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Sappi Achieves First-ever PEFC Forest Management Certificate in South Africa

South Africa forests and water The certification will now enable Sappi to offer PEFC certified wood from its plantations in South Africa, giving further assurance that the wood raw material originates from responsibly managed forests.

Feb. 1, 2021 - Sappi is proud to announce that its South African division has been awarded the first-ever Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) forest management certificate in South Africa. This achievement indicates that Sappi Southern Africa's forest management practices meet the requirements for sustainable forest management set out in the PEFC-endorsed standard for South Africa, SAFAS (Sustainable African Forest Assurance Scheme).

Commenting on behalf of PEFC International, Ben Gunneberg, CEO & Secretary General said, "This certificate is a landmark in South Africa. At a time when climate smart solutions are so needed, it's imperative that we expand sustainable forest management practices in all regions of the world. We are delighted that Sappi's forests in South Africa have become PEFC-certified and look forward to welcoming further growth of PEFC certification in the country."

The certification will now enable Sappi to offer PEFC certified wood from its plantations in South Africa, giving further assurance to Sappi's local and global customers that the wood raw material originates from responsibly managed forests. This is in addition to the longstanding certification that Sappi holds for its 394,000 hectares with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC-N003159).

Sappi Southern Africa has also commenced the process to achieve PEFC Chain of Custody certification for its manufacturing sites, and thereafter all Sappi mills globally will be both FSC and PEFC (including SFI in the United States) certified.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sappi is a global leader in paper, paper pulp and dissolving wood pulp solutions. The company has over 12,000 employees; manufacturing operations on three continents, in seven countries (nine mills in Europe, three mills in America and four mills in South Africa) and customers in over 150 countries worldwide. To learn more, visit: www.sappi.com.

SOURCE: Sappi Limited

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