ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- Neenah Paper announced today that it has joined the SmartWaySM Transport Partnership, an innovative collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.

Demonstrating strong environmental leadership and corporate responsibility in all steps of the supply chain is important to Neenah Paper, and that can be seen in its actions. From using renewable energy at its mills and reducing indirect emissions by purchasing renewable electricity, to shipping product in a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible manner, Neenah Paper is reducing its carbon footprint. By joining the SmartWay Transport Partnership, Neenah Paper is clearly demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship. While participation is limited within the paper industry, other SmartWay Transport Partner shippers include Anheuser-Busch, Coca Cola Enterprises, Inc., Ikea, Nike, Home Depot, and IBM.

“With the clear strategy to lead supply chain improvements for our category, we began the Partnership application process in 2008. When we turned to our fleet carriers and asked them to take action towards certification we discovered that many of them had already begun or even completed the process required to be SmartWay certified,” said Chris Schneider, Transportation Manager at Neenah Paper. “That was an important discovery because being a SmartWay Partner is a commitment not only of Neenah Paper, but also of our suppliers.”

Neenah Paper’s certified carriers provide fuel-efficient delivery of its product across the country through a variety of means. For example, the use of auxiliary power units reduces prolonged truck idling, which saves fuel and lowers emissions. Using single wide-based tires instead of dual tires reduces fuel consumption and cost.

Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year. The Partnership brings together major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, logistics companies and trade/professional associations to pursue mutually beneficial efficiencies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies. The Partnership currently has approximately 1,700 partners. For information about the SmartWay Transport Partnership visit www.epa.gov/smartway.