2012 Integrated report - Sappi

Sustainability
Our process
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sustainable workplace
woodfibre
One of the greatest
benefits of our paper
and paper packaging
and specialised cellulose
solutions is that the
woodfibre from which
they are derived is a
sustainable, renewable
resource.
recovered fibre plant
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Woodfibre
Our woodfibre is grown in
sustainably managed forests
(North America and Europe) and
plantations (South Africa). We
use independent, internationally
accredited forest certification
systems including PEFC*,
FSC TM **, and SFI ® ***. These
internationally recognised,
independent auditing procedures
mean that it is possible to trace
our virgin fibre from source to
end product.
Globally, approximately 70.2%
of the fibre we procure is certified,
with the rest being procured from
known and controlled sources.
We do not source from old-growth
or endangered forests anywhere
in the world.
Non-certified pulp and fibre
In terms of non-certified fibre,
wood/pulp is sourced from known
and trusted suppliers close to
each mill, regularly visited by
our buyers. Certification
requirements are incorporated
into our purchasing specifications
and contracts and are in line
with our ISO 14001 accredited
purchasing policy.
Mitigating climate change
The sustainably managed forests
and plantations from which
we source woodfibre, help to
mitigate climate change. They
do this by absorbing carbon
from the atmosphere.
Sappi and recovered fibre
Sappi specialises in the
manufacturing of high quality
coated printing papers – something
not easily accomplished with high
recovered fibre content. There is
some confusion in the marketplace
as to why uncoated papers can be
manufactured with very high levels
of post-consumer waste content,
yet coated papers, such as those
manufactured by Sappi, often
cannot.
For the same weight of coated
paper vs uncoated paper, the
coated papers have more clay
and less fibre which reduces their
strength.
Adding recovered fibre reduces
the strength even further which
can affect the runnability of paper
on a printing press. A constant
input of virgin fibre into the
manufacturing of high quality
papers will always be necessary
because recycled wood fibres are
typically worn out after five to eight
cycles, depending on the type of
fibre and products recycled.
Regional recycling rates
Recovered fibre is a locally
and globally traded commodity.
In Europe, North America and
South Africa, the recovery rates
of paper consumed are 70.4%,
66.8% and 60% respectively.
Sustainable workplace
Our pulp, paper and dissolving
wood pulp solutions touch the
lives of millions of people around
the world; create direct
employment for approximately
14,000 people and indirect
employment for thousands of
others; have a positive impact on
communities and generate
significant economic benefits.
Through best practice training
programmes, our focus is on
equipping our people with the
skills that help promote their own
development and help us build a
worldclass organisation.
Safety is a top priority throughout
our operations and is driven by
our global safety programme
Project Zero.
Through our corporate social
responsibility programme, we
invest in the socio-economic
development of the communities
in which our operations are
situated.
Lean manufacturing
We use the principles of lean
manufacturing to reduce energy,
re-use resources and minimise
waste throughout our mills.
Pulp, paper and
dissolving woodfibre
Some of our paper mills buy in
pulp, while others are integrated
(make both pulp and paper). The
pulping process for paper
involves the use of cellulose and
hemicellulose in woodfibre for its
physical properties. The pulping
process for dissolving wood pulp,
however, uses only cellulose for
its chemical properties, making
the process more expensive, but
resulting in a highly specialised
product with high added value.
Energy
Energy costs are rising significantly
in each area where we operate.
So too are concerns about
greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the
earth’s atmosphere. Against this
backdrop it makes sense to
aggressively manage our energy
usage and promote the use of
renewable energy. Globally, 50.3%
of energy used in our mills is
derived from renewable sources.
In addition, over five years our
specific purchased (per air dry ton
of pulp) energy usage has
decreased by 19.6%.
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* PEFC – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, ** FSC TM – Forest Stewardship Council TM , *** SFI ® – Sustainable Forestry Initiative.