Johannesburg, South Africa 05 October 2018 -- Building on its reputation for quality, service and responsibility, Sappi today moved to strengthen its leadership in the dissolving wood pulp (DWP) market with the launch of the Sappi Verve brand.

Demand for DWP continues to grow as consumer preference increases for products made from renewable, sustainably sourced and processed woodfibre. As a significant producer of DWP over the past decades, Sappi today produces close to 1.4m tons per annum, enjoying a significant 16% share of the DWP market. Sappi continues to invest to ensure customers are able to meet demands for sustainably grown and responsibly processed dissolving wood pulp.

Commenting on the launch of the Sappi Verve brand, Steve Binnie, Sappi Limited CEO said: "Our products and service offering within the dissolving pulp market are highly valued and we remain an industry leader in this space. Verve gives recognition to this enviable reputation and the value we offer this market. Brands, including industrial business-to-business brands carry tremendous value, not just to customers but to the whole value chain. Sappi Verve represents our commitment to the entire value chain from brand owners through to the cellulosic fibre producers; our commitment to producing a natural fibre sourced from sustainably managed forests. As a responsible corporate citizen it is a commitment to our ethos of sustainability within the context of people, planet and prosperity."

The majority of dissolving wood pulp is consumed in the viscose industry where pulp is converted through the value chain to yarn and ultimately textiles providing naturally soft, breathable fabrics which is smooth to the touch, hold colour well and drape beautifully. DWP cellulosic fibre is also used for a myriad of household, industrial and pharmaceutical applications including for tablets, personal hygiene, cellophane, washing sponges etc.

In the past, DWP sold by Sappi was unbranded and industry generic names were used as product names. This did not reflect the specific benefits which has always differentiated Sappi's DWP. The new Sappi Verve brand creates a very specific identity within the DWP market.

Bernhard Riegler VP Marketing for Sappi's dissolving wood pulp explains: "At Sappi we have always known there is something special to our dissolving wood pulp products. We have consistent, outstanding quality products, supported by dedicated customer service, all underpinned by a strong sustainability story. As a fibre produced from natural and renewable resources, Verve provides the value chain with a sustainable choice not only within the broader textile sphere which includes cotton and polyester, but as a preferred sustainable choice within the dissolving wood pulp market."

Riegler continues: "Committing to a brand such as Sappi Verve means committing to the broader values it denotes, not only the product attributes but also the broader commitments and values that Sappi as the parent brand stands for. Consumers are becoming more active in making the right choices to contribute toward a tomorrow that is better than today. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important within a brand promise. Sustainability that uplifts people, builds communities, generates economic value and secures the environment. Sappi Verve represents enthusiasm, life, vigour and energy. Sappi Verve is the sustainable choice and our way of making tomorrow better than today."

Binnie concludes: "Sappi Verve aligns perfectly with our goals as a business - diverse, sustainable, committed to growth and adding value to our customers, communities and investors. Sappi Verve meets the needs of a discerning, fast-growing and thriving world."