Mohamed Mansoor
Executive Vice President Sappi Pulp
Sustainable Woodfibre
Sappi is a leading global provider of powerful everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with manufacturing facilities on three continents and customers in over 150 countries worldwide, Sappi is a diversified, innovative, and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products building a more circular economy using every part of the tree.
Sappi Verve, its dissolving pulp brand, is the renewable and recyclable fibre of choice for leading brands, used worldwide by converters to produce lyocell and viscose fibre, pharmaceutical products and other household products such as sponges. Sappi is one of the largest global manufacturers of dissolving pulp with expertise, experience, and track record of producing sustainable quality products.
In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Executive Vice President of Sappi Pulp, Mohamed Mansoor, explains how the company ensures sustainable woodfibre sourcing.
What are the key properties of dissolving pulp that make it suitable for use in textiles and other applications?
Dissolving pulp’s exceptional qualities—such as high cellulose content, minimal impurities, consistent viscosity, and superior reactivity—make it ideal for textile manufacturing. These properties not only facilitate efficient production processes but also result in textiles that are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
How does dissolving pulp compare to synthetic fibres like polyester in terms of environmental impact?
Polyester is a synthetic, non-biodegradable material derived from petrochemicals, while dissolving wood pulp is a biodegradable, natural material derived from wood—a renewable resource used to produce cellulose-based fibres.
What are the current market trends and future prospects for dissolving pulp?
The fashion industry increasingly seeks sustainable fibres, leading to higher demand for viscose and lyocell, made from dissolving pulp. Environmentally conscious consumers and manufacturers push for eco-friendly alternatives, boosting dissolving pulp’s adoption due to its renewable nature. Innovations in production processes are improving efficiency and quality, making dissolving pulp more competitive against synthetic fibres.
What recent technological advancements have been made in the production and application of dissolving pulp?
Recent advancements in the production and application of dissolving wood pulp have primarily focused on improving efficiency, sustainability, and versatility.
What sustainability standards or certifications are important for the dissolving pulp industry, and how are they maintained?
Sustainability standards and certifications are crucial for the dissolving pulp industry to ensure environmentally responsible practices. Some of the key standards and certifications include Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certifications ensure that forests are managed responsibly, and promote sustainable forest management and sourcing practices. FSC applies a series of global and national forest management standards while PEFC leverages endorsed national forest and international certification systems.
The Higg Index is a suite of five tools developed by Cascale, a non-profit organisation (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition) that assess and measure the social and environmental performance of the value chain and the environmental impacts of products.
Maintenance of Certifications
Regular Audits: Independent third-party auditing bodies perform annual audits to ensure compliance with the standards. Annual internal audits are also required.
Documentation: Companies must maintain detailed records of processes, risk assessments, audit findings and improvements.
Continuous Improvement: Firms must demonstrate ongoing efforts to refine operations and enhance sustainability practices.
Compliance Training: Employees are trained regularly on sustainable practices and standards.
Transparency: Public reporting on sustainability performance and initiatives as well as audit results and due diligence procedures. These certifications help ensure that the dissolving pulp industry remains committed to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability.
Can you elaborate on Sappi’s specific initiatives to ensure the sustainability of woodfibre sourcing?
Sappi, a global woodfibre product company, engages in multiple initiatives to ensure sustainable woodfibre sourcing. It sources woodfibre from forests certified under FSC, PEFC, or equivalent standards. These certifications ensure environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable management practices and wood procurement operations.
Third-Party Audits: Regular third-party audits verify compliance with certification standards, promoting continuous improvement in sustainable forest management practices.
Supply Chain Transparency: Implementing strict traceability systems to monitor and ensure that woodfibre is sourced responsibly throughout our supply chain.
Forest Management Plans: Collaborating with landowners to develop and execute sustainable forest management plans that maintain biodiversity, soil, and water resources. and forest productivity through proper regeneration and forest health treatments.
Research and Development: Investing in R&D to improve forestry practices and increase the efficiency and sustainability of woodfibre use, such as minimising soil compaction with improved harvesting equipment and technologies, proper timing and application of harvesting and other silvicultural treatments that encourage natural regeneration and reducing waste.
Community Engagement: Working with local communities to ensure that forestry operations do not adversely affect local livelihoods and supporting community development projects.
Biodiversity Conservation: Undertaking initiatives to protect biodiversity, such as preserving critical habitats and ensuring that forest management practices do not harm wildlife. In many cases, responsible forest management and harvesting improves wildlife habitat for a greater diversity of wildlife and fauna. These initiatives collectively help Sappi maintain a sustainable woodfibre supply, balancing environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability.
How do you engage with local communities to promote sustainable forestry practices?
Sappi engages with local communities to promote sustainable forestry practices through various initiatives and partnerships.
Educational Programmes: Sappi runs educational workshops and training sessions for local communities, focusing on sustainable forestry techniques and the importance of maintaining healthy forest ecosystems.
Community Investment: We invest in community projects that support sustainable development, such as building infrastructure for better forest management or providing resources to local farmers.
Partnerships: We collaborate with local organisations, governments, and non-profits to develop and implement sustainable forestry projects. These partnerships help in sharing knowledge and resources.
Certification Programmes: We encourage local landowners to participate in forestry certification programmes like FSC or PEFC, which promote sustainable forest management practices.
Research and Development: Sappi involves local communities in R&D projects that aim to find new ways to manage forests sustainably. This includes studying local flora and fauna and developing new forest management techniques.
Employment Opportunities: By creating jobs in sustainable forestry management, Sappi helps to boost the local economy while ensuring that forest resources are used responsibly.
Awareness Campaigns: We run campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable forestry and the role of local communities in achieving this goal.
Monitoring and Reporting: Sappi involves local communities in monitoring forest health and reporting any activities that might threaten sustainability efforts.
Local representation: Participating in local community events such as state/county fairs, school science contests, field trips to the forest, landowner educational events, etc.
These combined efforts help Sappi to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to forestry, benefiting both the local communities and the broader ecosystem.
What sets Sappi Verve apart from other dissolving pulp brands in terms of sustainability and community impact?
Sappi Verve stands out in the dissolving pulp market due to its strong commitment to sustainability and positive community impact. Here’s how:
1. Sustainability Initiatives
Responsible Forestry – Sappi sources wood from sustainably managed forests, by applying strict due diligence procedures, risk assessments, mitigation measures where necessary, rigorous supplier engagement and qualification requirements, and promoting certification in our supply chains.
Water Stewardship
Circular Economy – Sappi focuses on waste reduction and recycling, repurposing by-products from the manufacturing process into other valuable materials.
2. Community Impact
Job Creation – Sappi Verve creates employment opportunities in local communities, providing training and development programmes to enhance skills.
Education and Training – Our company invests in educational initiatives, offering scholarships and supporting schools to uplift community education standards.
Healthcare Initiatives – Sappi engages in health programmes, improving access to healthcare services for employees and local residents.
Local Sourcing – By sourcing raw materials locally, Sappi supports regional economies and reduces transportation emissions..
3. Certifications and Recognitions – Sappi Verve is certified by various sustainability and quality standards, affirming its commitment to environmentally and socially responsible practices.
These aspects collectively highlight Sappi Verve’s dedication to not only producing high-quality dissolving pulp but also ensuring sustainable practices and meaningful community engagement.
How are employees at Sappi encouraged to participate in sustainability efforts and community projects?
Employees at Sappi are encouraged to participate in sustainability efforts and community projects through various initiatives and programmes. Here are some of the key ways:
Corporate Culture: Promoting a culture that values sustainability and community involvement.
Training and Education: Providing training programmes to raise awareness about sustainability.
Incentives and Recognition: Acknowledging and rewarding employees who contribute significantly to sustainability projects.
Collaborative Projects: Encouraging teamwork on sustainability initiatives.
Communication: Regular updates and communications to keep sustainability at the forefront.
Partnerships: Collaborating with local communities and organisations to drive impact.
These efforts help embed sustainability into the company ethos and empower employees to contribute meaningfully.
Could you explain the criteria used by Sappi to determine whether a forest or plantation is sustainably managed?
Certification Standards: As required in FSC and PEFC standards, Sappi applies robust due diligence procedures, including risk assessment and mitigation measures (where necessary), rigorous supplier qualification requirements and traceability to ensure responsible sourcing and avoidance of controversial sources. Where possible, Sappi promotes forest management certification like FSC or PEFC in our supply chain. The combination of forest management and responsible sourcing certifications ensure that forests are managed according to high environmental, social, and economic standards.
Biodiversity Conservation: We assess practices that protect biodiversity, including the conservation of native species and habitats.
Water Management: Sustainable practices in water usage and protection of water resources are crucial. This includes maintaining water quality and ensuring that operations do not disrupt local water cycles.
Soil Health: Sappi examines practices that maintain or improve soil health and fertility, avoiding practices that lead to soil degradation or erosion.
Community Involvement: Engagement with and support for local communities is key. This may include fair labour practices, respecting indigenous rights, and contributing to the local economy.
Sustainable Yield: Ensuring that the rate of wood harvesting does not exceed the forest’s natural growth rate is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Legal Compliance: Compliance with all relevant national and international laws and regulations is a fundamental requirement.
These criteria help ensure that the forest or plantation operations are not only profitable but also socially and environmentally responsible.
What types of partnerships has Sappi formed to enhance the sustainability of its operations and support local communities?
WWF (World Wildlife Fund): Collaboration on forest certification and responsible forestry practices.
UN Global Compact: Commitment to the ten principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.
SEBI (Sappi Enterprise Building Initiative): Helps small and medium-sized enterprises with training and financial support to boost local economic development.
Project Grow: Facilitates community tree farming programmes with the aim of enhancing local incomes and promoting sustainable forestry.
Local Grassroots Engagement: Within North America, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), a PEFC-endorsed national standard, requires active participation in and financial support of SFI Implementation Committees (SICs) which are tasked with community engagement, landowner outreach and support, logger training, promoting biodiversity at landscape-levels, investing in research, and responding to public inquiries related to forest management or procurement concerns/complaints within the SIC’s jurisdiction.
Each of these partnerships helps Sappi to improve its environmental footprint and foster positive community relations.
How does Sappi measure the impact of its sustainability initiatives on the environment and local communities?
We measure the impact of our sustainability initiatives on the environment and local communities through several key methods:
Sustainability Reports: Sappi publishes detailed sustainability reports, which include data on environmental, social, and economic performance. These reports follow global standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Sappi uses KPIs to track the progress of its sustainability goals, including metrics on carbon emissions, water usage, waste reduction, and energy consumption.
Third-Party Audits: Sappi undergoes annual internal and external third-party audits to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of its sustainability practices.
Community Feedback: Sappi engages with local communities to gather feedback and assess the social impact of its initiatives.
Biodiversity Monitoring: Sappi, individually or collaboratively with others, conducts regular biodiversity assessments to understand the impact of its operations on local ecosystems.
By employing these methods, Sappi ensures that it can effectively measure and report the impact of its sustainability initiatives.
What are some of the biggest challenges Sappi faces in maintaining sustainable woodfibre supplies, and how are they addressed?
Sappi faces several significant challenges in maintaining sustainable woodfibre supplies:
1. Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss:
Challenges: Ensuring that woodfibre harvesting does not contribute to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
Actions: Sappi applies certification standards for forest management and responsible procurement which require robust due diligence procedures including comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation measures, traceability and supplier engagement to ensure avoidance of controversial sources. Where practical, Sappi uses certified suppliers (FSC, PEFC) and invests in biodiversity conservation projects.
2. Climate Change:
Challenges: Climate change impacts tree growth and health, altering supply availability.
Actions: Implementing adaptive management practices, participating in carbon sequestration projects, and enhancing forest resilience.
3. Supply Chain Complexity:
Challenges: Managing a vast and potentially opaque supply chain to ensure traceability and legality.
Actions: Employing rigorous supply chain audits, enhancing traceability systems, and collaborating with stakeholders for transparency.
4. Regulatory Compliance:
Challenges: Adhering to diverse and evolving environmental regulations across different regions.
Actions: Staying informed about regulatory changes, ensuring compliance through certifications, and engaging with regulatory bodies.
5. Community Engagement:
Challenges: Balancing the needs of local communities with sustainable forestry practices.
Actions: Engaging with local communities, supporting social development initiatives, and providing fair employment opportunities.
By addressing these challenges through responsible practices and continuous improvement, Sappi aims to maintain a sustainable supply of woodfibre.
What are Sappi’s long-term goals for sustainability and community engagement, particularly within the Sappi Verve brand?
Sappi’s long-term goals for sustainability and community engagement, particularly within the Sappi Verve brand, focus on several key areas:
1. Sustainability Goals:
Renewable Resources: Sappi Verve aims to use raw materials from sustainable sources.
Water Management: Implementing advanced water management systems to minimise water usage and ensure that discharged water meets environmental standards.
Waste Reduction: Promote a circular economy by reducing waste.
2. Community Engagement:
Employment and Training: Invest in local communities by providing jobs and training programmes that enable skill development.
Education: Support educational initiatives to enhance literacy and vocational skills in the communities where they operate.
Health and Well-being: Improve health facilities and provide programmes that address community health issues.
These goals align with Sappi’s broader corporate strategies to create shared value for both the company and its stakeholders.
Published on: 22/08/2024
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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