Sappi’s science-based targets approved, a significant milestone on our decarbonisation journey

We know that our actions in forests and our mills can combat some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges, particularly climate change.

That's why we're especially excited to announce that the?Science Based Targets? initiative (SBTi) has approved our science-based carbon emission reduction target to decrease scope 1 and scope 2 GHG carbon emissions by 41.5% per ton of product by 2030 from a 2019 base year. We have also put our focus on working towards helping our supplier base set and achieve their own targets.?

The SBTi is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). The SBTi drives climate action in the private sector by empowering organisations to set science-based emissions reduction targets that offer a precise pathway to reducing carbon emissions.?

Commenting on the approval of Sappi’s targets, Group CEO?Steve Binnie? said: "The process of having Sappi’s decarbonisation targets validated by the SBTi shows our firm commitment to decarbonise our business. This aligns with our ambition to help build a thriving world by unlocking the renewable power of wood fibre. Our responsible land and forestry management practices along with our pulp, paper and biomaterials provide value-adding solutions in a carbon-constrained world. Through our research and development we will continue to innovate for the future.”

Binnie continued: “These targets represent an important milestone in holding ourselves accountable in terms of our decarbonisation transition. Equally, we recognise our responsibility in assisting our customers on their own decarbonisation journeys. Our ambitious target is underpinned by detailed decarbonisation plans in each region based on a combination of capital investments in our assets, process efficiency improvements and increased purchases of renewable energy.?Our science-based targets set a longer term trajectory and build on our existing 2025 targets and commitments to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action”

According to Dr Tracy Wessels, Group Head: Sustainability and Investor Relations , “Climate change is already affecting every country on every continent through changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather events. As an early supporter of the Paris Agreement, our overarching aim in terms of Science-Based Targets is a clearly defined pathway to future-proof growth."?

With decarbonisation plans in place, and investments flowing into carbon emission reduction projects at a number of our mills, there is significant momentum across the company. Now with validated science-based emission reduction targets, we have even more precision on our longer-term 2030 targets. Additionally, through our new?Scope 3 target, we look forward to advancing collaboration with our value chain partners focused on climate action.?

Learn more about Sappi’s decarbonisation journey .