Supporting Environmental Stewardship with International Paper

Environmental and sustainability commitments are more than statements — they require action, initiative, and leadership. For more and more companies, a commitment to sustainability is backed with hard data science.

These commitments are an everyday consideration for International Paper. As one of the world’s leading producers of fiber-based packaging, pulp, and paper, the company has more than 50,000 employees across 150 countries. The products they create touch the lives of people across the globe, from packages that protect goods and pulp for diapers to paper used for education and communication.

International Paper sets the bar high for sustainability. As a company, they’re committed to delivering products their customers want while being responsible stewards of the world’s natural resources.

That stewardship includes a commitment to protecting global forestlands. Through their Vision 2030 goals, International Paper seeks to lead forest stewardship efforts globally by sourcing 100% of its fiber from sustainably managed forests or recovered fiber while safeguarding forests, watersheds, and biodiversity.

Skytec helped International Paper uncover one avenue for fine-tuning the procurement of wood that meets the company’s high standards for managing for healthy and abundant forests.

Tools for Optimal Data Visualization

As part of International Paper’s Vision 2030 goals, Skytec provided GIS consultation services, creating a specialized tool to help the company best manage its procurement and promote sustainable forestry practices across North America.

Using a conglomeration of data sets and modeling tools, Skytec’s technologists created a custom tool on ESRI software that prioritizes areas of high biodiversity, rare ecosystems, and landscape connectivity. Fiber supply professionals at International Paper use the ESRI tool to make data-supported decisions for optimal forestry management and protection of sensitive areas, species, and ecosystems.

The tool supports International Paper’s Global Responsible Fiber Procurement Policy by providing procurement staff with the ability to identify varying risk levels associated with harvest and management practices on land contracts.

“This tool compiles data from across multiple agencies and conservancies to provide the most accurate data for International Paper,” says Andy Carroll, CTO of Skytec. “With this resource, they’ve been able to more stringently oversee their sustainable forestry practices. Additionally, the data science supporting their efforts strengthens the company’s vision, mission, and value as an environmental steward.”

The Skytec team brings depth and breadth of experience in conservation planning and modeling that supports a range of business efforts, including corporate sustainability oversight and initiatives. Learn more about how our specialized GIS consultations can benefit your business and commitment to environmental stewardship. Contact us today.