Sustainability governance

At Sappi, sustainability permeates our corporate structure, involving every segment of our business and all operating functions. Several committees govern the process, each contributing to strategy, setting goals and monitoring our progress. 

Social, Ethics, Transformation and Sustainability Committee 

The Social, Ethics, Transformation and Sustainability Committee (SETS) has an independent role with accountability to the Board and is comprised of a majority of independent non-executive members, whose duties are delegated by the Board of Directors. The committee oversees the Group's sustainability strategies, climate-related issues, ethics management, good corporate citizenship, labour and employment as well as contribution to social and economic development. In South Africa, the committee manages compliance with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy. 

The committee is chaired by Mohammed Valli Moosa with four independent non-executive directors, a non-executive director and the CEO. Mohammed Valli Moosa  has served as the President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature; Chairman of the UN Commission for Sustainable Development; Chairman of WWF(SA) and currently serves on the steering committee of the Tokyo-based Innovation for a Cool Earth Forum. 

Group Sustainability Council 

The Sappi Group Sustainability Council leads on all sustainability related policies and practices. Members meet quarterly to report progress against sustainability goals and key initiatives, share best practices, and exchange information on emerging issues. Members review regional information for various disclosure mechanisms, including the CDP’s Climate Change and forests programmes and the annual Group Sustainability Report. 

The Group is chaired by Tracy Wessels, Group Head Sustainability, and comprises senior management representatives from across the group who are responsible for sustainability and related functions. 

Regional Sustainability Councils 

Regional Sustainability Councils (RSCs) in Europe, North America and South Africa are responsible for establishing and implementing on-the-ground strategy regarding sustainability. Members come from different business segments, manufacturing facilities and corporate functions. 

Regional Councils work together to provide operational support to Sappi´s sustainability strategy in each region. They also support the Global Council and SETS Committee to deal with day-to-day sustainability issues.   

Ambassadors 

Sustainability Ambassadors in Europe and North America and Brand Ambassadors in South Africa nourish and grow our sustainability programmes. They champion our People, Planet and Prosperity initiatives, enthusiastically engaging fellow employees and partners. They often serve as trusted liaisons to local communities on sustainability matters and community-based projects.