Xpedx, a business-to-business distribution company in North America and a business of International Paper (IP), is pursuing a new set of sustainability goals in 2013 that will advance its leadership role in offering sustainable solutions to its customers in printing, packaging and facilities supplies.

Cartons are highly recyclable and are a growing commodity. In the first quarter of 2013, almost 1.8 million new households gained access to carton recycling, ensuring that over 50 million U.S. households now have access to carton recycling.

In recognition of Earth Day, wineries located in British Columbia with a demonstrated environmental commitment have been recognized by TricorBraun WinePak, North America’s largest supplier of wine bottles, and Verallia North America, the leading U.S. manufacturer of wine bottles.

An independent research study reveals 65% of decision makers at Fortune 500 consumer product companies view packaging sustainability as a high priority.

ConAgra Foods, Inc., announced today the winners of its 2013 Sustainable Development Awards, an internal awards program that drives and rewards innovative approaches to sustainability and produces tangible business results. The 90 entries collectively:

A biodegradable barrier tray which has been developed by KCC Packaging will enable retailers to move away from carbon-hungry CPET and aluminum throughout ready meal retail, according to its developer, Chartered Environmentalist Kevin Clarke.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® announced it will deliver up to $400,000 in 2013 to support research into responsible forestry practices through the SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program.

Nestlé Waters North America’s premium still water brand resource® 100% Natural Spring Water is expanding nationally and is available to retailers across the U.S. as of January 2013. Following the success of the 2012 launch in Southern California, Nestlé made the decision to capitalize on consumer interest in the product and expand to national distribution in 2013. resource is a 100 percent natural spring water sourced only from carefully selected natural springs that have naturally occurring electrolytes for a crisp, clean taste and is packaged in a bottle made with 50 percent recycled plastic.

As sustainability continues to be on the forefront not only for natural water sources but also for bottle-to-bottle recycling, Eternal Water decided to switch to a thinner pressure-sensitive label to help lessen the environmental impact and also benefit the label’s graphic profile.