Paper and pulp manufacturer Sappi has reported that it received an ‘A’ score for Forests in 2025 by global nonprofit the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), ranking highly among nearly 20 000 companies scored.

Sappi also received strong CDP scores for Climate Change (A-) and Water Security (B) in 2025, which it says reflects ongoing progress in achieving its environmental sustainability goals.

In a media release, the company expresses that achieving an ‘A’ demonstrates its comprehensive disclosure, mature environmental governance and meaningful progress towards environmental resilience.

The company notes that CDP scores are increasingly used as a stress test for whether companies’ sustainability data can support investment decisions, procurement requirements and emerging regulation.

This emphasis on decision-ready data is increasingly critical as sustainability disclosures are linked to regulatory compliance, access to capital and customer requirements, says Sappi, adding that its CDP performance provides external validation of its readiness to meet these evolving expectations.

“It is difficult to overstate the immense effort and dedication that underpin this achievement. We’re delighted to be acknowledged as a leader in corporate transparency and action on advancing deforestation-free supply chains.

“We continue to collaborate intensively across our value chain, driving net-positive impact across our sustainability pillars and in line with our Thrive strategy, but also in supporting our customers in meeting their ambitious sustainability goals,” says Sappi group head of investor relations and sustainability Tracy Wessels.

Sappi highlights the significance of sustainable forestry in protecting environmental integrity, supporting social wellbeing and enhancing long-term economic resilience.

The company thus highlights its own activities ranging from managing its own landholdings in South Africa, to cooperating with small, local landowners, to maintaining 100% chain of custody certifications across its pulp and paper manufacturing operations.

Together, the company says these practices advance its long-standing commitment to sustainable forest management and deforestation-free supply chains, central pillars of its 2030 sustainability ambitions.

Sappi points out that its climate strategy is focused on increasing renewable-energy use, improving energy efficiency, investing in low-carbon technologies and integrating carbon considerations into capital allocation decisions.

“When it comes to water stewardship, Sappi actively seeks to reduce fresh water withdrawal, increase water reuse and recycling within operations, and improve the quality of water returned to the environment,” the company says in the release.