Fibre Use and Sourcing Policy

We aim to be the preferred supplier of environmentally sound products to our customers. We strive to leave the smallest possible footprint in the forest. For products that require virgin fiber, we strive to ensure that this fiber originates from sustainable forests. For other products we will use as much recycled fiber as possible, depending on customer needs, technical requirements, availability and affordability.

On virgin fiber sourced from our forest activities

We take an ecologically and socially responsible approach to forest management on our forestlands and pursue and maintain Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. Through our approach to forest protection, use and renewal, we ensure that forest characteristics and values will be conserved for future generations. We continually implement best practices that are sensitive to local, social and environmental dynamics.

On purchased virgin fiber

We also extend our forest management commitment to our supply chain, because the decisions we make when purchasing wood or pulp from third parties may impact forest sustainability.

We will conduct systematic reviews to verify that our purchased virgin fiber originates from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests. Applicable compliance criteria may also, on a limited scale, include some allowance for land use changes approved by the authorities. No fiber from conversion of High Conservation Value Forests will be accepted.

We will not knowingly purchase wood illegally logged or improperly harvested. If we discover that a supplier has engaged in illegal or improper conduct, we will immediately cease purchasing such wood from the supplier and will require the supplier to implement and verify all appropriate corrective actions before considering any resumption in purchasing from the source.

We do not purchase wood from High Conservation Value Forests unless this wood is legally harvested, in accordance with other relevant conservation regulations and requirements; and the supplier takes specific measures to ensure the protection of High Conservation Value Forests.

We will not purchase fiber originating from genetically engineered trees (trees whose genome has been modified by the introduction of foreign genes for the purpose of altering the metabolism of the species).

We recognize the importance of independent forest certification for validating sustainable forest management practices. We strongly encourage our suppliers to certify their forest management practices according to an internationally recognized certification program that requires third-party validation. Our ultimate goal is to have all suppliers certified to FSC or equivalent certification standards. We will give preference to FSC-certified suppliers and, where FSC is not available, will encourage suppliers to meet the FSC controlled wood standards.

We also encourage our suppliers to develop and maintain working relationships with aboriginal and other local communities by addressing their interests and concerns and undertaking efforts to ensure benefits flow to the communities.

We will publish periodic assessments documenting the implementation of this policy.

November 2007