Sappi Southern Africa has entered into an exciting new phase of growth and development with the decision to go ahead with the expansion and modernisation of the Sappi Ngodwana mill, including the introduction of 210,000 t/y of chemical cellulose production at the mill. Sappi’s total production of chemical cellulose will increase to over a million t/y.

Commenting on the decision, the CEO of Sappi Southern Africa, Alex Thiel, said: “Of significance will be the replacement of the current bleach plant with a new process which will be chemically more efficient and will generate less effluent. The current bleached hardwood paper pulp capacity will be converted to produce chemical cellulose.The project demonstrates the commitment of Sappi to invest in South Africa to grow its business globally.”