News Release

Premier Paper Group Limited (headquartered in Birmingham, U.K.; hereinafter “Premier”), a consolidated subsidiary of Japan Pulp & Paper Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo, Japan; Representative Director, President & CEO: Akihiko Watanabe) and leading supplier of paper, paperboard and packaging materials to the U.K. market, held a tree-planting event at Smithills Estate near Manchester, U.K., on January 22, 2025, together with the Woodland Trust, the U.K.’s largest forest conservation charity. The event involved 50 clients of Premier’s Carbon Capture® program participating in the planting of 600 native trees.

Smithills Estate is the Woodland Trust’s largest estate in the U.K. and is characterized by diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. The tree planting event demonstrates Premier’s commitment to environmental issues, contributing to carbon sequestration, restoring biodiversity and regenerating valuable habitats. Premier’s customers also participated in an activity called “Beating Up,” replacing dead saplings with new ones to increase the success of plantings.

The event marked a significant milestone as Premier donated more than GBP 2 million to the Woodland Trust. On Smithills Estate, the Woodland Trust works to restore ancient woodland, manage grasslands and protect rare species including skylarks, owls and bats. The newly planted trees will further enhance these efforts, provide habitat for wildlife and enrich the estate’s ecological diversity.

Premier's tree planting initiative reflects its broader commitment to the environment and helps enhance corporate social responsibility. By directly involving customers in sustainability efforts, Premier fosters a collaborative approach to environmental issues and ensures the lasting impact of its Carbon Capture Program.