International Paper: Circular Economy Leader Sets Production Record at Spanish Recycled Containerboard Mill

BRUSSELS and MADRID, January 31, 2022 /3BL Media/ - International Paper (IP), one of the world’s leading producers of renewable fiber-based packaging and absorbent pulp solutions, achieved a major production milestone at its Madrid Mill in Fuenlabrada, Spain. In the last quarter of 2021, the state-of-the-art mill reached a total production volume of one million tonnes of sustainably made high-performance light-weight recycled containerboard since the completion of the conversion investment in August 2018.

Employing the latest technology, the Madrid mill is home to one of the most advantaged recycled containerboard machines in Europe and primarily serves IP’s network of 23 corrugated packaging plants across Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA) with its top notch Prime® product range.

“We are proud of this significant milestone, and the progress we continue to make. The Madrid mill plays a vital role as we work towards delivering on our Vision 2030 commitments and bringing the circular economy to life while making products that people depend on every day,” said Eric Chartrain, Vice President & General Manager of International Paper’s corrugated packaging business in EMEA. “As we strive to further grow our business in the EMEA region, we also continue our capacity increase and product development efforts at the mill to offer even more innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to customers.”

Looking to promote circularity in all areas of the value chain, IP’s efforts to minimize waste and maximize material recovery spans product design and development at mill and box plant level, raw material sourcing, circular manufacturing processes as well as developing circular solutions with customers and suppliers. In Spain, the company has been recognized multiple times for its continuous sustainability commitment and ongoing efforts to bring the circular economy to life. Most recently in 2021, International Paper has been awarded with the “Community of Madrid Sustainability Awards” and the “El Suplemento Sustainability Awards”.

Leading the way in sustainability, the Madrid mill was the first in Spain to implement a 100% closed loop recycled water system linked to the municipal system. Moreover, the mill is 100% energy self-sufficient. Not least, the company’s recycling business CARPA is one of the largest collectors of old corrugated containers and other waste paper in the Madrid region, collecting some 12,000 tons each month. This waste paper is then turned into new containerboard at the Madrid mill, for IP’s packaging plant network to convert it into boxes again. And the cycle continues.

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About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, and North Africa. We produce packaging products that protect and promote goods and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue, and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn. and employ approximately 38,000 colleagues. Net sales for 2020 were $21 billion*. In Russia, the Company has a 50/50 joint venture, Ilim Group, the country's largest integrated manufacturer of pulp and paper and its largest foreign-domestic alliance in the forestry products sector. For more information about International Paper, our products, and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,200 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

*Inclusive of our former pulp and paper mill in Kwidzyn, Poland, which was sold on August 6, 2021, and our former global papers business, which became a standalone, publicly traded company on October 1, 2021.

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Media Contact: Claudia.Brand@ipaper.com