2020 GROUP SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

In SEU, we enhanced services levels by launching Paperini that allows customers to accurately track their paper deliveries. The tool, which can create an automated arrival notification and, subsequently, an automated credit note is currently being trialed by several logistics and carrier companies in Europe. We also established new infrastructure in Sweden and Denmark that enables us to distribute paper to printers within 48 hours.

The SNA eCommerce site is a customer portal with multi-language capability that connects customers 24/7 to real time information such as order status, inventory checks, document printing, claims reporting and order placement so they can plan and manage their business better. This included access to our carbon calculator where the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their order can be determined and the amount of emissions avoided by using a Sappi product that has a lower carbon footprint than the US pulp and paper industry average. In 2020, Sappi expanded the eCommerce customer experience to include casting and release papers globally.

During Covid-19 lockdowns all regions ensured that they engaged with customers to ensure we could meet their immediate requirements.

Consumers have become increasingly aware of social and environmental issues and our customers are looking to us for help in this regard. Against this backdrop, our Innovation and sustainability teams enable us to put sustainability at the heart of everything we produce, enhance our understanding of our customers’ current and future needs and enable us to bring new products to market at a faster pace.

Where relevant, we will conduct R&D and develop products to suit customers’ specific needs.

Read more: Developing and commercialising innovations in addition to adjacent businesses

In FY2019, Sappi joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and in 2020, Cloquet Mill completed the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) sustainability self-assessment for Verve, our DP brand. The results position the mill as a leader in sustainable practices, evidenced by a low environmental footprint. The Higg FEM self-assessment tool is part of the Higg Index suite of tools that was developed by the apparel industry to evaluate materials, products, facilities, and processes based on environmental performance, social labour practices, and product design choices.

• Globally and regionally, we continue to participate in industry initiatives like TwoSides.
• SNA participates in the paper and paper packaging check-off programme that promotes the sustainable nature of paper and packaging.
• We also participate in a number of tradeshows such as the PRINTING United tradeshow in Dallas, Texas (USA) where we presented our new Transjet Drive dye sublimation paper, different papers for large format inkjet printing and our new Ultracast casting and release papers.
• The Covid-19 pandemic meant that events we sponsor, like the Citrus Symposium in South Africa were postponed. The pandemic also precluded our participation in the usual number of trade shows. However, where possible, we interacted on online platforms.
• For example, the Sappi Packaging and Speciality Papers (PSP) sales and marketing teams hosted their first virtual Interpack Fair. Based on the motto ‘Pro Planet: Paper Packaging – welcome to the new pack-age’, the virtual event featured six livestream presentations that focused on our management of the Covid-19 situation, as well as our global packaging product offering.

• Customers generally approach us for information about the fibre sourcing and production processes behind our brands, including carbon footprint. In response to these requests, in SEU, SNA and SSA we publish Paper Profiles and/or information sheets for our papers. We also respond to many questionnaires from our customers that collect data on our CO₂ reduction plans and performance. In SNA, we hold Customer Council meetings and have developed our own GHG emissions calculator that quantifies the amount of emissions associated with a customer order and how those emissions compare against the industry average
• At the request of our customers, in all three regions, we participate in EcoVadis. All three regions achieved Platinum medals in the latest Ecovadis rating. The Platinum rating, a new medal category created in 2020, recognises the top 1% of companies evaluated for their environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement performance.
• We also publish FAQs covering topics like climate change, as well as forest and energy certification.

Globally, a series of technical brochures and thought leadership pieces are available on our website www.sappi.com

• Communication regarding the haptics of touch and neuroscience of touch speak to the power of printed communication.
• The PSP site to provide targeted information on packaging and speciality papers. (www.sappi-psp.com)
• The POP site is aimed at marketers, creatives, designers and printers looking to innovate in their categories. (www.sappipops.com)
• Sappi etc is an educational platform for designers and printers. (www.sappi.com/sappietc)

Our paper and paper pulp product offerings are supported by strong technical teams at our technology and R&D centres.