In our fast-paced world, typified by its burgeoning consumerism and its use and discard mentality, fashion is a fickle mistress and responsible textile production is fraught with challenges. With landfill sites overflowing with yesterday’s fast fashion trends and the industry plagued by dubious manufacturing, environmental, and labour practices, it is reassuring to know that there are organisations and companies not only taking notice but also leading the way in adopting more responsible and ethical textile production practices.

Welcome to the fashion stage, Sappi’s Verve – dissolving pulp made entirely from an abundant, natural, renewable, and biodegradable resource. The wonders of trees, the numerous uses for woodfibre, and its contribution to the circular economy are well known. Sappi can confidently stand behind its product, thanks to the meticulous management of its supply chain, from the forest to the fashion rail.

Starting at the source, the wood used for Verve is sourced entirely from sustainably managed plantations, certified under internationally recognised forestry certification schemes such as FSC™, PEFC, and SFI. These rigorous certification schemes ensure that plantations adhere to stringent regulations, balancing social, environmental, and economic considerations for the benefit of all.

In South Africa, where most of Sappi’s dissolving pulp (DP) is produced (1,140,000 tonnes per annum compared to 300,000 tonnes per annum in the US), the wood is sourced from its own plantations. Importantly, Sappi also provides access to the forestry value chain for more than 4,000 small growers participating in the 40-year-old Sappi Khulisa Enterprise Development programme.

Sappi produces over 50 per cent of the DP used in the production of lyocell staple fibre globally. This makes it all the more crucial to note that, in addition to the eco-friendly processes used in its DP production, including the co-generation of steam and electricity to enhance mill energy efficiency, Sappi’s plantations in South Africa contribute significantly to the responsible management of the country’s biodiversity.

With almost a third of the 399,000 hectares owned left unplanted and protected for conservation, Sappi’s land also houses seven nature reserves and 156 Important Conservation Areas (ICAs). Sappi actively participates in business-led initiatives that advocate for mandatory assessment and disclosure on nature, such as the Business for Nature #MakeItMandatory campaign and the Textile Exchange’s Climate Strategy, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the textile value chain by 45 per cent by 2030.

Water is another crucial consideration for Sappi. Its powerful Water Stewardship project with WWF-SA works towards improving water security and biodiversity in the Umkhomazi catchment area, while also helping to provide sustainable income for communities through job creation and skills transfer.

Sappi has set a science-based target that showcases its commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change. This commitment extends to the transparency of the entire value chain, with Sappi also utilising the Higg FEM and FSLM tools, along with ‘Green Track’ blockchain technology, to ensure the traceability of products derived from Verve.

In addition to the natural woodfibre characteristics of Verve, which lend it whisper-soft, silk-like qualities, breathability, and beautiful flow and drape, its impressive credentials on all fronts make it the undisputed fibre of choice for the future.