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South Africa’s forestry sector contributes an estimated R8 billion to the country’s GDP, while supporting more than 150 000 jobs and livelihoods – many of them in rural areas where economic opportunities are limited. Beyond its direct contribution, the sector supports a further R58 billion in value-added activity across downstream industries, including sawmilling, pulp and paper, packaging and construction.
Through paper mills and a nationwide network of collectors – including small recycling businesses and informal waste pickers – around 1.2 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging are diverted from landfill each year and returned to the recycling loop, where they are used again to produce new paper products such as packaging and tissue.
Forest-based value chains represent the most advanced and scalable foundation of the global bioeconomy. Through sustainably managed forests and efficient, circular use of biomass, the sector delivers renewable materials, carbon storage & material substitution, biodiversity co-benefits, and quality employment, particularly in rural areas.
South Africa’s pulp and paper sector has been opening doors for a growing cohort of young women who apply science and engineering to making the circular bioeconomy a reality.
KeDezemba in Mzansi is not only a season of summer vibes, family time and opening presents – it’s also the perfect moment to clear out our homes and offices, giving paper and cardboard a second life instead of banishing them to landfill.
COP30 in Belém saw the first-ever theme days on the bioeconomy. As such, there were an impressive number of sessions and side events that focused on how the forestry sector is championing the circular bioeconomy and calling for a nature-positive economic model that will support a climate-resilient future.
Wits University and Sappi Southern Africa have renewed their research partnership to increase forestry resilience to climate change risks, by extending the Wits Sappi Chair in Climate Change and Plantation Sustainability until 2028.
October 15, 2025 – Global Handwashing Day (marked annually on 15 October) is a reminder that something as simple as handwashing can make a profound difference to public health and disease control. This year’s theme, “Clean hands are within reach,” highlights that proper hand hygiene goes beyond soap and water. How we dry our hands is in fact […]
Consumers appreciate paper-based packaging for its recyclability and lower environmental impact OCTOBER 7, 2025 – A global survey on the print and paper industry confirms that paper-based packaging remains South Africa’s preferred sustainable packaging choice. Consumers value paper-based packaging for its recyclability, biodegradability or compostability, lower environmental impact, affordability, safety, and its ability to display clear […]
Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has achieved a major sustainability milestone at its Merebank mill in Durban, South Africa, with the installation of a new turbine in the site’s power plant.