Brussels, Belgium, – International Paper, the world's largest paper and packaging company, has demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability by achieving EU Eco-label status for its Rey Adagio range of tinted papers.

The Rey Adagio Tinted product range consists of a variety of pastel, deep and fluo tinted papers for use on laser and inkjet printing equipment, Rey Adagio is manufactured at International Paper's Saillat mill, a production facility renowned for its environmental excellence.  

International Paper launched nine new shades in the tinted paper range earlier this year - Bonbon, Sky, Pistachio, Sand, Leaf Green, Spring Green, Cinnamon, Lavender and Pumpkin. Having the EU Eco-label accreditation now complements the Rey Adagio's existing environmental accreditations, which include the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Chain of Custody schemes, guaranteeing that a product is made from sustainably managed forests.

The EU Eco-label is a voluntary environmental label created by the European Commission, established in 1992 to encouraged businesses to market products and services that are kinder to the environment. Products awarded the Eco-label carry the flower logo to allow consumers including public and private purchasers to identify them easily.

UK and Ireland Country Manager Mike Robertson says: "Having the Eco-label flower logo on the tinted range allows us to demonstrate how seriously International Paper takes our commitment to the environment."

As part of the EU flower assessment criteria, manufacturers must also meet a wide range of environmental and sustainable requirements. International Paper had to show the origin of all fibres as well as demonstrate that 10% of fibres are sourced from certified sustainable managed forests.

Being able to demonstrate environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques was key to gaining EU Eco-label status and International Paper's Saillat production site is an environmental leader in this area with 85% of its energy requirements being met by the on-site production of green energy (biomass) due to its combined heat and power plant – This is significantly better than the paper industry average of 53%, according to the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI). The Saillat mill has also reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 78%, again beating the paper industry average of 27%. 

The Saillat mill is a clear industry environmental leader, a fact endorsed by its environmental certifications, which include ISO 9001/2000, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) Chain of Custody and now of course the EU Eco-label.

Robertson concludes: "The EU flower is also extremely beneficial for showing customers that our tinted paper range is not only environmentally sound but also reflects that we have met a whole range of environmental criteria to achieve the status."

The EU Eco-label logo will also appear on the new Rey Adagio packaging, which is scheduled to be available from October 2010 onwards.