes information on water usage, product responsibility and profitability as well as updated indicators including raw material consumption, legal logging and biodiversity. The report as a result of this extra reporting has attained a B+ rating from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for the first time. This major step forward shows that the industry is transparent, open and committed to delivering to the highest standards across all areas of its activity. CEPI has also worked closely to ensure its stakeholders are actively involved in its work and implements best practices throughout its membership that well illustrate performance on our sustainability indicators.

Examples of the industry’s achievements illustrated in this report include:

• The fact that the paper industry was the only industrial sector to reduce emissions under the EU Emissions Trading System in 2008 vs 2007

• A reduction in the levels of both CO2 and NOx emissions.

• 94.32% of electricity produced through combined heat and power (CHP) in the total on-site production

• A recycling rate increase to 66.6%, higher than the target set for 2010

• Primary energy use reduced by 2.9%

• 54.4 % of energy used is biomass-based, an increase of 1.5% since 2007

But the report also shows that the industry is not complacent. It knows that more needs to be done; and it sets out its plans for continuous improvement in all areas.

“This report has been certified by the Global Reporting Initiative and shows that we are credible and transparent. We are committed to this process. We will continue to work to adapt and respond to the challenges that face us while our products are produced sustainably to the benefit of society.” said Teresa Presas, CEPI Managing Director.

“The pulp and paper industry is an enabler actively helping the EU to realise its climate change goals thereby contributing enthusiastically towards sustainability and this report shows tangible examples of how that works in practice.” she concluded.

For more information, please contact:

Martyn Griffiths, Communication & Public Affairs Director - m.griffiths@cepi.org or +32 2 627 49 26

Daniela Haiduc, Communication & Public Affairs Manager – d.haiduc@cepi.org or +32 2 627 49 15