Cascades turns to wind energy for commercial towel and tissue brand North River

WATERFORD, NY, June 26, 2008 (Press Release) - Cascades Tissue Group (Cascades), North America's fourth largest producer of tissue paper, announced an agreement to offset all the electricity used to manufacture North River(r) commercial towel and tissue products with wind-generated energy, supplied by Community Energy. Through this purchase, Cascades will be the first EPA Green Power Partner to use clean, renewable, emission-free wind energy in the manufacturing process of Away-From-Home towel and tissue products. North River(r) is the first brand in this market to be made with 100% Green-e certified renewable electricity, which speaks to Cascades' commitment to a sustainable future.

Starting June 1, 2008, Cascades' commitment to purchase 11,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of Green-e certified renewable energy credits (RECs) reduces its carbon footprint by preventing the release of 6,800 metric tons of CO2 or approximately 15 million lbs. This is the equivalent of not driving a car for 17 million miles or planting 1.85 million trees.

"The North River(r) line is made from 100% recycled fiber with a majority of post-consumer material. It helps us preserve 47 millions trees per year and our chlorine free process allows us to reuse each drop of water up to 40 times. As an environmental leader in our market, we are especially proud to pioneer the use of Green-e certified wind energy in manufacturing tissue products," said Suzanne Blanchet, President of Cascades Tissue Group. "We take our commitment to environmental stewardship seriously and offer a product for other like-minded organizations to green their supply chain," added Blanchet.

The demand for wind power and other clean energy sources is increasing worldwide and corporations are searching for products that address global warming.

"Cascades Tissue Group's products are amongst the most environmentally responsible on the planet," said Scott McDougall, President, Terrachoice Environmental Marketing Inc.

Headquartered in Waterford, New York, Cascades Tissue Group - Sales Inc. is a leading manufacturer of environmentally-preferable towel and tissue paper for commercial markets. Cascades innovative vision and environmental stewardship approach has been leading the way for over 40 years, long before corporate social responsibility became a trend.

The wind power purchase joins Cascades as a partner of the Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership. This voluntary program encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with electricity use.

"America is shifting to a 'green culture,' with more and more businesses understanding that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

Community Energy Vice President of Sales and Marketing Amy McGinty stated, "Cascades has stepped up as a leader in their industry. Their renewable energy purchase puts their energy dollars to work for clean air and a healthy environment. As more customers choose to follow their lead and purchase renewable energy, more wind farms will be built- an essential part to the climate change solution."

Wind powered energy representing 100 percent of the electricity usage to manufacture North River(r) products, is the latest green addition to the line. Cascades Tissue Group is also the only producer of tissue products to comply with the stringent requirements of the SMMI (Sustainable Manufacturing and Marketing Initiative) guidelines and to have PCF (Processed Chlorine Free), Green Seal and EcoLogo certifications.