International Paper, a paper packaging firm based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been named to Fortune magazine’s 2021 World’s Most Admired Companies list for the 18th time and ranked first among its peers.
According to a news release from International Paper on the recognition, Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list serves as a report card on corporate reputations. Korn Ferry has collaborated with Fortune annually since 1997 to identify, select and rank the World’s Most Admired Companies. To compile the rankings, corporate reputation and performance are measured against nine key attributes: innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of products and services as well as global competitiveness.
“I am incredibly grateful for the International Paper team’s response to the health crises and economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Achieving this award under these conditions is a testament to the team's outstanding character and efforts,” says Mark Sutton, chairman and chief executive officer at International Paper. “International Paper plays an essential role in producing products that people depend on every day. I want to thank our colleagues for keeping our operations running safely, serving our customers and achieving this recognition.”
Several other companies that work with the recycling industry—such as steelmakers, paper packaging producers and waste management firms—were also included on Fortune’s list. Steel Dynamics Inc., Fort Wayne, Indiana, was ranked No. 1 within the metals industry on the list. Other firms on the list include Alcoa, Arrow Electronics, ArcelorMittal, Nucor, Nippon Steel, Packaging Corp. of America, Republic Services, Sonoco, Waste Management and WestRock. The full list is posted here.