Staples Launches Rainforest Alliance Certified Office Paper

Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) announced the launch of its first office paper brand that carries the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Seal.

The new brand will be supplied by Domtar Corporation (TSX:UFS; NYSE: UFS), which produces the EarthChoice line of office papers, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC).

The new Domtar EarthChoice Office Paper by Staples, available to Staples Advantage and Staples.com customers in the U.S. It is a 20 lb., 92 brightness paper, for everyday printing on inkjet and laser printers.

Since 1989, the Rainforest Alliance has certified to FSC standards more than 65 million hectares (155 million acres) of forestland in 70 countries around the world. By encouraging better on-the-ground forestry practices, which benefit the environment and protect the rights and welfare of workers and their communities, the Rainforest Alliance helps meet the ever-increasing demand for responsibly harvested forest products.

Domtar has previously earned the Staples Supplier Soul Award, which honors suppliers who help advance Staples’ Soul by strengthening its four cornerstones – community, diversity, ethics and the environment. Part of the recognition stems from Domtar’s environmental policies, its commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint, its responsible sourcing of fiber, and its work to promote credible forest certification.

"Well-managed forests provide renewable resources, respect biodiversity and bring a wealth of socio-economic benefits to neighboring communities, including the potential for employment and recreational activities," said Lewis Fix, Domtar’s Vice-President of Brand Management and Sustainable Product Development. "Third-party certification is the best way to ensure that sound forest management practices are implemented and that all environmental and social aspects of forest use are considered."