Greenpeace Calls for More Transparency from Canada's Largest Pulp and Paper Company

Environmental organization Greenpeace urges greater transparency from Domtar, Canada's largest pulp and paper manufacturer. The group claims the company received millions in government funding without disclosing usage or future plans for Canadian forests. In a report released Monday titled "Paper Trail to Nowhere," Greenpeace states that Domtar, previously Paper Excellence, received $200 million in federal and provincial support across Canada.

The report raises concerns about the company's lobbying efforts. "Domtar benefits from public funds while gaining corporate dominance over forests without public accountability," the authors noted. Lack of clarity on Domtar's corporate structure complicates understanding its long-term objectives for Canadian forests.

Domtar spokesperson Seth Kursman stated the company complies with lobbying regulations. "We adhere to lobby registries in every jurisdiction," Kursman said. Greenpeace advocates conditioning future funding on environmental conservation, biodiversity, and Indigenous rights, with performance metrics and accountability. The House of Commons natural resources committee has not resumed its pulp and paper sector study. Domtar says owner Jackson Wijaya is open to testifying. Kursman noted resolution of a legal dispute with Greenpeace last year and optimism for sustainable forestry collaboration.

Greenpeace's report continues scrutiny of Domtar's opaque structure spanning nations. Paper Excellence acquired Domtar in 2021 and Resolute Forest Products in 2023, becoming Canada's largest pulp and paper entity. It rebranded to Domtar in October 2024 and manages 22 million hectares of forests, nearly 10 percent of Canada's managed forest land. In 2023, investigations revealed ownership ties to Asia Pulp and Paper, linked to Indonesian environmental issues. Kursman emphasized Domtar and APP operate separately with no leadership overlap. Greenpeace found Domtar lobbied federal officials 64 times in 2023 and 34 times in 2024, more than some industry associations. The company faced environmental penalties and mill closures in British Columbia despite investments. Greenpeace demands Domtar disclose public fund spending amid its convoluted structure.