Sappi Achieves CDP A List 2025 with Top Scores in Forests, Climate, and Water

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January 16th, 2026
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12:05 PM

Sappi Limited earns top accolades in forests, climate, and water stewardship, showcasing unparalleled commitment to sustainability and industry leadership recognized by CDP A List 2025.

In a world where sustainability is a defining factor for corporate success, Sappi Limited emerges as a beacon of excellence. Recognized with an 'A' score for Forests by CDP in 2025, Sappi's commitment to environmental stewardship is not just a badge of honor but a testament to its unwavering dedication. From sustainable forestry practices to climate strategies and water stewardship initiatives, Sappi's holistic approach sets a high standard for the industry. Tracy Wessels, Group Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability at Sappi, rightly emphasizes the monumental effort behind this achievement, highlighting the company's leadership in transparency and action towards deforestation-free supply chains. As sustainability disclosures increasingly shape investment decisions and regulatory compliance, Sappi's CDP performance stands as a testament to its readiness to meet evolving expectations.

Sustainable Forestry Practices

Sappi Limited's recognition on the CDP A List for its outstanding performance in sustainable forestry practices underscores the company's commitment to environmental stewardship. By achieving an 'A' score for Forests in 2025, Sappi has demonstrated comprehensive disclosure and mature environmental governance in managing its woodfiber-based products. Tracy Wessels, Group Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability at Sappi, rightly points out the monumental effort behind this achievement, emphasizing the company's leadership in transparency and action towards deforestation-free supply chains. Sappi's activities, ranging from managing its landholdings in South Africa to cooperating with local landowners, showcase a holistic approach to sustainable forest management, aligning with the company's 2030 sustainability ambitions. This strategic focus not only enhances environmental integrity but also supports social wellbeing and long-term economic resilience, positioning Sappi as a trailblazer in sustainable practices within the industry.

Climate Strategy and Renewable Energy Use

In response to the pressing need for climate action, Sappi has strategically positioned itself to address environmental challenges through its climate strategy. The company's focus on increasing renewable energy use, improving energy efficiency, and investing in low-carbon technologies reflects a proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint. By integrating carbon considerations into capital allocation decisions, Sappi is not only aligning with global sustainability goals but also future-proofing its operations against evolving regulatory requirements. The strong CDP score of A- for Climate Change in 2025 underscores the effectiveness of Sappi's climate strategy, highlighting the company's progress towards mitigating climate risks while driving sustainable growth. Through these initiatives, Sappi is not only demonstrating environmental responsibility but also setting a strategic precedent for other companies looking to navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Water Stewardship and Environmental Impact

Sappi's proactive approach to water stewardship is evident in its efforts to reduce freshwater withdrawal, increase water reuse and recycling, and improve water quality returned to the environment. The company's commitment to enhancing water management practices aligns with its broader sustainability objectives, emphasizing the importance of responsible resource utilization. With a strong CDP score of B for Water Security in 2025, Sappi's initiatives in water stewardship are not only driving operational efficiency but also contributing to environmental conservation. By actively seeking to minimize its water footprint and enhance water quality within its operations, Sappi is setting a benchmark for sustainable water management practices within the industry. This strategic focus on water stewardship not only mitigates environmental risks but also enhances the company's reputation as a responsible corporate citizen committed to sustainable practices.

Collaboration Across the Value Chain

Sappi's success in achieving a strong sustainability performance, as confirmed by the CDP A List, is attributed to its collaborative efforts across the value chain. By engaging with partners, suppliers, and customers, Sappi is driving net-positive impact across its sustainability pillars, aligning with its Thrive strategy and supporting customers in meeting ambitious sustainability goals. This collaborative approach not only strengthens Sappi's position as a leader in corporate transparency but also fosters innovation and shared value creation within the industry. Through intensive collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability, Sappi is not only enhancing its competitive advantage but also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient global supply chain ecosystem.

Conclusion

In a landscape where sustainability defines corporate success, Sappi Limited shines as a beacon of excellence, exemplifying unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. From achieving top scores in sustainable forestry, climate strategy, and water stewardship to fostering collaboration across the value chain, Sappi sets a high standard for industry peers. Tracy Wessels' leadership underscores the company's transparency and action towards deforestation-free supply chains, positioning Sappi as a trailblazer in sustainable practices. As sustainability disclosures shape investment decisions, Sappi's readiness to meet evolving expectations stands out. This remarkable journey prompts reflection on the transformative power of sustainability, urging businesses to embrace transparency, ethical sourcing, and holistic sustainability to thrive in a rapidly changing world.