Sappi joins UN framework for best practices

South African forestry giant Sappi Ltd has shown commitment to incorporating principles of sustainable development into its everyday management, by joining the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The UNGC’s framework requires businesses to align their operations and strategies to 10 principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and fighting corruption. The UN said these principles are derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organisation’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio on Environment and Development and the Convention Against Corruption. “The UNGC principles complement and build on Sappi’s existing commitments,” said Sappi CEO Ralph Boettger. “These are reflected in Sappi’s Sustainability Charter, which guides the work of our company on its path to entrenching the values and practices of sustainable development.” – Lloyd Phillips