Sappi Fine Paper South Africa, a division of the global Sappi group, has announced a major upgrade at Sappi Stanger Mill, its coated paper mill in KwaZulu-Natal. Known as “Triple Green”, the upgrade introduces environmentally-sound fully-integrated procurement and manufacturing practice at the mill and research indicates it is a world first. It is a practice based on three environmental “pillars” which, in combination, are unique. “Triple Green demonstrates Sappi’s on-going commitment to producing high-quality coated fine paper in a sustainable and environmentally-sound way, “ says Albert Lubbe, Sappi Fine Paper South Africa’s Managing Director. “It’s something we’re very proud of and feel it takes paper production into a new era.” Every product produced at Sappi Stanger Mill is now manufactured according to the Triple Green principles. These products include the Avalon Supreme, Dukuza Plus and Crystal coated fine paper ranges, used primarily for glossy brochures, coffee table books and magazines; Platinum Label, used for labels; as well as tissue wadding, which is used in the production of tissue products such as facial tissues, industrial wipes, serviettes and toilet paper. “Corporations and large companies, in particular, can now choose an environmentally-sound, locally-manufactured coated fine paper for their annual reports, brochures, information leaflets, catalogues, newsletters and similar printed communications,” says Lubbe. “We feel this will be especially important to all the companies listed on the JSE’s Social Responsibility Investment (SRI) Index, as well as to other companies implementing sustainable development principles.” The three pillars on which Triple Green is based are processes that not only minimise the environmental impact of paper manufacturing and ensure long-term sustainability, but also assure end users that the procurement chain has been stringently monitored by independent environmental bodies. They represent Sappi Fine Paper South Africa’s pledge that: • the primary source of pulp used in the production of paper products at Sappi Stanger Mill is sugar cane fibre, which is sourced from local suppliers; • the bleaching process is elemental chlorine-free; and • the wood fibre used in the production process is obtained from sustainable and internationally-certified afforestation, using independently-audited chains of custody for incoming fibre. For more information on the global Sappi group, Sappi Fine Paper South Africa and Triple Green, visit www.sappi.com.