International Paper has set itself a number of goals to be achieved by 2020 in its 2011 sustainability report.

The company has said that in the next eight years, it will achieve a 15% improvement of energy efficiency in purchased energy use, 20% absolute reduction in global GHG emissions associated with production processes and 15% global increase in third-party certified fibre volume.

In addition to these goals, the paper giant has set a host of other targets addressing issues such as fibre certification, philanthropy, safety and water use.

Chairman Johan Faraci said: "At International Paper, sustainability is more than a business practice. Environmental, social and economic performance has been at the core of our company for more than 110 years. Stewardship of the forestland and surrounding habitat is ingrained in our company's DNA."

"At every point of the International Paper supply chain – from the design of our paper and packaging, to the people and manufacturing processes, to end-use recycling and other beneficial uses – International Paper strives for a sustainable product life cycle."

The report also features company highlights from 2011, which include winning a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leadership Award, 71% of global paper mill energy requirements being met with renewable biomass and achieveing the title of Most Admired Forest and Paper Products Company by Fortune Magazine for nine of the previous 10 years.