DELAWARE, Ohio, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF,
GEF.B) announced today that its Soterra LLC timberland subsidiary has achieved
Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R) (SFI) certification. Soterra manages
approximately 228,000 acres of timberland in Alabama, Louisiana and
Mississippi, and provides wildlife, recreational land use and forestry
management services.
SFI certification is governed by SFI, Inc., an independent non-profit
organization. Forest certification is granted after an SFIS Certification
Audit verifies conformance with the SFI standards.
Conducted in November 2008, the audit's scope included forest practices on
land under active management as of May 1, 2008, as well as practices conducted
earlier as appropriate, such as forest regeneration and best land management
practices. Soterra's program was also audited for the promotion of
sustainable forestry practices, commitment to legal compliance and the
incorporation of continuous improvement, which are obligations under SFI.
'We are pleased to earn SFI certification after the auditor's thorough and
strict review process,' said Matthew Bonham, Soterra Vice President and
General Manager. 'This certification demonstrates our commitment to practice
and promote a land stewardship ethic that integrates reforestation, growing
and harvesting of trees for useful products with the conservation of soil, air
and water quality, biological diversity, wildlife and aquatic habitat,
recreation and aesthetics.'
About Greif
Greif is a world leader in industrial packaging products and services. The
company produces steel, plastic, fibre, corrugated and multiwall containers,
protective packaging and containerboard, and provides blending, filling and
packaging services for a wide range of industries. Greif also manages timber
properties in North America. The Company is strategically positioned in 47
countries to serve global as well as regional customers. In 2008, the company
reported $3.8 billion in net sales. Additional information is on the
Company's website at www.greif.com .
SOURCE Greif, Inc.
