KZN Operations
Saiccor Mill produces a world-class product in a country where sound technology and infrastructure meet the demands of the global community. Situated 50 kms south of the port of Durban in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, the mill is one of the production facilities for Sappi Specialised Cellulose.
The mill has the capacity to produce approximately 800 000 tons of elemental chlorine free (ECF) dissolving wood pulp (DWP) per annum, mostly for the export market. Dissolving wood pulp (DWP) is sold to converters to manufacture a wide range of consumer products, but in particular for viscose staple fibre (VSF) used in clothing and textiles.
Stanger Mill is unique in South Africa in that it uses bagasse as its basic raw material in the manufacture of office paper and tissue wadding. Situated along the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, the mill is ideally situated to take advantage of the ready supply of bagasse from the neighbouring Gledhow Sugar Company.
The technology of pulp and paper manufacturing is dynamic and continually advancing as there are demands placed upon paper end-users. To satisfy the demand for good quality paper made with care for the environment, Sappi continually assesses its manufacturing processes and manages product development based on market demands and industry trends.
The mill's paper machine has a production capacity of 80 000 tons, while the tissue machine produces around 30 000 tons per annum. It also produces 60 000 tons of bleached bagasse pulp for its own consumption per annum.
Tugela Mill has been in operation since 1945 and is currently the oldest purpose-built mill in the Sappi group. The mill produces pulp for its own consumption, containerboard and lignosulphonate for export. Situated in the town of Mandeni near the Tugela river in KwaZulu-Natal, the mill is located near the ports of Richards Bay and Durban (South Africa), allowing for easy access to global markets.
Sustainability
Sappi focuses on creating value for its shareholders. The company takes cognisance of its impact on this planet and stakeholders to ensure that all benefit in the long term. Sustainability is not an add-on, but an entrenched part of the way Sappi manages its daily business activities, mitigates risk, leverages opportunities and plans for the future.
Of particular importance in South Africa, is the role that Sappi plays in community development. The company's large footprint in rural areas due to the location of its forests and mills focuses its attention, as a responsible corporate citizen, on the needs of these communities; resulting in actions which not only strengthen the business but also have a positive impact on the lives of the people in the communities.