MONTREAL - Domtar Corporation was recognized for its longtime leadership in sustainability, as the company accepted the first-ever annual FSC^® Leadership Award for the paper sector in a ceremony at the Greenbuild 2014 Conference in New Orleans. The award celebrates Domtar's innovative pursuit of FSC certification in North America, and highlights its commitment to maintaining forests for future generations.

At a time when many organizations are building strategies around environmental and social responsibility, the Forest Stewardship Council lauded Domtar as a standout leader and trailblazer in the forest products industry. In 2000, Domtar was the first forest products company in North America to achieve FSC certification of its lands, and in 2005, it launched the first FSC certified line of general use copy paper, called the EarthChoice^® Product Line.

"Like salmon swimming upstream, the award winners have worked tirelessly to protect forests and create change in the marketplace," said Corey Brinkema, president of the Forest Stewardship Council US. "They are used to being told 'it can't be done' so they know that true leadership requires resolve and determination, usually in the face of strong currents protecting the status quo," he added.

Domtar's early adoption of FSC certification, history of industry-leading collaboration with Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs) and bold commitments to increasing the supply of certified fiber helped earn the company the honor. 

"Domtar is honored to receive the first annual FSC Leadership Award for the paper sector, demonstrating what it takes to be a leader in responsible forest practices," said Paige Goff, vice president, Sustainability & Business Communications at Domtar.  "We're proud to be recognized as an organization that has made a significant contribution to the longevity and health of the world's forests, and will continue to raise the bar for the pulp and paper industry for years to come."

The FSC Leadership Awards were presented at the 10th Annual Design & Build with FSC Awards, co-hosted with the World Wildlife Fund and Green Sports Alliance.