Cascades is launching the 2009 edition of its traditional report on sustainable development. Reusable, this report has a dual function: a support for broadcasting the Company's performance in sustainable development and a practical notebook.

Performance Overview

In publishing this report, Cascades wishes to make public its performance in sustainable development, in an open process.

For example, in 2009, Cascades used an average of 9.7 m³ of water per metric tonne of paper produced, 6 times less than the Canadian pulp and paper industry, which consumes on average 60 m³. Moreover, its plants have managed to enhance an average of 63% of their waste and integrate more than 2.1 million short tonnes of recycled fibres into the products they manufacture. These recycled fibres account for 72% of the company's consumption of fibre and pulp. Incidentally, Cascades delivered $3.9 M in donations and sponsorships and took advantage of a better financial health. In fact, following a relatively difficult year in 2008, Cascades saw its results jump to reach new heights in the history of the company: operating income before amortization increased by 52%.

Combining innovation and respect for the environment

Cascades is innovating by using a pig mat as a cover for its 2009 report. Manufactured in Québec by Cascades, the SaniZorb™ mat is made with 100% recycled materials. The inside of the report is printed on Rolland ST100, a paper composed of 100% recycled fibres, certified FSC Recycled, EcoLogo and Process Chlorine-free, manufactured in Québec by Cascades using biogas. In brief, the entire document is not only recycled but is also reusable as a notebook, simply by rotating it, which drives back the stages of recycling by giving an additional function to the report. Cascades is thus undertaking to respect the environment in an ingenious fashion.

"In all its activities, Cascades is trying to distinguish itself from other companies that claim to be green, by aiming higher than the current standards, and it is in this spirit that we have produced our most recent Report on Sustainable Development," stated Hubert Bolduc, Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs.

Previous Rewards

Cascades is delighted by the positive feedback its 2008 Report on Sustainable Development received, realized in cooperation with Paprika as well as the 2007 and 2009 editions. Once again, these numerous awards underline the happy marriage of inspiration, information and transparency: Platinum at the 2009 Spotlight Awards (category Print: Sustainability / Community Report), Silver at the 2009 ARC Awards (category Social and Public Responsibility Report, Paper Manufacturer and Related Products), Honorary Mention at the Galaxy Awards (category Annual Report: Corporate Responsibility), 2010 Grafika Grand Prix (category Annual Report one or two colours), and many others.

Order your 2009 edition, read it and reuse it!

You may also view, download or order Cascades' 2009 Report on Sustainable Development at www.cascades.com/sustainable-development.

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products composed mainly of recycled fibres. Cascades employs nearly 12,500 men and women who work in some 100 modern and flexible production units located in North America and in Europe. Cascades' management philosophy, its more than 46 years of experience in recycling, its continuous efforts in research and development are strengths which enable the company to create innovative products for its customers. The Cascades shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAS.

Certain statements in this release, including statements regarding future results and performance, are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) based on current expectations. The accuracy of such statements is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, but not limited to, the effect of general economic conditions, decreases in demand for the Company's products, increases in raw material costs, fluctuations in selling prices and adverse changes in general market and industry conditions and other factors listed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Cascades Inc.

Cascades Inc.

Founded in 1964, Cascades, Inc. manufactures, converts and markets packaging and tissue products composed mainly of recycled fibers. Cascades employs close to 12,500 employees who work in more than 100 production facilities located in North America and Europe. The company’s visionary management philosophy, 45 years of experience in pioneering recycled paper and continued efforts in environmental stewardship, research and development are strengths enabling it to create quality new products for its customers. Whether for recycling materials, re-using waste, improving water and air quality or energy efficiency, Cascades has established high standards for each operating unit and closely monitors their steps toward achieving the objectives.

The company’s Cascades Tissue Group division is a leading tissue paper manufacturer for retail and away-from-home (commercial) markets, including office buildings, secondary and higher education, health care, hospitality, government and more. With 17 plants, Cascades Tissue Group offers its customers a wide range of sustainable quality products throughout North America. Its North River ivory towels are the first third-party certified 100 percent recycled hand towels, using 100 percent post-consumer content and utilizing 80 percent less water than the North American paper industry average. In the case of its notable North River® towel and tissue products, 100 percent of the electricity used for manufacturing is offset by Green e-certified wind energy, avoiding 43 million pounds of annual carbon dioxide emissions.

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