Posted on February, 13 2006

Tetra Pak and WWF Sweden have signed a three year agreement to globally cooperate in forestry and climate change programmes. In particular, the agreement proposes actions to demonstrate responsible purchasing of forest-based products and to reduce Tetra Pak's CO2 emissions over the next five years by an absolute 10%.

"We are delighted that a company that has a powerful track record on environment and social issues, should be working with us to further its performance and serve as a model for other companies," said Lars Kristoferson, General Secretary of WWF Sweden. "We believe this cooperation will prove that well-managed renewables - be they energy or materials - represent the future for our planet."

Claes Du Rietz, Vice President of Tetra Pak's Global Environment department agrees: "WWF is at the forefront of bringing about progress in the environment. We have seen that our goals, and WWF's, are converging - and we want to leverage that to ensure that Tetra Pak is a leader in bringing about a world based on the respectful use of renewables."

The agreement will support the creation of the High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) Resource Network, a resource centre of HCVF-related initiatives and projects around the world. The HCVF Resource Network will start its activities in the first quarter of 2006. The agreement will also provide funding for the Global Forest & Trade Network, WWF’s initiative with the forest products industry to eliminate illegal logging and improve the management of valuable and threatened forests.

Ultimately, the cooperation will demonstrate the benefits of using renewable materials; ensure that the resources are verifiably renewed, and promote good forest governance and management practices.

Tetra Pak and WWF will also work together to develop the supply of EUGENE Green Power in Europe. Tetra Pak will reduce its CO2 emissions over the next five years by 10% in absolute terms through a reduction in total energy use and an increase in the proportion of green energy. Tetra Pak will also join WWF's Climate Savers Programme and work to demonstrate win-win strategies for environmental and economic performance.

“Tetra Pak’s commitment to reduce CO2 emissions globally shows that the company is serious in contributing to the fight against climate change. The world needs sincere action and not hesitation to limit the damages caused by climate change. This is why WWF welcomes Tetra Pak as the 11th member to its global Climate Savers Programme.” commented Oliver Rapf, WWF Senior Policy Officer.

For more information:

Per Rosenberg
Director, Global Forest and Trade Network
email: improsenberg@telia.com
tel: +46 70 275 1888 

Oliver Rapf
Senior Policy Officer, Climate Change & Business
email: ORapf@wwfepo.org
tel: + 32 2 743 8808