Media Release – Monday, 19 July 2010

Australian Paper today announced it will continue to be at the forefront of action on climate change by joining the Federal Government’s new carbon neutral program, the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS).

NCOS came into effect on 1 July 2010 when the Greenhouse Friendly^TM (GHF) initiative came to an end. The new carbon neutral program is the evolution of GHF as the voluntary complement for the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).

NCOS will be administered by Australian Carbon Trust, an entity set up by the Australian Government to promote energy efficiency and to help all Australians tackle climate change. Whilst Government oversight will continue through the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE), Australian Carbon Trust will take over responsibility for certifying businesses, products and services under the evolved carbon neutral program.

For existing end users, the major change they will see is the introduction of the new NCOS consumer logo which will be phased in over the next six months to replace the GHF logo. Everything else, including logo access and approvals, will remain the same.

Commenting on the new NCOS carbon neutral program, Australian Paper’s General Manager, Marketing, Paul Allen said,

“Australian Paper is pleased to be joining other leading Australian businesses in voluntary action against climate change, including Australia Post, ANZ, Fosters, Jetstar, National Australia Bank, Qantas and Virgin Blue Airlines.

Australian Paper has led the way in developing carbon neutral papers to support like-minded organisations in their action against climate change and will continue to be at the forefront of initiatives that genuinely reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

NCOS certification means that organisations that purchase carbon neutral papers made by Australian Paper are making a genuine, incremental contribution to reducing Australia’s overall carbon footprint.”

The transition to NCOS will be virtually seamless for organisations already using carbon neutral papers. Shortly, Australians will see the new NCOS carbon neutral consumer logo replace the GHF consumer logo on printed material as end users extend their commitment to the fight against climate change through their use of NCOS certified carbon neutral paper.

For information on Australian Paper’s range of carbon neutral papers, including Reflex Carbon Neutral Ultra White, visit www.australianpaper.com.au  and ask for a “Sustainable Paper Guide.”

For information on the National Carbon Offset Standard program and Australian Carbon Trust visit: www.climatechange.gov.au/government/initiatives/australian-carbon-trust.aspx