Sappi Announces Price Increase for North America

Sappi has again achieved the highest platinum level in EcoVadis’ sustainability rating across all three of its manufacturing regions – Europe, North America, and South Africa. In line with Sappi’s business strategy, the organisation has consistently focused on its priority SDGs and collaborated with all its stakeholders to deliver measurable and tangible progress. Sappi, a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources, has again achieved Platinum, the highest rating in EcoVadis’ sustainability assessment across all three of its manufacturing regions – Europe, North America, and South Africa. Sappi continues to be among the top 1% of the companies worldwide rated by EcoVadis in the manufacture of pulp, paper and paperboard category. In 2018-2019, Sappi received EcoVadis gold medal, which was the highest level until the Platinum category was introduced in 2020. Sappi’s global business strategy focuses on growing its business, enhancing trust, and driving collaboration and innovation as a sustainable, diversified global woodfibre group.

Recently, there has been an increase in contradictory information being spread about the recyclability of Blue4est® checkout receipts. Whereas the German Environment Agency states it is fully recyclable, according to the association INGEDE (International Research Community for De-Inking Technology) blue checkout receipts can cause problems when disposed of as wastepaper, even in small quantities. This statement is inaccurate, and is causing confusion among consumers. The first sustainable and recyclable thermal paper Blue4est® – also known as the blue receipt or eco-receipt – was launched onto the market in 2015. Now, a host of customers across Europe are using these sustainable checkout receipts. The innovative technology has since been refined, with the introduction of Blue4est® Pro paper for labels in 2022. Blue4est® is produced entirely without chemical developers, which is why the German Environment Agency recommends disposing of it as wastepaper. This allows the paper to be recycled and reused as a new raw material. Some time ago, the German Environment Agency officially confirmed – including via an announcement on its website – that blue checkout receipts can be disposed of as wastepaper.

Sappi Europe recently announced that it has now joined Intergraf’s group of 22 national member associations and 15 associate members across 25 countries, which will further its role in promoting the European print industry. In the evolving print industry, Sappi strongly believes in the role of print for the next generation of readers, and for brands. People are hardwired to hold print—72% of people prefer printed material versus a digital version. It is viewed as 200% more intimate—people feel more valued when receiving printed mail over e-mail, and twice as likely to feel positive toward the sender. The return on investment speaks volumes—60% of people look up a brand online after receiving printed materials. With declining print volumes, Sappi acknowledges that the paper industry must provide value beyond the product by aligning with projects and organisations that further the unique strengths of the European printing industry.