NEW BERN, N.C.– Employee volunteers at the International Paper (NYSE: IP) New Bern Mill gathered to assemble 375 feminine hygiene kits as a part of a United Way of Coastal Carolina and International Paper initiative to end period poverty in our community. The kits were delivered to school nurses, guidance counselors and principals in Craven, Jones and Pamlico Counties.
With COVID-19 preventative measures in place and practiced, the International Paper volunteers packed kits that included products from some of the company’s own customers. Kits included feminine care pads, pantiliners, feminine wipes and a note of encouragement, packed in an International Paper Kraft paper bag.
“Fighting period poverty is one of the reasons why I pursued a career in the pulp industry,” stated Megan Yang, process engineer, New Bern Mill. “I have extended relatives who experienced period poverty first-hand in other countries. Whereas some of us may not recognize femhy products as a privilege, it is a challenging resource to attain for many in our existing communities. I am proud to be a part of a company that produces pulp used in femhy products to meet the needs of young women around the world.”
Period poverty affects more than 40 million women and girls worldwide, meaning disadvantaged women and girls around the world and in our communities lack access to sanitary products, feminine hygiene education, toilets, handwashing facilities or waste management during their menstrual cycles. Poor menstrual hygiene can cause physical health risks and can lead to reproductive problems, and this partnership with Untied Way Worldwide is just one way International Paper is dedicated to addressing critical needs in the communities where employees live and work by mobilizing its people, products and resources.
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About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue, and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn. and employ approximately 38,000 colleagues. Net sales for 2020 were $21 billion*. For more information about International Paper, our products, and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.
*Inclusive of our former pulp and paper mill in Kwidzyn, Poland, which was sold on August 6, 2021, and our former global papers business, which became a standalone, publicly traded company on October 1, 2021.
About United Way of Coastal Carolina
The United Way of Coastal Carolina had its beginnings in the Coastal Carolina area in 1957. Started as a community fundraising organization, United Way has developed into a non-profit organization that focuses on measurable, long-lasting results for the local community’s most compelling needs. United Way fights for the Health, Education, and the Financial Stability of every person in every community. Currently there are 13 funded programs serving individuals in Carteret, Craven, Jones and Pamlico Counties. Funds are raised locally to fund local programs. For more information visit www.unitedwaycoastalnc.org.