JAY — L.L. Bean is turning to another supplier for paper for the 250 million catalogs it ships each year.

The mail-order company declined to renew its long-term contract with Verso Paper because it wants paper made under certified sustainable forestry practices that contains more recycled fiber content, the company said.
Some of the paper used in its catalogs can be audited and certified now, but Bean wants to increase that amount.

Verso is a leader in sustainable forestry practices, but has fallen behind on certification, said spokesman Bill Cohen.

“In 23 years, we have met all the conditions of each L.L. Bean contract,” Cohen said. “Verso Paper has a sustainability policy and practice in place, and we’re proud of it and we will continue to work with those customers that buy paper from us to be sure we meet their specifications and requirements.”

L.L. Bean spokeswoman Carolyn Beem declined to reveal who Bean has chosen for its catalog paper next year. But she said the company could do business with Verso again in the future if it’s able to meet L.L. Bean’s requirements.

For now, Cohen said he’s confident that Verso will find new customers to replace the loss of its long-term contract with Bean. Only a small amount of the catalog paper is made at the Androscoggin Mill; the bulk of that paper is produced in Bucksport, he said.