TORONTO, ONTARIO -- Fraser Papers Inc.  announced today that its integrated East Papers operations (Madawaska, Maine paper mill and Edmundston, New Brunswick pulp mill) had achieved Forest Stewardship Council ("FSC") Chain of Custody certification. To achieve this certification, East Papers established a system to document the flow of fibre from certified sources through the manufacturing process to making the finished product. Independent auditors verified the operation's wood and pulp supply are sourced from responsibly managed forests and other controlled sources and East Papers is now eligible to utilize the FSC Chain of Custody Mixed Sources Label.

"Sustainability is a differentiator as customers are looking to partner with like-minded suppliers who demonstrate environmental responsibility. FSC certification is a seal of approval that provides assurance across product segments that the source of origin for our paper meets strict environmental and social standards," said Matt Nightingale, Vice President of Marketing for Fraser Papers. "The impact of Madawaska achieving FSC certification is significant. It is our largest paper mill with a diverse customer base who value our leadership position in offering sustainable paper products."

"The model for environmental stewardship includes recycled paper and forest management. Documenting the source of origin throughout the supply chain ensures the wood and fibre originate from well-managed forests and supports the internationally agreed upon FSC principles of responsible forest management," said Jean-Pierre Benoit, General Manager, East Papers. "The certification process demands a certain level of rigor and discipline. Experience with ISO and SFI certifications enabled our team to quickly modify processes to FSC requirements and build a system with the appropriate level of controls."

Fraser Papers' Gorham mill is also FSC certified for Chain of Custody. The East Papers operations are registered for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ("SFI") as it applies to wood procurement (pulp mill) and fibre sourcing procurement (paper mill). Additionally, all Fraser Papers' pulp and paper mills, including: Gorham, New Hampshire; Madawaska, Maine; Thurso, Quebec; and, Edmundston, New Brunswick, are ISO 14001 certified for environmental management.