International Paper appoints chief sustainability officer

International Paper, a producer of fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper based in Memphis, Tennessee, has appointed its first-ever chief sustainability officer. Sophie Beckham will lead the company’s recently announced Vision 2030, a sustainability goal the company set this year to “advance its contributions to the circular, low-carbon economy while building on its commitments to its people and communities.”

“Customers, investors and employees depend on us to be leaders in environmental stewardship and to strengthen our people and communities; appointing a chief sustainability officer is the next step in our continuing progress,” says Mark Sutton, chairman and chief executive officer. “Sophie is uniquely qualified to lead the pursuit of our Vision 2030 goals and drive sustainability efforts that create value for all of our stakeholders.”

Beckham first joined International Paper in 2013 to manage the company’s forest stewardship and sustainability efforts. In her new position, Beckham will lead the development and execution of the company’s sustainability strategy, including efforts to integrate the Vision 2030 goals across the company’s global business, International Paper reports in a news release on her promotion. 

According to a news release from International Paper on its Vision 2030 goals, the company has committed to achieve the following goals by 2030:

• Healthy and abundant forests: Lead forest stewardship efforts globally.

• Thriving people and communities: Promote employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces.

• Sustainable operations: Improve the company’s impact on climate and advance water stewardship.

• Renewable solutions: Accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy through innovative fiber-based products.

The company reports that each of these four goals includes one to three specific, measurable targets for the company to track its progress throughout the decade. The targets include commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent from 2017 levels, to reduce water usage by 25 percent and to create innovative products that are 100 percent reusable, recyclable or compostable. 

“For more than 120 years, forest stewardship has been at the core of how we have operated our company,” Beckham says. “Today, we recognize the broader role we can play in advancing sustainable outcomes—both environmental and social. This is an important time for International Paper, and I’m extremely excited to amplify our ambition to be among the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world.

“Our Vision 2030 goals are designed to benefit our employees and communities,” she continues. “Collaboration throughout our entire value chain—from customers and suppliers to nongovernmental organizations—will be crucial to achieving these ambitious goals.”