Sappi Fine Paper Europe Sustainability Report 2011

Sappi Fine Paper 2011

Europe Sustainability
Report

contents

03 WELCOME/ 20 PULP MILL
WHO WE ARE

24 PAPER MILL
06 MESSAGE
FROM THE CEO

30 TRANSPORT

08 CHARTER
COMMITMENTS
32 PRINTER/
CONSUMER

14 THE GREEN
PAPER TRAIL
38 PEOPLE

%+ /
16 FORESTS
44 KEY PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS

2 | Sappi Fine Paper Europe

welcome

Our approach
to sustainability is
based on a holistic view
of Planet, People and
Prosperity
S
appi Europe has undergone many from our business decisions and processes
changes in recent years. The company to our dealings with stakeholders and
has been restructured, bringing customers.
forward new and innovative products, Planet: contributing to a world of
changing our practices and repositioning biodiversity, renewable energy and
ourself for the 21st century. Sappi Europe is environmental care
the leading company in the coated fine paper People: adding to the wellbeing, safety and
market and has sustainability at its heart. health of employees and communities
Sappi’s commitment to sustainability Prosperity: aiming at long-term profitability
manifests itself in the creation of The and customer satisfaction through
European Sustainable Development innovation and ethical conduct
Council. This body consists of the Under these over-arching themes we
company’s most senior directors, and is have placed our Charter Commitments.
chaired by the European Environmental These commitments provide clear guidance
Manager. Its existence and direct influence to all our staff, suppliers and shareholders
ensures that sustainability is given the on how the company will behave and how
highest possible attention and that it we believe it must operate.
reaches all parts of the organisation. We see ourself as a part of the
Our approach to sustainability is based communities in which we work, and while
on a holistic view of Planet, People and we strive to be a successful and profitable
Prosperity (the 3P’s). These values and company, we must achieve this aim in a
commitments underpin everything we do, sustainable way.

Sustainability report
This report spells out where Sappi has come from, where it is headed, and how the company
believes it is going to get there. Sappi Fine Paper Europe (SFPE) has been publicly reporting
progress on sustainability initiatives since 2008 as part of a global sustainability report issued
annually by Sappi Limited after the financial year-end. Our financial year starts on 1 October
and ends on 30 September of the following year. This year marks the first time each regional
division issues its own sustainability report, with consolidated global sustainability performance
included in the annual report to shareholders. Sappi Limited will also continue to publish a
separate online report in conformance with the Global Reporting Initiative’s 3G framework and
disclosing compliance with the UN Global Compact, to which we are a signatory. This regional
reporting structure allows a deeper regional focus that reflects local markets and aspects, and
covers the financial year 2011 (1 October 2010 to 30 September 2011). Emission figures are
based on the operation of our operating mills in Europe unless it is specified otherwise. All
production and non-production activities on our mill premises are included. People and
prosperity metrics are reported for the full region, including central facilities and sales offices.

Sustainability Report 2011 | 3

who we are

Sappi Fine Paper
Europe is the leading
European producer of
coated fine paper

S
appi Fine Paper Europe is the
leading European producer of
coated fine paper used in premium
magazines, catalogues, books and high-end
print advertising.
Operating eight mills in Europe and
headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Sappi
Fine Paper Europe is recognised for
innovation and quality. Our graphic paper
brands include Magno, Quatro, Royal, Galerie
and GalerieArt ranges. Algro, Fusion, Leine
and Parade are the brands for speciality
labelling, topliner, packaging papers
and boards. Jaz is the paper brand for
digital printing.
Sappi Fine Paper Europe is a division of
Sappi Limited (listed on NYSE and JSE),
a global company headquartered in
Johannesburg, South Africa, with over 14,900
employees and manufacturing operations in
nine countries on four continents, sales
offices in 50 countries, and customers in over
100 countries around the world.
Sappi Europe is a major part of
the global company’s operations, employing
just over 40% of its staff and providing over
60% of its paper production capacity.


Kirkniemi, Finland

Brussels,
Head Ofﬁce

Nijmegen,
The Netherlands
Alfeld, Germany

Stockstadt,
Germany

Ehingen,
Germany
Lanaken,
Belgium

Maastricht,
The Netherlands

Gratkorn,
Austria


ceo

Our reputation
as a reliable company
with integrity serves
us well

S
ince I joined in 2007, Sappi has company. I really want our employees to
undergone considerable change. feel that Sappi is not only a great place to
The company has restructured itself, work, but also a safe one. This means
advanced new products and put the achieving the right engagement and
concept of sustainable development at its expectations at each of our sites, and there
core. Through these changes we have are initiatives in place to do that, which we
developed a new strategy founded on the are, justifiably, excited about.
3P’s — Planet, People and Prosperity.
These themes encapsulate Sappi’s Competition
approach for the 21st century and serve Sappi has been in a catch-up phase over the
as a guide to all our employees. last twelve months. We have substantially
reduced our costs, cut our capacity to fit the
Sustainability market and made improvements to our
Sustainability is at the heart of everything service offering, so that we are now easy to
that Sappi does. This has led to do business with and can deliver cost-
improvements in greenhouse gas effective solutions. Some of the decisions
reductions, waste management and have been hard – the closure of the Biberist
certified fibre usage. Our staff are also mill in Switzerland is a prime example.
continually being trained in the importance However, I am relieved and pleased that we
of sustainability and how they can make were able to give good support to the staff
it a reality. affected and that most of them got new jobs
It is important, though, to understand how quickly. But we must ensure that these
sustainability affects the bottom line; through actions were not in vain.
reduced costs, and also because good With a more efficient company, we are
business depends on relationships with getting better at keeping our customers
communities. Sappi relies on the goodwill of satisfied and making profit. Our reputation
governments and much smaller communities as a reliable company with strong integrity
in the regions in which it operates. By placing serves us well.
sustainability at the heart of our organisation, I now believe we have a bright future, as
we are sending out a strong message to these long as we recognise the challenges ahead
groups, which both reassures and delivers. and act on them early. The digital age has
brought an overall decline in demand for
Culture paper products. We don’t yet know where
Sappi has developed a health and safety that will stop, but we have done the right
culture of which I am proud, and the level of things to deal with the consequences so far.
accidents and injuries in our workplaces has More than ever, our focus is on our
fallen significantly. However, there is more to customers. By delivering what they need and
be done, especially to achieve our ultimate value in the most cost competitive way, we
ambition of a zero injury rate across the entire will all prosper together.


Berry Wiersum,
CEO Sappi Fine Paper
Europe


charter
commitments

Our commitment
to sustainability
Our approach to sustainability is based on a holistic view of Planet, People
and Prosperity (the 3P’s). These values and commitments underpin everything
we do, from our business decisions and processes to our dealings with
stakeholders and customers. Below are our charter commitments, outlining the
way Sappi Fine Paper Europe wants to do business, our targets and results

planet
a water shortage risk. We also do not expect
our impact to significantly change at any of
our locations due to our water use and
discharge.
By treading more lightly on the Planet with In addition, water use has an impact on
cleaner, more efficient manufacturing and energy, as it is heated up within the process
waste beneficiation processes, we can and the mills lose energy through their water
produce more with less – an approach discharge.
which has obvious economic benefits. This We have been able to reduce our specific
approach involves reducing the energy water use according to the target set, and
intensity of our business and reducing the are lower already than the 5% reduction
associated greenhouse gas emissions across envisaged for 2012.
the full supply chain. It also necessitates
using less water and improving effluent water
quality, mitigating our impact on biodiversity
and promoting sustainable forestry through Specific water use m3/t
internationally accredited, independent
environmental management and forest 25.0
certification systems.

20.0
Reduction of Specific Water Use*
We consider the water supply to our mills
15.0
as abundant and have rarely experienced
a stressed supply situation.
According to the Global Water Tool of the 10.0
World Business Council of Sustainable
Development, the average water stress index
is considered as abundant at all but two of 5.0
our mill locations, those of Maastricht and
Lanaken – where the index is considered to
be at stress level due to the relatively high 0.0
population living in the area. 2008 2009 2010 2011
In our experience, however, water has
always been abundant and we do not see Spec. water use Target 5% base year


Specific fossil CO2 kg/t, incl
purchasing power at 400g CO2/kWh
600
Certified Fibre*
500 Our 2012 target for certified fibres overall
is 70%. We have achieved this high
400 figure from 2009 onwards. Increasing the
certified share further will be a challenge
300 as we must also take operational targets
into account, such as the preference to
200 source locally.
The certification of the chain of custody
100 has improved significantly over the past
years with most of our suppliers following
0 this route. All of our pulp suppliers are
2008 2009 2010 2011 certified, in most cases in accordance with
both FSCTM and PEFC certification
Spec. CO2 (fossil) kg/t Target 5% base year schemes. Some of our smaller wood
suppliers, however, are still not certified.
Some certified wood material loses its
certification in the chain as a few
intermediary traders do not hold the same
Reduction of Specific CO2* certification as the traded material.
Our 2012 target is the reduction of specific Any non-certified material entering our
direct fossil CO2 emissions (i.e. tons of CO2 products is subject to strict risk assessment
per tons of manufactured pulp and saleable processes, which meet the FSCTM
paper), including purchased power Controlled Wood requirements and those of
emissions (calculated at 400g/kWh) by the PEFC Due Diligence System.
1% per year*.
The CO2 figures shown in the graph are
the sum of specific direct CO2 emissions
and the indirect CO2 emissions from the Certified fibre share SFPE
external electricity supply. It is calculated
with the factor of 400g/kWh. The national 100
average factors in the countries of operation
90
are lower or higher than the 400g. The 400g
is close to the European average and also 80
the factor used by the EU-Flower criteria for 70
copying and graphic paper.
This target has the disadvantage in that 60
the capacity of the integrated chemical pulp 50
production is limited, as is the availability
40
of our most important biofuel black liquor,
for which generation is proportional to the 30
pulp production. 20
When the paper production is increased
compared with the integrated chemical pulp 10
production, the share of fossil fuels is 0
increased and, in line with it, the fossil CO2 2008 2009 2010 2011
emissions. This is the case for our
TM
integrated mills Alfeld, Ehingen, Gratkorn PEFC FSC Target
and Stockstadt.
For efficiency reasons it is of course
almost always sensible to maximise
production of our machines. As a rule of *Important to note: targets were initially set in 2008 to be achieved in 2012, but as we acquired
thumb, the higher the machine utilisation several M-real mills in 2009 we had to adjust accordingly by including the performance of those
mills retrospectively in the targets as well. The benchmark is the average of the mill performances
the lower the specific energy needed. of the year 2009 for Kirkniemi and Stockstadt, and 2008 for Alfeld, Gratkorn, Ehingen, Lanaken,
We have been successful in reducing the Maastricht and Nijmegen. The reference year 2008 is actually better than 2009 due to the higher
emission average of the new mills and mainly due to the extremely low utilisation of our paper
specific CO2 level and are on track to meet machines in this year. The figures only include mills that are in operation to help comparability.
the 2012 target. Mills that do not produce anymore are not included.

Sustainability Report 2011 XX

charter
commitments

people
By creating a safe, healthy workplace for
our People in which diversity is encouraged
and valued, and people are provided with
on-going development opportunities so that
they can develop to their full potential, we
enhance productivity and our ability to
service global markets. Active corporate
citizenship programmes relevant to the
0.26
The Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate
achieved in 2011 (LTIFR) by Maastricht Mill

needs of the communities where we operate
ensure that we promote socio-economic
development within these communities.
Each employee should receive 30 hours
of training per annum. In 2011, we achieved A Safe and Healthy Workforce
an average of 25.52 hours of training per A true health and safety policy is something
employee. Our various people development you keep working on. Sappi’s safety
initiatives, which include training, have approach is based on no less than ﬁve
helped us to ensure that our employees can fundamental principles:
work more effectively and conﬁdently and A zero-injury target
are able to take up different roles. Integrated health and safety planning and
management
Training at every organisational level
Participative information and control
Hours training per employee structures
Adherence to international best practice
35
and safety standards
30
Other initiatives include an annual Global
Safety Awareness Day at all our sites,
25 offering preventive medical check-ups, and
programs to stay in excellent condition both
20 mentally and physically. Our 2011 target
was to reduce the LTIFR (Lost Time Injury
15 Frequency Rate) to 0.39 (this includes
central units) and to report occupational
10 injuries better and more comprehensively.
We achieved a LTIFR rate of 1.3 in 2011
5 with Maastricht Mill achieving an LTIFR of
0.26. We have been continuously successful
0 in lowering our LTIFR each year, and in
2009 2010 2011 2012 we will continue our commitment to
achieving a LTIFR target of 0.21 for the
Hours training per employee 2012 Target entire European operation.


charter
commitments

prosperity
By generating Prosperity, we can continue to
attract investors, leverage growth opportunities
and invest more in our processes, people, and
the communities in which we operate. This
ensures that the business becomes more
customer-centric, and keeps us focused on
ongoing product, process and service
innovation. Investing in research and
2011
The year Sappi launched Fusion, Algro Nature and Jaz

development ensures we maintain a Focus on Innovation
competitive global advantage. The speciality packaging business in Europe
performed very well in 2011. The variety of
Generating Prosperity speciality products and the service offer make
Sappi started the financial year with a strong Sappi very competitive in this area.
performance and produced good results Sappi launched Fusion, a new generation
during the first half of the year. Increased topliner in 2011, as well as Algro Nature, a
uncertainty in global markets, the deepening of home compostable paper for flexible
the European debt crisis, as well as increasing packaging. We will continue to grow our
input costs, however, negatively affected sales specialities business in 2012 and further
volumes and profit margins. This resulted in the penetrate the flexpack, release liner, premium
financial performance for the year falling short cartonboard and white top liner markets.
of our targets, despite our best efforts. Sappi launched Jaz silk in 2011, meeting
We took decisive action in 2011 to improve our target to bring a digital paper to market.
the cost base and competitiveness of the Jaz silk’s technology was developed in
business. These actions have proven to be cooperation with HP for high speed inkjet
quite successful and made significant web printing.
progress. These actions were not easy to After being introduced to the market in early
implement and unfortunately, and regrettably, 2011, trial runs have been successful and the
also resulted in the loss of a considerable product is now commercially available. The Jaz
number of jobs in Europe. product will be extended, with the addition of
We expect to see the results of these actions Jaz Book, currently under development for low
in 2012 as we continue our cost-saving grammage high speed inkjet web printing and
programs, and our production efficiencies and expected to be brought to market in 2012.
customer service continue to improve, In the coming year we will continue to work
reaching very good levels. Our 2012 target is towards the further commercialisation of the
to achieve a RONA* of 7.13%. Jaz family, growing the market and extending
the portfolio to include other Original
*Return on net average operating assets Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).


The green 225,000 PEOPLE
ARE EMPLOYED BY

paper trail EUROPE’S PULP AND
PAPER INDUSTRY2

Sappi is determined to reduce the environmental impact
of its processes. This report follows our product lifecycle,
from forest to pulp, paper to print, and shows how the
people at Sappi are instrumental in making this happen

665,000 PEOPLE 273,000 PEOPLE Our pulp mills are
ARE EMPLOYED BY ARE EMPLOYED designed to avoid
EUROPE’S FORESTRY BY EUROPE’S emissions of sulphur
INDUSTRY1 SAWMILLS2 dioxide – a raw material
needed for chemical pulp
production. They feed as
much SO2 as possible
back into the process and
use it again
WE SEND 2.7M m3 OF
ROUNDWOOD TO OUR PULP
MILLS EACH YEAR, AS WELL
AS 1.6M m3 OF WASTE WOOD
FROM SAWMILLS4

At Alfeld Mill, during waste-
water treatment, 12,000m3
34.2% OF THE FUELS USED of biogas is produced each
BY SFPE ARE BIOFUELS4 day. This is used to generate
energy, and supplies about
FOREST 1.2% of the mill's needs

In Finland, strict rules govern
effluent discharges into
All our fibre material Lake Lohja, next
comes from certified to Kirkniemi Mill.
sustainable and State-of-the art
controlled sources. processes mean
As well as providing the mill meets them
habitat for wildlife and European tree usage2:
by a large margin
recreation for people, Energy 42%
forests protect soil Sawmills 24%
and water. One
hectare of forest also
Pulp and paper 17%
Other 17%
PAPER
At Gratkorn Mill, steam
absorbs about 2.5
tonnes of carbon from the power-plant MACHINE
dioxide a year3 turbines, rather than
fossil fuels, is reused
to warm up the
gas supply
At Maastricht Mill, waste sludge
is dried and sold to farmers as
bedding for cows (the cows love
it). Sludge is also used as an
ingredient in bricks


All SFPE mills bleach
pulp without using
chlorine 69% OF Paper brings joy
PAPER IN to people. It's
EUROPE GETS relaxing to read,
RECYCLED6 easy to use and
– UP TO more effective
Lignosulfonates – a by- SEVEN TIMES than screens
product from the pulping for education
process – can be used
in making building
materials. In 2010,
lignosulfonates from
SFPE pulp mills helped
create 18M m3
of concrete

PULP MILL The black liquor created
during pulping is a great
source of renewable

SFPE PRODUCES 950,000
energy. In our integrated
mills it is burned to
CONSUMER
TONNES OF PULP EACH produce steam
YEAR AND BUYS IN and power
ANOTHER 1.1M TONNES4

45% of our deliveries
now go by rail or canal5.
To reduce our carbon
All the power plants supplying footprint we're switching
our European mills are from road to rail
combined heat and power wherever we can
plants. As well as generating
electricity from gas, they also
use the heat generated in the
process, raising their energy
efficiency to about 80% –
twice as much as traditional
power plants

PRINTER

908,000 PEOPLE Digital printing
ARE EMPLOYED is increasingly
BY EUROPE’S popular. It allows
Sludge left over from effluent The paper we sell4: PRINTING short runs,
treatment contains fibres and Coated fine paper: 2.4M tonnes INDUSTRY2 personalised
biomass – a perfect source Mechanical coated: 1.4M tonnes
printing – and
of energy. Alfeld Mill turns Uncoated: 284k tonnes
less waste
the sludge into pellets and Speciality papers: 162k tonnes
uses it as fuel

SOURCES: 1) FAO, 'State of the World's Forest 2011' 2) Eurostat, 'Forestry in the EU and the world', 2011 3) approximation, value can vary
depending on factors such as tree species, location and density 4) 2011 SFPE 5) Sappi sustainability leaflet, 2011 6) CEPI Sustainability Report 2011


forest

Sappi Europe is
committed to sustainable
forestry and to reducing
our carbon footprint

T
o be a sustainable industry, paper Understanding the supply chain is crucial,
manufacturers need to have effective and certification is required if we are to be
and transparent policies dedicated sure of how our products are made. Sappi
to the long-term survival of the world’s set a target that 70% of all the fibre we
forests, woodlands and other natural purchase should be certified, and we are
habitats. Sustainable forestry and the pleased that this goal was exceeded by
reduction of our carbon footprint must be a a large margin. In 2011, 73% of the fibres
priority for all companies, and Sappi Europe we used were certified, placing us a
has focused on this area. This involves step above the European average. The
working with partners to ensure that the remainder of the fibre came from known
wood purchased can be traced throughout and controlled sources.
its supply chain, ensuring strict sustainable
forestry practices.

Supply chain
Sappi is committed to purchasing only
wood and fibre when it understands
precisely how it came to market. The best
way to combat illegal logging and non-
sustainable practices is for all wood and
fibre to be certified or at least controlled.
73%
The amount of fibres we
used that were certified


DID YOU KNOW?
European forests grow by
the equivalent of 1.5 million
football pitches each year


CERTIFICATION
As part of our commitment to
sustainable practices, Sappi has worked
with the Programme for the
Endorsement of Forest Certification
(PEFC) and the Forest Stewardship
Council (FSCTM) to achieve globally
recognised standards. One of our
milestones was that we were the first
paper company to achieve multi-site,
cross border group chain-of-custody
certification for our entire European
operations from both bodies. These
standards cover an array of
environmental, social and economic
factors pertinent to the safeguarding of
the world’s forests. Crucially, they
provide a mechanism for tracking
certified material from forest to final
product. Therefore, when you buy or
sell Sappi products you can be certain
the wood fibre in the product supported
the sustainable management of our
forest resources.


forest

Our goal: sustainable
paper production

I
n order to be committed to purchasing mentioning that Austrian forest law is one of
wood only from sustainable forests and the strictest in the world and both Sappi and
controlled sources, it is crucial that our PHA are able to work within its boundaries.
efforts extend to the entire supply chain. In In fact, over the past 50 years, the forest has
the forests that we purchase from, the cycle grown by over 300,000 hectares in Austria
of planting, growing and logging is – seven times the size of Vienna.
meticulously managed. Such a sustainable
approach ensures that there is always more Sustainability across the chain
growth than what is harvested. The way in which Sapin – the exclusive wood
supplier to Sappi Lanaken in Belgium –
Working closely with partners manages the forests in which it operates has
The forests of Austria hold a special affection also helped Sappi Europe realise its
in the hearts of its people. Therefore, Sappi environmental aims in terms of its fibre
works closely with its wood purchasing certification. Sapin has been at the forefront
company Papierholz Austria (PHA) to of sustainable forestry practices for over
maintain the biodiversity of the forests and eight years. In 2004, the company gained
harvest its wood in a sustainable way. In fact, PEFC certification, and the following year it
the Sappi Gratkorn mill was one of the gained FSCTM certification. In the years since
founder companies of PHA in 1997. The key then, the world as a whole has altered its
tasks of PHA are wood supply, wood logistics views on the types of products it buys as
and administration. Through this co- more and more consumers are demanding
operation, the mill is able to produce almost eco-friendly products. Sapin and its
one million tonnes of paper every year, while suppliers are very aware of this fact, and the
maintaining a sustainable approach. company is committed to environmental
Key market information is shared, which protection. Indeed, the growth of the certified
means the two companies can ensure their market means there is little other choice for
approaches are aligned and optimised. companies in the wood and paper markets.
Both Sappi and PHA hold high standards Many of Sapin’s achievements mirror
and have independent certification to Sappi’s in terms of accreditations. For
demonstrate this fact, such as PEFC, FSCTM instance, the company has long led the way
and ISO 14001 certifications. Sappi aims to in certification, holding ISO 9001 and ISO Employees of
engage with the communities its operations 14001 standards, as well as FSCTM and Papierholz Austria
are based in. Similarly, the wood purchasers PEFC accreditations. For both companies, it
of PHA are well-trained forestry experts that is important that accreditation goes all the
support wood land owners with their way down the supply chain, indeed it is a
expertise with forest management and requirement of such standards. Sapin has
wood harvesting. long worked with all its suppliers to
The Gratkorn mill is a key part of the local encourage a more sustainable
economy. However, its future must be approach, and the result of this
sustainable and this means the wood from work can be seen in the
Austrian forests needs to be used in the increasingly higher yields
most efficient way possible. It is worth of certified wood.

pulp mill

Sappi Europe is the
biggest producer of sulphite
pulp on the continent,
producing 675,000
tonnes per year

T
he work that takes place in Sappi from the saw mills can be added to the mix.
Europe’s pulp mills is central to our Sulphite pulping also lends itself well to
efforts to be a truly sustainable smaller operations; the Alfeld Mill, for
company. In fact, Sappi Europe is the instance is our smallest pulp mill.
biggest producer of sulphite pulp on the Sappi’s mills take wood with a low
continent, with the capacity to produce resin content, such as spruce or beech. The
675,000 tonnes of sulphite pulp every year. wood arrives either as logs or chips from
We are commited to reducing our energy the saw mills. The logs are debarked,
use and emissions, and the production of reduced to chips and then added to the
sulphite pulp goes a long way towards chip mix. The chips are cooked in acid for
achieving this. six to eight hours at temperatures of 140°C
There are several advantages to and a pressure of eight bar. During this
manufacturing sulphite pulp, rather process the binding elements of wood turn
than kraft (sulphate). It produces higher into liquid. The resulting by-product (lignin
fibre yields and requires fewer bleaching and acid) is called lignosulphate.
chemicals, for example – all our pulp mills Lignosulphate has useful applications
are totally chlorine-free (TCF). In addition, in the building and construction industry,
less energy is required in the refining but Sappi Europe uses most of it is as
process, and there are fewer odorous a biofuel to power its mills. The pulping
emissions. Wood is also used more chemicals are recycled in this process
efficiently, as a high proportion of residues as well.


The manufacture of
sulphite pulp
produces higher ﬁbre
yields, and requires
less speciﬁc energy
than kraft pulping


pulp mill

Sustainability mill is process-given. However, Sappi
The raw materials begin their transformation Europe has strict policies designed to ensure
into paper products in Sappi Europe’s pulp that the environmental impact of this part of
mills – where there has been considerable the operation is as low as possible. Sappi’s
innovation in recent years. bleaching processes are entirely TCF, we
One approach is Sappi Europe’s ongoing bleach with peroxide which leaves behind no
commitment to reducing waste sent to harmful chemicals. Our market pulp can also
landfill. Our organic waste material is burnt be elementary chlorine free (ECF).
to make energy. By creating heat out of Water usage is a crucial part of Sappi’s
biomass and using it to power Sappi’s own operations, so it’s important that the
operations, as well as helping others to company continues to make strenuous
meet their energy needs, the company is efforts to minimise water intake and to
adding positive value. It is mainly ash that recycle and reuse it as much as possible.
goes to landfill, when its not used in the After use, Sappi cleanses effluents in highly
production of cement, other building sophisticated waste water treatment plants
material, fertilizer and soil substrates. to meet local legislation, before they are
Currently, the use of chemicals at the pulp returned to the environment.

HOW SAPPI HELPED
BUILD AN AIRPORT
One byproduct of the pulp production
process, produced by the reaction of
cooking acid and lignins, is called
lignosulphate. This liquid chemical is
used as a biofuel and is used to
power Sappi’s pulp and paper mills.
However, in modified form it can also
be used as a speciality chemical with
many beneficial applications.
This useful byproduct is actually all
around us everyday, as it is used in
the production of plasterboard,
chipboard, bricks and paving stones.
Lignosulphates have the
advantage of being non-toxic and
environmentally friendly, unlike many
other industrial chemical substances.
Some of Sappi’s byproduct has been
used in building materials at high-
profile locations, such as Frankfurt
International Airport buildings.


The number of times paper can
be recycled. Virgin ﬁbres are
needed to start the cycle

Sustainability Report 2012 10

paper mill

We continue to raise
the bar in terms of
certification and energy
management

S
appi’s paper mills are at the forefront of Nonetheless, we worked hard to ensure that
our move towards increased our employees had a good prospect of
sustainability. New technologies, alternative employment, and were positioned
initiatives and changes in culture have been as well as possible after the closure. The
the drivers for some exciting developments, results have been promising: within four
and amid a changing industry and challenging months of our confirmation of the mill’s
economic landscape, the commitment to our closure, 70% of staff had found new jobs.
people, planet and prosperity across Sappi’s Furthermore, all of the mill’s apprentices were
mills is stronger than ever. found positions in other companies, and were
able to complete their apprenticeships.
Navigating a changing market These results speak well of the excellent
Economic conditions in the paper market skills and experience levels of the Biberist
continue to challenge even the most staff, and of the hard work on Sappi’s part in
resourceful. Overcapacity in the market and ensuring that potential negative impacts of
macroeconomic uncertainty across Europe the closure were minimised for all concerned.
are key factors, as is the longer-term
backdrop of efforts by Sappi and others to Custodians of our environment
create and preserve a level playing field We have spent a considerable amount of
against global competition. time, money and effort in reducing pollution
Sappi has made some timely and and waste in our mills. Conserving water,
necessary adjustments to its operations in decreasing emissions and discharges, and
the face of these conditions, with the using energy more efficiently, are key
closure of the Biberist mill in Switzerland priorities for the company. These aims are
perhaps the most notable. not just environmentally beneficial, but are
There is no doubt that the closure of also regarded as essential for the long-term
Biberist had a major impact on the lives and growth and prosperity of the company.
careers of the many staff based there. All of Sappi Europe’s mills are located near


WARM EXCHANGE
Sappi Europe’s mill in Maastricht has
installed a heat exchanger in the
chimney of its plant to capture
warmth, which is then used to warm
and cool nearby buildings in the
Mosae Forum.
The Mosae Forum, which is 700m
from the Sappi mill, is a large site
containing residential apartments,
ofﬁces and retail units. Maastricht
aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by
half as of 2050. As a result of the
collaboration with Sappi, this is now
closer to becoming a reality, as excess
heat from the mill is supplied to
municipal buildings.


paper mill

to rivers or surface waters where water environmental programs on our website. For
supply is plentiful all year. Water gathered maximum efficiency, and because very
from these sources is cleaned before use similar procedures are used across the
and then used several times before it is group, Sappi mostly uses group certification.
thoroughly treated to remove impurities and Sappi’s management system encompasses
returned to the environment. Recycling water organisational structure, planning,
in this way makes our mills more efficient responsibilities, procedures, processes and
and reduces our environmental impact. the provision of resources for developing,
The way in which water is used is implementing, achieving and reviewing the
constantly monitored. Sophisticated piping activities of the company. This management
and instrumentation allows online system has a long record of certification; first
visualisation of how Sappi’s water circuits with quality management, then the
operate, in order to maintain a high efficiency certification of environmental management
level, reducing waste and increasing standards, health and safety, forestry chain of
recycling. One breakthrough has been to custody, and energy management.
establish that waste water impurities are Our environmental and health and safety
turned into biogas which is recovered standards also undergo aspect and
and used as fuel. impact analyses, the results driving
At Sappi Europe, we operate our mills’ health, safety and
combined heat and power environmental programs. And
(CHP) plants in all of our the push for ever higher
mills. These plants not only DID YOU KNOW? certification continues.
generate electricity but Specific emissions from Pleasingly, Sappi Europe’s
also heat, which is used at fossil fuels in our paper Stockstadt and Kirkniemi
the paper machines to dry mills has dropped by 6.7% mills were the first paper
the paper. Such efficiencies over the past three years mills to gain EN160001
mean the company’s CHP certification, while Nijmegen
units are twice as energy expects to receive the
efficient as conventional power ISO50001 certificate in 2012;
plants. We make such investments with accreditation of all of our mills
with consideration to our long-term to follow by 2014.
plans, which are designed to create prosperity The example of the Netherlands shows
today as well as in the future. the uniqueness of our approach: there are
only four EMAS registered companies in the
Innovation and energy efficiency country, two of them are our Maastricht and
With energy prices increasing, energy Nijmegen mills.
efficiency remains a financial imperative,
as well as an environmental concern. Less waste, smaller footprint
Sappi Europe has made considerable Sappi is committed to increasing prosperity
headway in reducing its carbon emissions both now and in the long term, and to
and improving energy efficiency. But while international treaties and legislation
these efforts have won recognition, they are promoting best environmental practice, as
just part of an ongoing drive for more well as the importance of reporting and
efficient use of energy across the business. measuring impact.
Specific carbon dioxide emissions from Sappi Europe’s mill in Alfeld has found an
fossil fuels in our paper mills has dropped innovative way to deal with its waste – it
an impressive 6.7 per cent over the past converts it into fuel. Sludge from the plant
three years – outperforming all our stated contains enough fibres and biomass to give
emissions targets. it a heating power comparable to that of
While Sappi’s European mills were brown coal. Since 2009, we’ve been
among the first to achieve international converting the waste into pellets and using
environmental ISO14001 and EMAS it as fuel in the plant’s bark boiler to
accreditation, we continue to raise the generate steam for the production process.
bar in terms of certification and energy This process uses around 18,000 tonnes of
management. We publish our Environmental waste and saves on 900 truck journeys over
(EMAS) declaration, covering the operation, an average distance of 100km.
environmental performance and the Waste sludge from the production


paper mill

process is often further used in applications Increasing efficiency, reducing waste
such as the manufacturing of bricks or Sappi’s Kirkniemi mill is located by
cement. However, there are also more Lake Lohja in Finland – an important natural
novel applications. resource providing drinking water and fish
When companies innovate, there are to the local area. It is also an
sometimes unexpected benefits from their area for recreation. Conservation of this
efforts. Sappi Europe found that the dried lake and of the many others in Finland is
residual paper sludge from its waste water crucial, however it is also an opportunity;
was very popular with some local water is so abundant in this part of the
inhabitants – the cows in the stables of the world that by producing products in Finland
region. Their farmer attests to the fact that there is less pressure on countries where
his cows are happier sleeping upon Sappi’s water is scarce.
dried waste sludge than their more Nonetheless, there are tight restrictions
traditional bedfellows of sawdust and straw. on water usage and effluent discharges,
The material keeps the animals cleaner, as it and Kirkniemi mill remains well within these
is less sticky, and is more comfortable. The limits. Water usage is 25% less than the
improved hygiene also means the number general level for a paper mill process and it
of white cells in the cow’s milk has is circulated 18 times.
increased and is therefore more healthy too. Effluent discharges into the environment
At Sappi Europe’s Gratkorn Mill in Austria, have also been minimised. The effluent
too, we have found a more efficient way of treatment plant in Kirkniemi consists of
using natural gas. Previously, the incoming mechanical, biological and chemical
natural gas was pre-heated by burning treatment steps. Kirkniemi was the first
fossil fuels. Now, hot steam from the mill’s paper mill in Finland to use biological
turbines is used to power the water heat treatment methods for its waste water and
exchanger. And while our Stockstadt mill this, and other environmental policies, have
already uses a mixture of fossil fuels and had beneficial effects.
renewable energy sources to power its The effluent discharges containing
paper production, the mill is moving suspended organic matter have caused
towards the implementation of more there to be a biological oxygen demand
sophisticated energy management systems. in the lake. However, in response to this,
Sappi has installed four oxygenation pumps
Culture and values in the deep-water site to help restore the
However, the drive towards greater energy biological condition of the lake. The
efficiency isn’t just about changing company also supports efforts to increase
technologies, but changing mindsets, too. fish stocks by sponsoring the introduction
The efforts by management and employees of over 20,000 whitefish annually.
at the Stockstadt mill demonstrate the As a result of Kirkniemi’s effective water
challenges that exist in this area, and point protection actions, the Kirkniemi mill
In 2011 Salla Leskinen,
who is responsible for to some of the ways in which those accounts for only about 7% of phosphorus
the waste water challenges can be overcome. and 5% of the nitrogen loading in Lake
treatment plant in
Kirkniemi, was named Efforts are also already underway to Lohja, although it is the biggest industrial
Water Protector of the further improve energy usage. Management establishment by the lake. As an indication
Year by The Western
Uusimaa Water and is constantly engaging with employees on of the mill’s good work, Salla Leskinen, who
Environment ways to change practices that are is responsible for the waste water treatment
Association
energy intensive and to promote plant in Kirkniemi, was named Water
best practice. Staff have been Protector of the Year by The Western
provided with special training Uusimaa Water and Environment
in energy conservation, there Association. This was the first time that
are special quizzes with prizes, the association had chosen an industrial
awareness days and the representative for this award.
promotion of energy efficiency Sappi Europe’s dedication to the
via newsletters and company environment has also been highlighted by
literature. The effects of these its success at awards held by the Dutch
campaigns is that the Stockstadt Paper Industry Association. Sappi’s mill in
mill achieved a total reduction in Nijmegen won the VNP Trophy for the
energy use of 3.6% in 2011, well lowest energy use, and Sappi’s mill in
above the mill’s 2% target. Maastricht came third.

Sappi Fine Paper Europe - Mills
Paper Pulp
Mills Products Capacity Capacity Certifications
(tons ps) (tons pa)
ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 /
Graphic
EMAS / OHSAS 18001 /
Alfeld, Paper,
330,000 125,000 PEFC CoC / FSCTM CoC /
Germany Speciality
FSCTM CW / EN 15595
Paper
hygiene management

ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 /
Ehingen, Graphic EMAS / OHSAS 18001 /
250,000 135,000
Germany Paper PEFC CoC / FSCTM CoC /
FSCTM CW

ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 /
Stockstadt, Graphic EMAS / OHSAS 18001 /
250,000 135,000
Germany Paper PEFC CoC / FSCTM CoC /
FSCTM CW

ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 /
Coated EMAS / OHSAS 18001 /
Kirkniemi,
Magazine 730,000 330,000 PEFC CoC / FSCTM CoC /
Finland
Paper EN 16001 energy
A DAY IN THE LIFE management
Henri Welman heads up the Utilities
department at Maastricht Mill. He tells Coated
us about his job. “Along with my team, Magazine
ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 /
I ensure that the mill has the energy it Lanaken, Paper,
500,000 180,000 OHSAS 18001 / PEFC CoC
needs to function – the electricity, Belgium Graphic
/ FSCTM CoC / FSCTM CW
steam and water. But we also use Paper
energy to make money for Sappi. The
power plant at Maastricht produces
more energy than we need, so Maastricht, ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 /
residential neighbourhoods take our Graphic
The 280,000 OHSAS 18001 / PEFC CoC
excess heat, and we sell electricity on Paper
Netherlands / FSCTM CoC / FSCTM CW
the open market, which can be
lucrative. We also clean waste
water from local firms in our effluent ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 /
treatment plant. Nijmegen, EMAS / OHSAS 18001 /
Graphic
“Turning waste into value is another The 240,000 PEFC CoC / FSCTM CoC
Paper
speciality. We dry waste-water sludge Netherlands / FSCTM CW / ISO 50001
from the mill with residual heat from our energy management
power plant. Farmers use the dried
sludge as bedding for cows, and the ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 /
construction industry for bricks. Gratkorn, Graphic EMAS / OHSAS 18001 /
950,000 255,000
“There are 20 of us in the team. Austria Paper PEFC CoC / FSCTM CoC /
Everyone is always coming up with FSCTM CW
new ideas. That’s what makes the
department special – enthusiastic
Total
people. My job is to keep them 3,710,000 1,175,000
Capacity1
that way! I also try to keep things
calm when they get hectic. The mill
depends on us.
“Each day is different but I always PEFC – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
spend some time looking for the best FSCTM – Forest Stewardship Council
price we can get for our electricity.” EMAS – Eco Management and Adult System: a voluntary clean citizenship initiative,
constituting the highest environmental standards in Europe
OHSAS – Occupational Health and Safety


transport

Sappi transports
around four million
tonnes per year and
we’re committed
to minimising our
environmental impact

S
appi Europe has a large and customers simply do not have access to
extensive supply chain comprising rail or canals, and road is often the only
many individuals, vehicles and practical method of transport for short
depots. The company transports around distances. However, the move to intermodal
four million tonnes of finished paper every transport means that 45% of all Sappi’s
year. Understandably, such a large finished paper is transported by rail or
organisation must look at its impact, canal; both comparatively energy efficient
which could be considerable if not means of transport.
managed correctly.
Intermodal transport
Less road, more rail Produce from Sappi Europe’s mills in
Much of Sappi’s raw material and finished Lanaken, Belgium, and Maastricht, the
produce is now transported by rail or canal, Netherlands, is now taken to the south
rather than road. Investment in rail of Europe via a combination of rail and
infrastructure at the mills plays an important road transport. This intermodal approach
role in this. For example, Sappi’s mill in makes sense from both a financial and
Gratkorn, Austria, recently shifted 17,000 environmental point of view. “Intermodal
Daniel Thiemann
of Sappi tons of material to cargo train. Previously, transport is a cost saver, good for the
Logistics Wesel these materials were carried by truck. environment and more reliable,” says Daniel
Sappi aims to increase this capacity to Thiemann of Sappi Logistics Wesel.
the maximum, and block trains from The move to intermodal transportation
Gratkorn to its operations in Wesel now also means that Sappi’s delivery fleet has
tow some 22 wagons. Similar efforts been significantly reduced. There are now
were taken with regard to the Lanaken 5,000 fewer truck deliveries per year as
and Maastricht operations, where a result of using trains for long distance
transportation to the south of Europe journeys to deliver and collect materials.
was shifted from road to intermodal Sometimes the benefits are even greater,
(rail and road). as it is possible for trains to be powered by
Nevertheless, road transport hydro-electricity. This means emissions can
continues to be an important be cut by over 30,000 tonnes per year
means of distribution; most compared to road transport.

FROM NORTH
TO SOUTH
Sappi Europe’s distribution centre at
Wesel in northern Germany offers a
clear example of how intermodal
transport can be simple, effective and

45%
environmentally beneﬁcial. Trucks carry
shipments to the nearest rail port.
There, the entire trailer gets heaved
onto a train where it sets off to
a destination in Europe. Another
truck picks up the trailer at this
destination and completes the last
of all Sappi’s ﬁnished paper is leg of the journey.
transported by rail or canal


printer/
consumer

We have streamlined
and refocused our brands,
making it easier for
customers to understand
our offering

P
rint communication remains a customer service and today has adopted a
powerful medium that plays a vital more structured approach. By making a
role in any media mix. Despite the better assessment of customer needs and
rise of digital media and the challenging developing cost-effective solutions, we add
economic climate, the paper industry is value to the supply chain without adding
adapting to new circumstances and print is costs, while becoming more flexible and
taking its place alongside new media. In responsive to customer needs. Using
order to maintain our position as a market effective tools to measure the added value of
leader, it is vital that Sappi rises to the new initiatives, the business has made
challenges of this new environment. To do significant changes to the way it interacts
so, we must continue to sharpen our with its customers. For instance, in the past
competitiveness and deliver the products the company used to send customers many
and services our customers need at a shipping documents and we discovered that
cost-effective price. We are committed to this was considered to be excessive. Now
adding value to the businesses of the such dispatches have been greatly reduced
printers and end-users that depend on the and customers have welcomed this service
quality of our paper, technical knowledge, change. This is just one example of our many
and reliable service. initiatives. Customers appreciate the efforts
we have made on this front and a recent
Seizing opportunities survey on customer service showed that we
Sappi has embarked on a journey to bring have earned a score of 8.17 on a scale of 10.
us even closer to our customers; to provide This result demonstrates the excellence of
them with the right offering of products and our logistics service and puts us among the
services at a competitive price. Through best in the industry.
‘Project Breakthrough’, in addition to regular Over the last year, we have significantly
business interaction, we continue to engage reduced our cost base and improved our
with our major customers in creating new efficiency and will continue to reduce our
value propositions, product positioning, fixed and variable costs. Sappi has a
brands and services, and working with them well-respected reputation for reliability and
to create a business model that creates is working hard to maintain this reputation
sustainable value for both parties. while meeting customers’ needs, at a
Sappi has long been focused on improving competitive price.


STREAMLINING OUR
PRODUCT OFFERING
Sappi Europe has streamlined and
refocused its brands, making it easier
for customers to do business with us
and easier for them to understand
our offering. By simplifying our brand
ranges, customers beneﬁt from more
targeted products that better suit
their needs. Not only that, our
steamlined product ranges provide
a ‘one-stop-shopping’ option for
customers, allowing them to choose
from a range of products within a
familiar brand name. The change will
allow Sappi to concentrate our
efforts on just a few brands.


JAZ: A COATED
PAPER DESIGNED
FOR FULL COLOUR
PERSONALISATION
The move to personalisation has led to
an increase in the need to tailor
information to consumers. The transfer
of information from web to print
(e.g. printed photo albums, personal
publishing) in a cost and time efﬁcient
manner is also driving demand.
Launched in 2011, Jaz silk is a
coated paper that delivers excellent
print quality for high-speed inkjet
printing with full-colour personalisation.
But it’s not just an aesthetic choice; it’s
also a practical one. Its technology is
jointly developed with HP and further
ﬁne-tuned to perform perfectly well on
other high speed inkjet printers. Jaz silk
eliminates the use of bonding agents
and reduces ink consumption. The
market response has been positive and
Sappi’s ongoing partnerships with main
OEMs have resulted in our market
innovator position being maintained.


printer/
consumer

We have considerable
expertise in creating
special grades of paper

S
appi’s commitment to innovation is Algro Nature
best expressed through its product Sappi joined forces with Innovia Films Ltd in
range. We have considerable 2011 to demonstrate potential laminate
expertise in creating special grades of structures, using their respective products,
paper designed for specific markets. suitable for end users in the food,
Several of our most recent product confectionery and pharmaceutical
launches demonstrate this point clearly. industries. These bio plastic laminates
provide technical functionality in addition to
Fusion: The premium white top liner being made from renewable resources and
Sappi launched Fusion premium top liner in offering compostability.
2011 in response to the increasing demand Both companies recognise that the best
for high-quality print finishing for packaging end-of-life options for flexible paper/film
and displays. Fusion is the first liner we laminates are either industrial, home
have produced and it opens up an exciting composting or ultimately anaerobic
new business market for us. In an digestion, which turns waste into a useful
increasingly tough economic environment, energy source, compared to current landfill
there is a need and interest for creative and or incineration solutions.
business-savvy ways to differentiate brands Innovia Films Ltd with its NatureFlex™
and to maximise point of sale presence, and product range, brings its unique expertise
Fusion meets this need. in manufacturing renewable and
Fusion offers a whiteness and brightness compostable cellulose-based films with
that was rarely achieved previously with tailored moisture and barrier properties.
liners. In addition to the extra dimension Sappi brings our expertise in manufacturing
that Fusion can bring to packaging and flexible packaging papers, and now offers
displays, it has numerous other benefits that coated and uncoated compostable paper
can be experienced throughout the options; Algro Nature is a home
production chain. These include less compostable one side coated paper; Leine
downtime related to washing intervals in the Nature is an uncoated equivalent, which is
printing process, reduced glue consumption also compostable. The products have been
in the lamination process, and a choice independently tested and have received the
between sheet and reel formats from the ‘OK Compost Home’ certification by
outset. A simplified pricing model and the Vinçotte, and also the compostability DIN
lighter weight of the paper itself means E13432 certification by DIN CERTCO.
more sheets per stack, and reduced Trials have been made on both extrusion
transport costs. By coating and calendering and adhesive laminate systems, targeting
the paper, the Fusion surface offers a end users who are seeking alternatives to
superior quality and gloss that other top existing non-compostable structures.
liners can’t match, all elements that
our customers were asking for combined in
one product.


printer/
consumer

Initiatives that you
should know about
Ideas that Matter
The Ideas that Matter competition run by
Sappi for over a decade places the
emphasis on the realisation of design
projects to generate awareness of well
known, and less well known issues in the
broad categories of Environment, Culture,
Education, Healthcare, Human Rights and
Society. The strong partnership approach
between designers, non-profit organisations
and Sappi that has been established during
the lifetime of this initiative has proved to
make a difference, helping people and
doing our planet some good. The winners of
the 12th edition of the competition have
been announced and can be found on the
dedicated Ideas that Matter website.
sappi-ideasthatmatter.eu

Sappi European Printers of
the Year Awards
The Sappi European Printers of the Year
Awards (SEPOTY Awards for short), first
launched in 1993, were established by
Sappi to reward and recognise excellence in
print. The competition has evolved
alongside the industry, by recognising
innovation in the sector and adding new
categories along the way, such as digital
print and both sheet fed and web
magazines. The SEPOTY Awards encourage
printers to find the best processes, find the
best papers and find the best combination
of experience and graphic materials to
achieve the best results for their customers.
Recognising printers who give their utmost
and set new standards in print excellence,
the contest is open to any printer from
Europe and the Middle East who has his or
her work commercially printed on mainly
Sappi paper. Out of an average of 5,000
entries, the best print job in each continent
is rewarded and competes for the global
Printers of the Year Award.
sappi.com


Sappi Fine Paper Europe Sustainability Report 2011

Sappi Fine Paper Europe Sustainability Report 2011

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