Press Release

Shorewood Packaging Launches New Eco-Friendly CD and DVD Packaging Options

New York, NY - December 18, 2007 - Shorewood Packaging, a business of International Paper, introduces two new additions to its "green" packaging portfolio: REPAK® and Flip-Pak.  These new packaging solutions for CDs and DVDs were developed under Shorewood's greenchoice™ Environmental Solutions program for sustainable packaging.  The new disc packaging options reduce freight costs, material costs and waste, creating more efficiency in the packaging's lifecycle.

Both Shorewood's REPAK and Flip-Pak packaging options are made from third-party certified, renewable virgin paperboard or recycled board.  The packaging is also manufactured with renewable inks and coatings.  Unlike other packaging made with plastic trays or hubs, these options are completely renewable, recyclable and sustainable.  In the same way that their unique design and construction benefit the environment, they also benefit media customers by offering ample "billboard" space to showcase graphics and messages, making them easy to design and integrate into a company's brand portfolio.

"The home entertainment industry is on the forefront of new trends because its offerings are consumer and artist driven.  The industry is constantly seeking ways to positively contribute to environmental initiatives.  Shorewood is pleased to offer options for customers who want to reduce costs, energy, materials, and waste," said Greg Chup, Shorewood product development manager.

REPAK®
REPAK packaging joins Shorewood's line of "green" alternative packaging for optical disc products.  It features a distinctive design for disc delivery with a recessed cavity that holds the disc securely in place without clunky plastic hubs or trays.  The four-panel REPAK can be designed to accommodate the same number of trays as Shorewood's current Disc Pack™.  Tray options include plain white, flood-coated one color or custom printed, using either gravure or litho printing.  The tray gluing is an automatic, one-step operation for disc insertion that saves energy.  In addition, the CD-sized REPAK has passed loading and drop testing at several major replicators.

Flip-Pak
The Flip-Pak is an alternative package for optical disc products that is designed to be environmentally friendly.  Its unique slide-out design for discs increases sustainability because it eliminates the plastic hub.  Because the disc sits directly on the board, it is protected from scratching.  The Flip-Pak has a unique pop-up mechanism that presents the disc when the package is opened.  This versatile option is suitable for music, home video, video games, and computer software releases and is available in sizes for CDs and DVDs.

The new REPAK and Flip-Pak designs meet the greenchoice™ "Green Toolbox" criteria, which provides customers with actionable ways to simplify packaging while offering alternative materials to meet sustainable packaging requirements.

"We take our role as responsible corporate citizens seriously," said Robert Anstine, Shorewood vice president of marketing and business development.  "Our goal is to help our customers make choices that benefit their business as well as our world.  Our talented team is expanding the tools in our greenchoice™ toolbox by thinking both inside and outside the box, constantly developing new approaches to packaging and displays that are compatible with the environment."

All of the greenchoice™ sustainable packaging solutions meet the criteria established by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, as well as "The Seven Rs" of sustainable packaging as set forth by Wal-Mart in its 2006 Sustainable Packaging Initiative.

greenchoice™ is just one part of Shorewood Packaging's comprehensive approach to environmental conservation that includes establishing more efficient shipping methods and utilizing renewable, recyclable, and recycled materials to minimize its own carbon footprint.

REPAK® is a registered trademark of Ichikudo Printing Co., Ltd. of Japan.
The U.S. and UK patents for Flip-Pak are held by Flip-Pak Limited, Bristol, UK.
Disc Pack™ is a registered trademark of International Paper, Memphis, TN.

 

Shorewood Packaging is a leading value-added provider of high quality creative, printing, packaging and retail display products that help customers enhance their brands in the global marketplace.  Shorewood serves a diverse range of customers in the home entertainment industry as well as pharmaceutical, cosmetic, confectionary, sporting goods and private label customers in the consumer products industry.  Shorewood is committed to helping customers achieve their sustainability goals through its greenchoice™ sustainable packaging solutions program.  Shorewood is a business of International paper and has multiple manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.  To learn more about Shorewood and its products and services, visit www.shorewoodpackaging.com.

International Paper (NYSE:IP), founded in 1898, is a global uncoated paper and packaging company with primary markets and manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Russia, Latin America, Asia and North Africa.  Its uncoated papers and packaging businesses are complemented by xpedx, North America's largest distributor of printing papers and graphics supplies and equipment.  Headquartered in the United States, International Paper employs approximately 54,000 people in more than 20 countries, and serves customers worldwide.  Annual sales are about $22 billion.  International Paper partners with customers and environmental, academic, civic and governmental organizations, as well as landowners and harvesting professionals, to encourage responsible forest stewardship, improve the health and productivity of forestlands and increase recovery of our recyclable products.  The company has a long-standing policy of using no wood from endangered forests.  To learn more about International Paper, its products and commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability, visit www.internationalpaper.com.

Media Contact: Linda Lombri, 212-508-5662; Samantha Hood, 901-419-7156