A pioneering solution has been developed to convert cellulose fibre-rich waste from pulp and paper mill operations into ethanol using a specialised fermentation process. Ethanol is a versatile starting material that finds diverse application in the production of industrial chemicals, bio-based plastics and sustainable aviation fuel.

According to the National Reading Survey more than half of South African adults still live in households without literature and this is not improving over time. It also reports that some 65% of children turn 10 years old without having a single picturebook in their homes. “This is a devastating statistic,” says Jane Molony, executive […]

While life without plastic might be hard to imagine, there is a renewable, recyclable and sustainable alternative to single-use plastics and many other fossil fuel derivatives: wood from responsibly managed plantations and forests. This is the message from Forestry South Africa (FSA) ahead of the 54th annual Earth Day (22 April 2024).

The sustainability of packaging production is a critical and ongoing consideration by consumers, retailers and brand owners. While the pursuit of environmental friendliness – or the appearance of it – drives the push towards more recycled fibres, virgin or new fibres are still essential in the manufacturing of high-quality, durable, and sustainable paper products.

Finding biodiversity in timber plantations The loss of biodiversity that underpins life on earth, and the ecosystem services upon which we depend, is a massive red flag for every country in the world, South Africa included. As populations increase, more land is transformed from its natural state, and inevitably, the biodiversity supported by those natural […]

Mondi, a global packaging and paper manufacturer, has maintained its Platinum status in EcoVadis’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ratings. The Group’s overall score of 87% places Mondi among the top 1% of global companies assessed for the eighth consecutive year.  EcoVadis is a recognised business sustainability ratings organisation covering 220+ industry categories, over 180 countries, […]

Commenting on the group’s results, Sappi Chief Executive Officer Steve Binnie said: “Within the context of ongoing challenging global macroeconomic conditions and weak paper markets I am pleased that the group delivered EBITDA of US$156 million, which was in line with guidance provided in the prior quarter.” Profitability was negatively impacted by approximately US$45 million […]

Important changes concerning safety and security data reporting requirements Safety and security changes in the transportation of goods by sea, road and rail to the EU The European Union’s new customs pre-arrival safety and security system – Import Control System 2 (ICS2) – will introduce a new process for entry of goods by maritime and […]