Sustainable purpose
Sappi exists to build a thriving world by unlocking the power of renewable resources to benefit people, communities, and the planet.
Sustainable purpose
In a world searching for creative solutions to transition from a fossil-based to a circular bioeconomy, Sappi offers an impactful vision: We will be a sustainable business with an exciting future in woodfibre that provides relevant solutions, delivers enhanced value, and is a trusted partner to all our stakeholders. This vision is part of Sappi's Thrive strategy.
Across our value streams, our sustainable purpose is underpinned by our priority United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which sets out a roadmap for where we collectively need to go and how to get there. We have identified seven priority goals at global level - and a further two in South Africa - where we believe we can make the most impact and where we are concentrating our efforts.
Sappi’s key material issues:
People
- Health, safety and well-being
- Talent
- Labour relations
- Social impact
Planet
- Sustainable forestry
- Climate change
- Water stewardship
- Waste
- Biodiversity
Prosperity
- Competitive position
- Sustainable solutions for a circular bioeconomy
Principles
- Ethical behaviour and compliance
- Responsible procurement
Trees tell a story of resilience, renewal and sustainable growth
Tracy Wessels, Group Head of Sustainability and Investor Relations, Sappi Limited
Sappi and the SDGs
We’ve set ambitious targets aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the seven areas where we believe Sappi can make the biggest impact.
Sappi's Awards and Recognitions
In 2024, we achieved significant milestones in our commitment to sustainable growth. These included receiving several prestigious distinctions that recognized our efforts in areas such as environmental stewardship, social responsibility and ethical business practices.
World’s Best Companies for 2024
Sappi was recognised by Time Magazine and Statista as one of the World’s Best Companies for 2024
World’s Best Employers
Sappi was recognised by Forbes Magazine and Statista as one of the World’s Best Employers
World’s Top Companies for Women
Sappi was recognised by Forbes Magazine and Statista as one of the World’s Top Companies for Women
Consecutive year
all three operating regions achieved the highest Platinum rating from EcoVadis
Certifications
Our certifications ensure that our performance is monitored and that our operations comply with global best practice across a range of environmental, safety and quality topics.
Sustainability Insights
Explore the articles below and join us in shaping a thriving, more sustainable future.
How paper and papermaking shape a rich world around us
Everyone knows that paper is a thing of the past, right?Nobody doubts that today we live in a paperless society, no? But wait. Might we begetting confused between perception and reality? Could paper be a whole lot more relevant for today and tomorrow than it might seem at first sight? Turn the page, we have a surprising story to share…