WESTMONT, Ill., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UPM, the world's leading producer of graphic papers, has signed an exclusive, multi-year agreement with xpedx, the largest supplier of paper to commercial printers in the United States. The agreement makes xpedx the exclusive merchant supplier of UPM coated freesheet sheet fed (SF0), coated freesheet web (HSWO) and other UPM coated papers to commercial printers in the U.S. and Canada.

"xpedx customers in the United States and Canada will immediately benefit from improved access to all UPM chain-of-custody certified coated papers," said Rob Watson, Director of Marketing-Printing Papers, xpedx. "We know that strong demand exists for these high quality UPM products, and that all customers -- particularly customers with multiple locations across the country -- will appreciate increased availability through hundreds of xpedx locations."

"The agreement with xpedx will significantly strengthen UPM's position in the North American paper market and contributes to our continuing role as a vital player in this region," said Ruud van den Berg, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing for UPM's Paper Business Group. "We are pleased to be associated with xpedx, a company that shares UPM's dedication to quality products, an efficient and reliable supply chain and superior customer service. Customers of xpedx will benefit from accessibility to certified and sustainable UPM paper products."

The paper stock being supplied to xpedx will be available immediately through the xpedx multi-channel distribution network that includes more than 230 distribution centers and stores, xpedx.com and corporate, national and global account platforms.

The origin of all UPM paper will be ensured with the internationally-recognized standards of PEFC or FSC. These standards ensure that 100% of fibre used for UPM's pulp and paper products is from forests that are managed sustainably. The chain-of-custody model used by UPM and xpedx meets the requirements of both FSC and PEFC. All UPM paper imported from Europe will also carry the European Union's Eco-label, the official EU mark awarded to greener products.

Certifications and EU Eco-Label:

    --  Chain of Custody (CoC) verifies that the wood used in a product
        originates from certified forests that are responsibly and sustainably
        managed.
    --  PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes):
        www.pefc.org
    --  FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): www.fsc.org

    --  EU Eco-Label: http://ec.europa.eu/ecolabel and http://www.eco-label.com

About UPM

UPM's vision is to be the front-runner of the new forest industry. Our competitiveness is based on cost leadership, change readiness and leading innovation. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. UPM consists of three Business Groups: Energy and Pulp; Paper; and Engineered Materials. The Group employs around 24,000 people and it has production facilities in 14 countries. In 2008, UPM's sales amounted to EUR 9.5 billion. UPM's shares are listed on the Helsinki stock exchange. www.upm-kymmene.com

About xpedx

Cincinnati, Ohio-based xpedx, a business of International Paper (NYSE: IP), is one of the largest business-to-business distribution companies in North America. xpedx distributes a wide variety of printing paper, graphics, packaging and janitorial-sanitary supplies and equipment from manufacturers worldwide. Customers include printers and publishers, manufacturers, retailers, governments and facility managers. xpedx also does business with the majority of Fortune 1000 companies.

xpedx has more than 230 locations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Other xpedx businesses include publishing industry suppliers Bulkley Dunton Publishing Group(R) and Strategic Paper Group; Tampa, Florida-based xpedx Supply Chain Services, a global provider of third-party logistics services; and Cincinnati-based Saalfeld(R) Redistribution. xpedx also operates a network of more than 150 paper and graphics stores, as well as a new retail e-commerce site at xpedxstores.com.

xpedx is one of the largest providers of post-consumer waste content and recycled printing papers in North America and has chain-of-custody certification from FSC, SFI and PEFC at all of its U.S. and Canadian distribution centers. For more information about xpedx, visit xpedx.com

SOURCE UPM