Sappi plans to increase dissolving pulp capacity by more than 30% during the next four years, as the world’s largest maker of the product pursues growth. 

Pulp and paper company Sappi, Durban, South Africa, this week said that it was planning to increase its dissolving wood pulp capacity by more than 30% in the next four years to extract maximum value from the wood fiber value chain.

 

 

The company said on Tuesday that it would continue to invest in South Africa and develop its dissolving wood pulp at the Ngodwana and Saiccor operations.

Chief executive Steve Binnie said Sappi would also increase its capital expenditure in South Africa, because the country still provided good opportunities. He noted that Sappi had set aside $350 million in the 2017 financial year as capital expenditure to achieve this.

"We have moved away from being a company that has been known for producing glossy paper to a more diversified company," he said. "The Sappi of today is different from the Sappi of 12 years ago."