Chosen as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2009:
By Richard Yerema, Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editor (Apr 16, 2009)
Some of the reasons why Cascades Inc. was selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2009):
is the largest user of recycled fibres in Canada and the eleventh largest user worldwide
has over 40 years of recycling experience -- recycling 2.8 million tonnes of board and paper every year, which is 77% of the raw material the company uses
operates the only chlorine-free processing plant in Canada, producing certified chlorine free paper towels and tissue products
has a mill location that is powered by bio-gas -- energy generated from the decomposition of waste buried in a landfill site
has successfully cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 26% since 1990, which is a benchmark year for the Kyoto protocol
maintains a 34% interest in Boralex Inc., which is a Canadian firm active in renewable energy production
has ongoing initiatives to reduce its water consumption at its manufacturing plants, and is currently using five times less water than the Canadian industry average
is a strong supporter of environmental charitable causes, with the company and its employees participating in events such as Québec Waste Reduction Week, the Tremblant Forum on Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development, the Quebec Foundation for the Environment, and Earth Day
celebrates individual employees through the "Eco-Hero" contest that recognizes employees who integrate concern for the environment into their daily activities