In a significant stride towards advancing sustainable paper production, Sylvamo acquired Stora Enso’s paper mill in Nymölla, Sweden, earlier this year. This strategic move not only triples Sylvamo’s uncoated paper capacity in Europe but also brings under its umbrella a facility distinguished by its environmental stewardship.
The Nymölla mill, a producer of cut-size papers, business forms, digital papers and offset, boasts two pulp lines and two paper machines and stands out for low CO2 emissions. It seamlessly aligns with Sylvamo’s commitment to producing paper in the most responsible and sustainable ways.
The integration brings together talented teams, iconic brands, low-cost mills in favourable locations and a shared dedication to safety and sustainability. The acquisition also substantially strengthens Sylvamo’s product portfolio and enhances offerings for UK customers.
A tale of two mills
Both the Nymölla and Sylvamo’s Saillat mill in France prioritise renewable energy sources and benefit from low carbon grid electricity in their respective locales.
For over two decades, the mills have proudly upheld ISO 14001 certification for their environmental management systems as well as fortified their energy efficiency with the implementation of ISO 50001. Both mills bear FSC and PEFC chain of custody certifications and EU Ecolabel paper certifications, with Nymölla also earning the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
The commitment
Sylvamo’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitment transcends paper production, aptly illustrated in its inaugural ESG Report through the tagline: ‘Building a better future through the promise of paper’. This pledge extends to fostering the success of the entire ecosystem, encompassing forests, communities and those reliant on its paper.
The company’s ESG strategy is not a standalone endeavour; it is intricately woven into its core business operations, with every department playing a pivotal role in propelling meaningful change. In pursuit of its vision to become the employer, supplier and investment of choice, Sylvamo continues to forge a brighter future for its company and stakeholders.
The progress achieved so far is nothing short of inspirational, marked by a consistent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards deriving more than 80% of mill energy globally from carbon neutral, renewable biomass residuals rather than fossil fuels.
Sylvamo’s pursuit is underpinned by ambitious 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These SDGs chart the course for continuous improvement in three important ways:
- Sustainable forest management to ensure healthy and productive forest ecosystems
- The protection and improvement of the lives of employees and support of communities
- Responsible operations to mitigate climate impact and safeguard natural resources
As a global producer of some of the UK’s most iconic paper brands – REY, Multicopy, HP Papers and PRO DESIGN – Sylvamo is resolutely committed to the enduring health of the entire ecosystem.
Empowering literacy: The REY paper brand and National Literacy Trust collaboration
The National Literacy Trust empowers children, young people and adults with the literacy skills they need to succeed and get the most out of life, focusing on all aspects of literacy: reading, writing, speaking and listening. It works in communities across the UK where low levels of literacy are seriously impacting people’s lives.
REY firmly believes in the transformative potential of paper as a catalyst for creativity, learning and personal development. It influences communication and literacy skills, serving as a versatile canvas for creative expression and playing a vital role in nurturing essential life skills.
This mission has become increasingly crucial as evidence mounts of a decline in reading, writing and basic communication skills among younger generations.
The deficiency in literacy and numeracy skills also has a significant impact on national productivity. Research indicates that, if every child left primary school equipped with the necessary reading skills, the UK economy could experience remarkable growth of over £32.1 billion by 2025.
Proactive partnerships
Sylvamo’s UK operations and its REY brand have made a commitment to partner with the National Literacy Trust and key REY distribution partners nationwide. The goal is to enhance literacy skills and emphasise the vital role that paper plays in our daily lives.
Taking a proactive approach to tackling this challenge through the National Literacy Trust partnership, REY has already made a tangible impact on 600 families in Stoke-on-Trent. Here, significant progress has been made in narrowing the literacy gap by distributing engaging activity packs through local schools and food banks.
Building on this initial success, 2022 saw the launch of the Comics Rule! Summer Writing Challenge, which was complemented by a wealth of online teaching resources. Furthermore, 10,000 physical packs were sent to schools conducting summer catch-up sessions, revitalising writing attitudes and reinforcing literacy proficiency.
Notably, this effort was bolstered by the contribution of REY paper – totalling 150,000 sheets – which provided invaluable resources to the campaign.
The resounding success of the Comics Rule! Summer Writing Challenge culminated in receiving the prestigious European Office Products Award 2023 for Initiative of the Year.
The REY and National Literacy Trust partnership is not only transforming lives but also fuelling the engine of economic growth and productivity. This is helping to pave the way for a more empowered, educated and prosperous society.
