North America

Sappi supports the sustainability drive by the textile value chain through its Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) membership and via the use of the Higg FEM tool. Cloquet Mill, which is based in Northern Minnesota, USA has just recently completed the Higg FEM self - assessment, for Verve, Sappi’s dissolving pulp brand.

Commenting on the quarter’s result, Sappi Limited Chief Executive Officer, Steve Binnie said: “The overall economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns, changes in consumer behaviour and logistical challenges had a severe impact on the business in the quarter. Previously weak graphic paper and dissolving pulp (DP) markets were further affected by significant declines in demand and lower sales prices. Our packaging and specialities business increased sales volumes during the quarter and has proven resilient in the current difficult economic circumstances. This segment continues to support our strategy to diversify the group’s product portfolio into higher margin and growing segments.”

To coincide with World Environment Day and South Africa’s Environment Month, on 04 June 2020, Sappi Limited committed to set science-based targets through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The SBTi is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

With the significant increase in consumption of hand sanitisers, we are excited to introduce Sappi’s Valida natural cellulose product for the formulation of more skin- and planet-friendly solutions.

If there is something that the last few lockdown months have taught many of us, is that we need to make 'Time for Nature'. We have marvelled as the planet has taken a breather along with her inhabitants and has rejuvenated herself, as we have rediscovered the abundance that she has to offer. It is why it is so apt that it is the theme for this year’s World Environment Day.

Sappi has decided not to proceed with the proposed offering of €250 million senior notes at this time due to unsatisfactory market conditions. Sappi has a long history of prudent and proactive balance sheet management.

Sappi, a leading diversified woodfibre company, has published an informational document on its website with further information about the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Sappi Group”). The information is available as of today at the following address: https://www.sappi.com/

Sappi Limited today announced the offering of €250 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2025, in an offering that is exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The notes will be issued by Sappi Papier Holding GmbH, a subsidiary of Sappi Limited. The Company is implementing this offering in order to strengthen its liquidity headroom and balance sheet. The net proceeds from this offering will be used for general corporate purposes.

Commenting on the quarter’s result, Binnie said: “I am very pleased with the strong packaging and specialities performance which saw EBITDA contribution almost double. I am also pleased with the solid results in the graphics paper segment, as well as the significant increase in market share across both segments. Despite these strong performances, the results were negatively impacted due to the historic low dissolving pulp (DP) prices, and reduced DP sales volumes.”