Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, has announced the release of its 2015 Sustainability Report. The seventh annual report showcases Sappi’s leading sustainability performance.

“Each year, we look forward to reporting our progress against the five year goals we set to ensure that Sappi North America continues as a thriving, sustainable, re-investable company,” saiys Mark Gardner, president and chief executive officer. “We have an eye to the future and are committed to make those decisions which best position our company in the changing business environment.”

In 2015, Sappi Limited established an aspirational vision for the future that was structured around concrete, measurable initiatives with clear baselines for performance. The goal was to become a truly diversified wood fiber group, targeting a substantial increase in EBITDA through an expanded product portfolio, reflects Sappi’s confidence in its ability to evolve with the changing world; continually maintain and improve returns in mature markets; and deliver top-line growth in newer businesses like specialty packaging.

Sappi North America’s sustainability goals are segmented according to the three most critical elements of its business: People, Planet and Prosperity. Collectively these goals account for an aggressive approach to increasing safety and education for Sappi employees, building returns on net operating assets through increases in operational efficiency; and reducing energy and raw material waste. Some of this year’s performance highlights include: 100% of the company’s fiber was procured in accordance with the SFI Fiber Sourcing standard, as well as the FSC Controlled Wood standard, and 58% of our fiber came from certified sources. Sappi maintains a low carbon footprint, and its combined direct and indirect emissions total just 0.4 tons CO2/ton of product.

The solid waste sent to landfills reached its lowest level in the past five years, due in large part to the continued expansion of the beneficial use program, where by-products are used by local landowners as a soil amendment.

“As a member of Sappi North America’s Sustainability Customer Council, I have seen firsthand how invested and dedicated the organization is with respect to its sustainability efforts,” says Larry Westlake from Sandy Alexander. “They proactively engineer solutions to promote a sustainable future for not just the paper industry, but everyone.”