Biodiversity

Sustainability is at the very core of our business. This report covers the highlights in Europe during 2022.

Launch of the Sappi Chair in Climate Change and Plantation Sustainability at Wits University.

22 April 2023 – Today, Sappi joins the world in celebrating Mother Earth Day and in reflecting on our investment in nature.

Forests cover almost a third of the global land area, and harbour most of the terrestrial biodiversity. We’re committed to being part of the solution to conserve biodiversity and restore nature in forests. This FAQ explains why and how.

While we do not plant or process any genetically modified trees on our plantations in South Africa, we recognise that it may be a potential method to adapt our future plantations to a changing climate. This FAQ describes our breeding programmes today and research.

We practise and promote sustainable forestry to ensure that forestland stays forested for generations to come. 

A flourishing forest provides a great many things–clean air, drinkable water, recreational opportunities, animal habitat, beautiful scenery, cool shade and, yes, paper and wood products.

The Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge is just one example of sustainable forestry at work. See how Sappi led efforts to regenerate several tree species.

Endemic to the forests of Southern Africa (Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe), the Pepper-bark tree (Warburgia salutaris) is considered Endangered at the global level according to the IUCN Red List.

Sappi owns and leases 390,000 hectares (ha) of land of which 255,000 ha is planted and all of which is FSC-certified. The remaining 135,000 ha is conserved by Sappi Forests.