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.
What are the raw materials used to make dye sublimation papers?
Paper, made from renewable resources, is an essential part of daily life. High-quality paper, like sublimation paper, starts with premium pulp production.
How paper is made
While the basics of papermaking process has changed very little over the centuries, woodfibre only became the main raw material for mass paper production in the mid-19th century
Our sustainability targets for a thriving world
At Sappi, we’re unlocking the power of trees to make every day more sustainable – for the customers we serve, the communities where we operate and the planet we all call home.
Biodiversity
Forests cover almost a third of the global land area, and harbour most of the terrestrial biodiversity. It is important to balance the sustainable use of forests with the safeguarding of forest biodiversity, and such solutions are possible
Forests matter
Sustainably managed forests and plantations play a vital role in mitigating climate change and safeguarding biodiversity, the two big challenges of our time.
Products made from trees Sappi
Here are some products that you never knew came from trees!
7 truths about forests and paper
We practise and promote sustainable forestry to ensure that forestland stays forested for generations to come.
Responding to a burning challenge on Sappi's plantations
Climate change has exacerbated the potential for forest fires. At Sappi, we practise sustainable forestry with fire risk management systems in place to ensure security of fibre supply.
Recycled fiber
Recycling paper is a great way to reduce our environmental footprint – but how we put that fiber to use is not a simple one-size-fits-all solution.
Ngodwana energy biomass power plant
Sappi Southern Africa holds a 30% stake in Ngodwana Energy, a 25 MW biomass energy plant at Ngodwana Mill. The plant, which came on stream in March 2022, uses biomass recovered from surrounding plantations and screened waste material from the mill production process.
Start a recycling project
Everyone has a part to play in minimising waste and promoting recycling. Apart from recycling at home, you can easily start a paper recycling project in your office, community, church, club or school.