MEMPHIS, Tenn., November 8, 2022 /CSRwire/ - International Paper was named a leading company on the American Opportunity Index, which uses publicly available data to analyze companies’ performance in the areas of worker access, mobility and wage.

The new ranking system, developed by The Burning Glass Institute, Harvard Business School’s Managing the Future of Work Project and Schultz Family Foundation, creates a corporate scorecard that measures the 250 largest U.S. public companies to determine which are most likely to create economic mobility for their workers. International Paper ranked 9^th overall, with specific recognition in the areas of career growth and career stability.

“Investing in people is central to our future. We believe that investments in our people and communities are investments in our success,” said Thomas J. Plath, senior vice president, Human Resources and Global Citizenship, International Paper. “At IP, we transform renewable resources into products people depend on, and we couldn’t do it without the 38,000 employees who bring their best to work every day. Our ranking in the American Opportunity Index is recognition of how we help our people thrive and succeed by being an employer of choice in the communities where we operate.”

As part of the company’s Vision 2030 goals, International Paper is committed to fostering Thriving People & Communities. Employee development programs that support this goal include:

• The International Paper LEAD leadership development program, which equips new and experienced first and second level leaders with the leadership skills they need to build an engaged team, develop their skills and enable an inclusive culture.
• A series of capability-specific training initiatives to help IP prepare for long-term success including:
  • Global Manufacturing Training Initiative
  • Finance Training Initiative
  • IT University
  • HR University
  • Supply Chain University
• Education assistance program that provides tuition support to employees who want to take external classes to prepare for other positions within the company. In 2021, more than 950 employees took advantage of this program.
• MyLearning platform, which provides employees access to on-demand online courses, from new-hire orientation and onboarding to essential skills designed to improve the way employees think and work together. Last year, 2,500 new e-courses were created and 2.3 million courses were completed by employees, including learning activities to develop technical skills and essential leadership and interpersonal skills.

The goal of the Index is to empower workers to make better decisions about what positions to seek and what companies to prioritize in their job searches; recognize companies that are setting an example of how to create opportunity; and arm corporate executives and HR leaders alike with data they need to take meaningful action within their companies to boost the competitiveness of their workforce.

View the complete American Opportunity Index at americanopportunityindex.com.

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

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Contacts:
Media: Amy Simpson, 901-419-4964

International Paper Company

International Paper Company

International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com

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