Global business segments

Sappi is a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.

Our raw material offerings (such as dissolving pulp (DP) and biomaterials) and end-use products (packaging papers, speciality papers, graphic papers, casting and release papers, as well as forestry products) are manufactured from woodfibre sourced from sustainably managed forests and plantations, in production facilities which, in many cases use internally generated bioenergy. Many of our operations are energy self-sufficient.

Our market-leading range of products includes:

  • Pulp - Our pulp segment predominantly comprises two product categories, namely, dissolving pulp (DP) and high-yield pulp (HYP). Occasionally, excess kraft pulp produced at Somerset and Ngodwana Mill is sold externally and included in the pulp segment.
  • Dissolving pulp (DP) – Our Verve brand is a significant player in the DP market. With a capacity of 1.5 million tons per annum and a 15% share of the DP market, Verve is a truly sustainable brand. From textiles to pharmaceuticals and food applications, Sappi has the expertise, technology and track record to meet almost any challenge from these DP market segments. Sappi’s DP is a highly purified form of cellulose extracted from sustainably grown and responsibly managed trees using unique cellulose chemistry technology. The majority of DP is consumed to make apparel, home textiles and non-woven products. DP is converted to viscose and lyocell staple fibres. From there, the fibre is spun into yarns and ultimately woven into textiles, providing naturally soft and breathable fabrics which are smooth to the touch, hold colour and drape well. The fibres produced from DP also act as good blend partners in fabric with cotton and polyester. Fibres produced from DP, however, far exceed cotton and polyester when it comes to sustainability.
  • Packaging and speciality papers – We offer a broad range of paper-based sustainable solutions as an alternative to non-renewable, fossil fuel-based packaging in many of our product segments. We manufacture innovative packaging and speciality papers products and services with a commitment to sustainability and a circular economy, including flexible packaging, paperboard, containerboard, label papers and self-adhesives, casting and release papers (used by suppliers in the fashion, textile, automobile and laminate industries), dye sublimation papers and tissue paper.
  • Graphic papers – Our coated and uncoated graphic printing papers meet a demanding range of visual and tactile standards – delivering uncompromising ROI through reliability, stand-out quality and strong brand differentiation, and
  • Forestry.

Sappi is also investing in various biochemical technologies:

  • Biomaterials and bio-energy – we’re further diversifying our business to derive additional value from wood, by extracting biorefinery products and producing energy from renewable resources, and
  • Nanocellulose – using wood pulp, we are pioneering low-cost cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) production with a unique patented process in line with our intention of seeking new growth opportunities in adjacent and new markets.

We have manufacturing operations on three continents and sell our products in more than 150 countries. This geographic spread of our operations allows us to optimise global knowledge of market developments, operational best practices and technological advancements.

Headquartered in Brussels (Belgium), Sappi Europe is the leading European producer of coated graphic papers as well as packaging and speciality papers.
Our roots can be traced back as far as 1854 to the S D Warren Company. Today, we continue the legacy of innovation and quality as a preeminent producer of printing and packaging papers, release paper and dissolving pulp.

Sappi Southern Africa operates five mills and has a combined production capacity of 86,000 m³ sawn timber, 660,000 tons of paper, 636,000 tons of paper pulp and 1.15 million tons of dissolving pulp per annum.

Sappi Trading operates a network for the sale and distribution of our products outside our core operating regions of North America, Europe and South Africa.

Our global activity extends to three continents, selling millions of tons of high-quality products to customers all over the world.

Our senior team members are committed to leading us to success – find out more about their careers and extensive experience.

Find a detailed analysis of the progress on our Thrive strategy.
Technology is at the heart of our business – discover how we’re making breakthroughs and discoveries that enrich lives.
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Take a look through Sappi’s Q1 FY25 financial results for the period ended December 2024.