As a vital contributor to the South African economy and an anchor tenant in rural communities, Sappi says its sustainability efforts span multiple dimensions.   

According to Sappi, the report highlights include: 

Pioneering Climate Action

Through climate-smart forestry and responsible land management, Sappi has achieved progress in biodiversity enhancement, surpassing its strategic target with a 13% improvement in Important Conservation Areas (ICAs). 

Conserving Biodiversity

Protecting 38 320 hectares of grasslands, wetlands and forests, supporting critical biodiversity, including endangered species like the Long-toed Tree Frog. 

Empowering Communities

Initiatives like Sappi Khulisa have uplifted over 4 000 small-scale growers, contributing over R332.6-million to rural communities in 2024 alone. The Sappi Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) programme ensured a procurement spend with SMEs amounting to over R372-million and sustaining 1 502 jobs. 

Driving Renewable Energy

With 53% of energy sourced from renewables, and innovations like a 175 GWh renewable energy partnership and the Ngodwana Energy biomass project, Sappi continues to lead in advancing SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy. 

Championing Education

Through Early Childhood Development programmes, digital literacy and vocational training, Sappi addresses inequalities in the education system, empowering youth with tools to thrive in a green economy, aligned with SDG4: Quality Education. 

Promoting Circularity

By transforming woodfibre into versatile, biodegradable products and reducing landfill waste by 44% over five years, Sappi is advancing SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production. 

This year's report marks a milestone, as it is the last published under the leadership of Alex Thiel, outgoing CEO of Sappi Southern Africa. Reflecting on his tenure, Thiel says, "Leading Sappi Southern Africa has been an extraordinary privilege. The achievements in this report are a testament to our team’s resilience, innovation and commitment. I hand over the reins to Graeme Wild, confident in the bright future ahead." 

Newly appointed CEO, Graeme Wild, says, "With the foundation laid by Alex, we aim to build greater momentum, harnessing the value of trees to create sustainable products that drive the circular economy. Together, as OneSappi, we will champion excellence and collaboration to ensure lasting impact." 

The Corporate Citizenship Report reflects Sappi's legacy of leadership and collaboration, driven by innovative solutions and partnerships with organisations like WWF-SA, National Business Initiative and academic institutions. From enabling rural development to producing world-class, eco-certified goods, Sappi says it continues to exemplify sustainable innovation in South Africa. 

Individuals are encouraged to download the full report here. 

For more information, visit www.sappi.com. You can also follow Sappi Southern Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X. 

*Image courtesy of contributor