International Paper Launches Initiative - Solar Learning Aids To Help Students In Andhra Pradesh Zilla Parishad High Schools

Online, February 15, 2013 (Newswire.com) - International Paper (NYSE: IP), today announced that the company will be providing solar energy lamps to the students of Zilla Parishad Schools in the districts of East Godavari, Vishakatapatnam, Srikakulam, West Godavari, Prakasham, Krishna and Guntur mainly covering the forest region where electricity shortage is a huge deterrent in the studies of children. In the first phase of the three year initiative, approximately 1000 students from 15 schools will be provided solar lamps.

Children in the areas with power shortage either give up on studies or use a kerosene lamp to study in the night which is expensive, unsafe and impacts their health due to the fumes but also doesn't provide adequate light potentially contributing to poor eyesight. The solar lamps will enable students to have an effective, portable, zero maintenance solution while saving fuel (hydrocarbon, wood) and reducing long term impact to their health.

As part of its project to support schools in its local communities, International Paper realized that infrastructure at home and outside the classroom could significantly impact the academic performance of the students. In the first phase, IP will be providing the solar energy lamps to the students of 10th Standard who will be appearing in the Board Examinations this year to ensure they are well equipped to study during night hours.

Commenting on the initiative Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, VP - International Paper and CEO & MD, APPM said, "Our CSR initiatives are focused on Education, Environment and Community Involvement. For over a year, we have been supporting ZPHS schools in AP to help improve infrastructure. The solar lamp initiative integrates with our three focus areas, and we are excited by the positive change it can create. The solar lamps will not only enable students with sufficient light to help with their studies but will also help in keeping the environment cleaner.

The first phase will provide an additional 240,000 study hours to these students and will significantly help them with their preparation for the upcoming board examination".

IP is partnering with Thrive Technologies to enable program design and delivery. Thrive Technologies will leverage their existing solutions to help design and deliver the product; as well as support deployment and training across the region. In future phases, the program will focus on improving scope, increasing usage efficiency and evaluating alternate technologies.

Dr. Ranga, Chief trustee of Thrive Technologies and 'One Child One Light' trust (OCOL) said, "We are extremely happy to be associated with IP who are passionately dedicating part of their time and resources to make a difference to children living in the remote parts of the country without access to quality grid power. This initiative of IP to provide Solar LED lights to poor students will go a long way in enabling thousands of these under privileged children to do well academically and thereby transform their lives for the better". He further added that OCOL will give all possible support to make this IP initiative a spectacular success.

About Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited
The Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited (APPAPER), a company of International Paper in India, is a leading manufacturer of pulp and paper products and caters to both domestic and foreign markets. Andhra Paper produces writing and printing and copier papers at its two manufacturing units in Andhra Pradesh, which have a total paper production capacity of 240,000 metric tons per year. The company is becoming a driving force in sustainability in the paper manufacturing arena in the world economy with sales of approximately US $180 million, focused social and community programs including its own pioneering work in raw material generation through social farm forestry and a very strong strategic growth focus. International Paper owns a majority interest in Andhra Paper and the remaining shares are publicly traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange in India. For more information on The Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills, please visit andhrapaper.com

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global leader in packaging and paper with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include industrial and consumer packaging and uncoated papers, complemented by xpedx, the company's North American distribution company. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company employs approximately 68,000 people and is strategically located in more than 24 countries serving customers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2012 were $28 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.