Packaging

MWV Joins EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership

Thursday 18. June 2009 - Company’s Efficient Transportation Program Supports Sustainability Efforts

MeadWestvaco Corporation (NYSE:MWV) has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a SmartWaySM Transport Partner. This innovative program brings the EPA, freight industry and shippers together to increase energy efficiency by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption associated with ground transportation.

Becoming a SmartWay Transport Partner establishes sustainability goals in ground transportation for member companies. For example, Transport Partners commit to shipping at least 50 percent of their goods with carriers who are also members of the program. Since joining the program in 2008, MWV has exceeded this goal by shipping 96 percent of its goods with certified carriers.

“At MWV, we incorporate sustainability into the entire supply chain,” said Chris Osen, vice president of Supply Chain Management for MWV. “MWV is proud to be a member of this important program, which reflects our commitment to reducing emissions and supports a streamlined transportation approach. Further, by being a trusted partner in sustainability, we help our customers deliver on their sustainability promises.”

MWV has set aggressive SmartWay goals for 2009, including:

Increasing the amount of freight shipped with SmartWay certified carriers.
Changing the way ground transportation metrics are tracked and reported from pounds to tons/mile.
Integrating SmartWay certification into the bidding process.
Implementing “No Idling” policies with carriers.
Increasing intermodal shipments and taking trucks off the road. The company has already reported reductions to transportation-related environmental impact by switching from trucks to rail. For example, MWV’s Covington, Va., facility has taken more than 400 trucks per month off of Virginia’s roads as part of this program.