Clean Agency

NewPage Corporation

NewPage, the largest coated paper company in North America, set out to verify the movement of pulp and paper within its global operations. Working closely with the USC Center for Sustainable Cities, Clean’s Research Team conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of carbon dioxide emissions in coated paper production allowing for increased transparency with a traditionally guarded paper manufacturer.  

The overall focus of the report centers around the spatial differences in the production of coated paper and perceptions surrounding the footprint of respective U.S. and China models. The results of the study provide evidence that the location and mapped distances between the various distribution points in each supply chain have the most significant impact on overall emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). Further, the research also uncovered that within the China paper model, distributors were sourcing wood from unknown forests. For NewPage, a Corporation whose distribution model resides entirely in the U.S., these findings allowed stakeholders to openly acknowledge the company’s impacts and work to push positive improvements even further.

This assessment complements broader concerns and legislation surrounding transparency with the sourcing of plants. The Lacey Act, first introduced in 1900 and amended numerous times, deems it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce wildlife (including fish and plants) in violation of the laws of the United States. The Lacey Act also specifically reinforces importing products made from illegal logged trees.

Project POTICO
for NewPage Corporation