International Paper celebrates ClimaShield milestone

Memphis, Tennessee-based International Paper says it has produced more than 2 billion ClimaShield recyclable, water-resistant packages throughout the last 20 years.

International Paper says that by producing more than 2 billion recyclable ClimaShield boxes, it has significantly reduced emissions of greenhouse gases, energy consumption and landfill waste.

“ClimaShield offers incredible strength and value, allowing International Paper’s commitment to our customers to grow stronger,” says International Paper Vice President, Commercial & National Accounts, Ron Wise. “Products such as ClimaShield preserve box performance, protect cold-storage foods and support our sustainability objectives in addition to helping our customers achieve their business and sustainability goals.”

Supporting the protein and produce industries with recyclable, water-resistant packaging for 20 years, ClimaShield has provided significant environmental benefits, according to International Paper, including:

• offsetting 1.7 billion pounds of landfill waste, equivalent to the annual waste of 1 million households;
• avoiding greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 230,000 passenger cars driven for one year (122 million gallons of gasoline); and
• lowering energy usage equivalent to the annual consumption of nearly 100,000 homes.

ClimaShield recyclable, water-resistant corrugated packaging works with all existing processes and packaging systems, according to International Paper, which adds that the proprietary coating technology allows for easy recycling via the existing old corrugated container (OCC) recovery system, generating significant income for retailers.

Since introducing ClimaShield’s advanced technology in 1996, International Paper says it has been the largest supplier of recyclable, water-resistant corrugated packaging. Each month, International Paper produces more than 75 million ClimaShield boxes across the United States, supplying 85 percent of the industry’s recyclable, water-resistant packaging.