International Paper Unboxes Positive Impact in 2023

Last revised: February 19, 2024
Eric Lentz

Communications Intern

International Paper has been there time and time again to exemplify what it means to build a better future for people and the planet. Our entire business depends on this commitment to sustainability, and it is not an effort that is accomplished without collaboration.  

We are so proud of our efforts alongside our employees, facilities, and community partners in addressing critical needs of the communities where IP employees live and work. Beyond being a world–leader in responsible forest management and planet stewardship, the company’s donations and IP Foundation grants are focused on four signature causes – education, hunger, health and wellness, and disaster relief. To learn more about how IP is a force for good across our communities, click here.

Here are ten of our top national and global moments in 2023!

IP supported Wreaths Across America by donating $50,000 to sponsor nearly 3,000 wreaths, 16,000 wreath boxes, aid in transportation to Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and volunteered to lay wreaths at headstones of our nation’s fallen heroes at national cemeteries across the nation. IP also recycled 54 tons of material to keep out of landfills!IP supported initiatives locally, nationally, and globally in fighting childhood hunger and food insecurities by collectively donating almost $1.4 million to Mid-South Food Bank, Feeding America and Global Food Banking Network (GFN). In-kind support also included the donation of more than 100,000 boxes for food distribution globally. 
IP supported Reading is Fundamental with $350,000 towards the Books for Ownership initiative. 87,478 books were distributed to more than 25,000 students across IP communities to foster an early love for reading among children.In 2023, IP’s award-winning, global #EndPeriodPoverty initiative went even more worldwide with 60 IP locations across 9 countries participating in events that packed more than 30,000 period care kits. More than 720,000 units of product were provided to women and girls who need them most.  
IP partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 169,705 trees to support reforestation and urban tree planting efforts in communities affected by natural disasters.With Celebrate Planet Earth, IP dedicated $205,000 to provide free butterfly and sunflower kits to over 128,000 students across the US in the communities where our employees live and work.  IP has been sponsoring these unforgettable, hands-on learning experiences for over 20 years. 
The 2023 IP Employee Giving Campaign raised over $3.1 million in United Way and Employee Relief Fund employee donations across 138 facilities. This grand total also includes the company’s 60% United Way and 1:1 ERF Company Match.In collaboration with American Red Cross, IP donated $500,000 towards disaster relief efforts in addition to hosting Holiday Cards for Heroes volunteer projects and blood donation drives.
IP responded to devasting natural disasters by committing more than $1.5 million in disaster relief funds to support those tragically affected by earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires and tornados across the world in Mexico, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. In addition, IP also donated 40,000 disaster relief boxes and other products to support these relief efforts.Champions for Literacy (CFL) uses the power of sports to impact childhood reading. In 2023, IP supported the work of CFL through a $350,000 grant for the Fight for Literacy Games.  Overall, 20 universities engaged in the Fight for Literacy to support literacy efforts in 24 communities where IP employees live and work with an estimated 26,000 students supported.

IP has continued to box out hunger, fight period poverty, turn the pages toward a brighter future in education and literacy, give relief to communities after unthinkable disasters and champion efforts to protect and restore our planet’s natural environments. In 2024, IP will continue to work together to mobilize our people, products, and resources to create a better future for people, the planet, and our communities. 

International Paper employee wearing a "Proud to be IP" shirt while supporting a community engagement event.