xpedx, Net Impact Hosting Competition to Promote Sustainable Practices

SAN FRANCISCO—March 10, 2011—Net Impact announced it is teaming with xpedx, International Paper’s North American distribution business, to host a student competition promoting ongoing sustainable business practices in xpedx’ supply chain. As part of the competition, MBA students from the Net Impact network will develop a survey and scorecard that xpedx can use to document the sustainability goals and policies of the manufacturers xpedx represents.

“We’re thrilled to announce this new collaboration with xpedx,” said Liz Maw, executive director, Net Impact. “It’s an exciting opportunity for Net Impact student members to gain real-world experience in environmentally responsible business leadership. In return, xpedx and its suppliers will gain concrete solutions for advancing their sustainability goals.”

xpedx’ supply chain includes the leading manufacturers in the print, packaging and janitorial-sanitary industries.

“Gaining additional insight into our supplier sustainability initiatives, and working collaboratively to further those efforts, is integral to our sustainability strategy,” said David Wallace, xpedx’s director, sustainability. “By engaging Net Impact and developing an impartial survey and scorecard process, we will better understand the ‘state of sustainability’ across multiple industries. That benefits everyone.”

Net Impact will select three student teams from its network of more than 170 MBA chapters worldwide. The teams will work with xpedx and its strategic suppliers to develop their projects, submitting their final surveys, scorecards and analyses by early May 2011. Competing teams will present their projects to a panel of judges that will include leaders from xpedx and participating suppliers/manufacturers, as well as an environmental organization. The winning team will receive a cash prize and have the opportunity to present their work to xpedx senior leaders at its business headquarters, as well as to Net Impact.

About Net Impact
Net Impact is an international nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate, and equip individuals to use the power of business to create a more socially and environmentally sustainable world. Spanning six continents, our membership makes up one of the most influential networks of students and professionals in existence today. Net Impact members are current and emerging leaders in corporate responsibility, social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, international development, and environmental sustainability who are actively improving the world. The Net Impact network includes more than 260 volunteer-led chapters in cities throughout the world and a central office in San Francisco, Calif. For more information, please visit netimpact.org.

About xpedx
Cincinnati, OH-based xpedx, a business of International Paper (NYSE: IP), is one of the largest and premier distribution companies in North America. xpedx distributes a wide variety of print, packaging and facility solutions supplies and equipment to printers, manufacturers, retailers and commercial facilities from more than 200 locations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information about xpedx, its business segments and stewardship efforts visit xpedx.com.

Source: Company release.