OREANDA-NEWS. International Paper is a responsible investor and is committed to making every effort to develop social initiatives supporting local communities in those regions where the company operates. As a part of this commitment, it proposed building a new landfill facility outside Svetogorsk for the disposal of industrial and municipal domestic waste. Since local residents have a clear interest in learning more about this vital project, ZAO International Paper decided to hold public hearings in association with the Leningrad Region's Vyborg district administration.

The hearings were held at the Zarya center in downtown Svetogorsk, and drew over 200 people. During the hearings the project's developers and customers gave local residents detailed information about the landfill. Residents had the opportunity to ask questions about it, resulting in a positive dialogue between project developers and the local community. Closing the discussion, Eduard Akim, independent expert and professor at St. Petersburg State Technological University of Plant Polymers, made some important remarks about the project from a scientific perspective. The discussion was informative and Svetogorsk residents received comprehensive answers to their questions, and a full explanation of the project's aims.

“We recognize that the communities in which we operate welcome us as neighbors, employers and environmental stewards,” said Luis Claudio Pereira, executive director of ZAO International Paper. “As a part of IP's overall commitment to the environment and local communities, the company decided to build a new landfill. At present, many of the existing landfills near to Svetogorsk are over capacity, and not sufficient to support the needs of the town and community. The new landfill will be constructed using world-class technology and be able to meet the needs of the city, while adhering to the best international standards in waste management - which will be a huge benefit to both IP and Svetogorsk.”