Leveraging Technology for Responsible Forest Stewardship
With over 14,000 satellites orbiting Earth—many of which are observing our planet— emerging technologies like remote sensing, combined with our commitment to forest stewardship, are transforming how we monitor and source from forests. At GP, we are leveraging these innovations to make informed decisions that benefit forests, our customers, and the broader supply chain.
Understanding the Forest Landscape
Forests worldwide face increasing pressure from agriculture, urbanization, and other human activities, leading to the loss of about 225 million hectares annually. Despite these global challenges, the U.S.—where GP Cellulose sources its wood—has seen forest area expand for decades. In fact, our sourcing areas are experiencing net gains in forest cover as agricultural land transitions back to forest. This trend reinforces the sustainability of our supply chain.
Still, responsible sourcing is just one piece of the puzzle. Our customers are under growing pressure to monitor and report on supply chain impacts, and at GP Cellulose, we take our responsibility to support them seriously.
Turning Data into Action
At GP Cellulose, we utilize advanced tools like Georgia-Pacific’s proprietary ForestLogic™ system to gain a deeper understanding of forest health and our supply chain. These tools enable us to analyze data at a granular level, providing the insights needed to make smarter, more targeted decisions.
For example, to assess deforestation risks more effectively, we conducted a localized analysis of our sourcing areas using satellite imagery and public datasets. The findings are encouraging. Forest cover in these regions remains stable or is even increasing, demonstrating how demand for pulp and forest products incentivizes responsible forest management.
Another application of these technologies is through our Endangered Forest Protection Program. Through a rigorous process, we identified over three million acres of rare and endangered forests. Today, we leverage satellites and remote sensing to monitor these forests more efficiently and ensure our protections remain effective. This initiative plays an important role in preserving vital, rare forest areas.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ENDANGERED FOREST PROTECTION PROGRAM
Lastly, new regulations and shareholder expectations are creating a demand for precise supply chain traceability. With ForestLogic™, we have developed systems and processes to help meet the intent of these regulations and expectations. While this innovation primarily addresses traceability needs, it also reinforces our customers’ confidence in our readiness to meet their future traceability challenges.
Growing Responsibly
Our commitment to innovation and stewardship reflects our broader mission: Growing Responsibly. By integrating advanced technologies and our stewardship approach, GP Cellulose is helping customers navigate changing regulations, stakeholder expectations, and societal needs while protecting forests for future generations.
To learn more about how we are Growing Responsibly, click HERE.