Clearwater Paper Releases 2026 Sustainability Report Highlighting Progress and Achievements

Clearwater Paper Corporation has released its 2026 Sustainability Report, outlining the company’s sustainability initiatives and performance during 2025 across responsible sourcing, environmental stewardship, product innovation, workplace safety and community engagement. The report covers the calendar year ended December 31, 2025, and includes information from the company’s eight U.S. locations.

Clearwater Paper reported a 15.6% reduction in Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions and a 16% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, both measured against the company’s 2021 baseline. Scope 1 emissions decreased 1.5% year over year, while Scope 2 emissions declined 15.6% from the 2021 baseline. The company also reduced water intake intensity by 6% from its 2024 baseline, moving toward its target of a 10% reduction by 2030.

Safety performance also improved. Clearwater Paper reported a more than 50% year-over-year reduction in lost-time injuries, with lost-time cases falling from 27 in 2024 to 13 in 2025. The company also achieved more than 20% risk reduction for identified safety hazards and reported 91% workforce retention, with voluntary turnover at 9%.

The company surpassed its 2030 target for recyclable or compostable solid bleached sulfate (SBS) products ahead of schedule. 81% of SBS products were recyclable or compostable in 2025, exceeding the target of 75%. Clearwater Paper also received BPI compostable certification at its Lewiston, Idaho, and Cypress Bend, Arkansas, mills, covering most of its folding carton and food service grades.

Responsible sourcing and environmental performance

Clearwater Paper said 100% of procured wood and chips came from U.S. forests in 2025. Its manufacturing locations maintain fiber sourcing standards under FSC, SFI and PEFC certification programs. The company does not own timberland or grow trees and instead works with suppliers, loggers and timber buyers under its Supplier Code of Conduct, annual audit process and Lacey Act compliance requirements.

The company reported 2025 Scope 1 emissions of 861,827 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, market-based Scope 2 emissions of 277,592 metric tons, and Scope 3 emissions of 1,546,627 metric tons. Renewable sources supplied 66% of total energy, compared with 34% from non-renewable sources.

Water intake totaled 117,820 megaliters, while 107,674 megaliters of wastewater were discharged after primary or primary and secondary treatment. Clearwater Paper reported that 91.4% of water was returned to the environment. The company generated 182,864 metric tons of solid waste and diverted 99,909 metric tons of non-hazardous waste from landfill, equivalent to 55% of non-hazardous waste generated.

Product innovation and circularity

The report highlights the introduction of Velora™ in early 2026. The lightweight paperboard uses mechanical pulp in its middle layer to enable lighter basis weights and greater yield, allowing more cartons to be produced per ton while maintaining converting performance.

Clearwater Paper also highlighted NuVo® cupstock, available with 12% or 35% post-consumer recycled fiber, and ReMagine®, offered with 10% or 30% post-consumer recycled fiber. Its Candesce® SBS paperboard is made from renewable, responsibly sourced fiber and designed for printability, strength and consistency.

The report also details community initiatives, including forest-related contributions and restoration efforts, donations of paperboard roll ends for local organizations and sustainability education programs such as TICCIT (Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees).

Clearwater Paper said its 2026 Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards, aligns with the SASB Standard for the Renewable Resources and Alternative Energy Sector – Pulp and Paper Products, and describes its climate-risk approach consistent with TCFD recommendations. Its 2025 greenhouse gas emissions data was independently verified by a third party.

To learn more about the company's sustainability efforts and progress, view the 2026 Sustainability Report here.