Contribution to UN SDGs

We have identified seven strategically most relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and set various actions and practices across our business to contribute to the targets.

Mondi Richardsbay wood worker

Contributing to deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals

We believe businesses have a responsibility to help deliver on the UN SDGs. 

The strong link between our business practices and the UN SDGs brings focus and perspective to our own sustainability goals, strengthens our social relevance as a business, and helps us set targets that are more impactful. 

We have identified our seven strategically most relevant UN SDGs, covering areas with the greatest impact on our business and where we can contribute to positive change at scale.  

Read more about our contribution below. 

sdg 6

Clean water and sanitation (SDG 6)

Our manufacturing is water-intensive, as our mills and converting operations impact on water resources with their withdrawal and use of water. Water is also used in the fibre supply chain. We manage our impacts on freshwater resources to meet rising demand for sustainable products while safeguarding freshwater ecosystems at a landscape level. We aim to use water efficiently and increase water recycling in our operations.

sdg 7

Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7)

Energy self-sufficiency improves our profitability and energy security, while reducing carbon emissions. We invest in optimising energy and process efficiencies and replacing fossil fuel-based energy with renewable sources. Some of our mills provide electricity generated by the plant to the local municipality and the surrounding community.

sdg 8

Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)

We work towards a fair, safe, diverse and inclusive workplace for around 22,000 Mondi employees who are offered good working conditions, upskilling programmes and career development. We promote physical and mental wellbeing and purposeful employment. Our support for local enterprises creates employment opportunities, strengthens the local supply chain and promotes resilient communities.

sdg 9

Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9)

We contribute to economic and social development by investing in local infrastructure, creating business opportunities and driving collaboration. Our purpose to make packaging and paper that is sustainable by design, means that we take a leading role in product innovation and redesign to shape the future of sustainable packaging. We have clear investment plans to upgrade our operational infrastructure, drive resource efficiency and shift to renewable energy sources.

asg 12

Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12)

Innovation in sustainable packaging and reducing plastic waste provides an opportunity to grow our business, while reducing our environmental impacts. The efficient use of raw materials and energy is fundamental to being a sustainable business. We engage and collaborate with customers to design fit-for-purpose paper- and plastic-based solutions for a circular economy.

sdg 13

Climate action (SDG 13)

Our climate action includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting and improving the resilience of forests and freshwater ecosystems, which play a crucial role in tackling the climate crisis. We support the global just transition to a low-carbon economy as we deliver against our science-based Net-Zero targets. We will continue to decarbonise our operations, increase our uptake of renewable energy sources and target our investments to support our climate transition plan.

sdg 15

Life on Land (SDG 15)

We manage over 250,000 hectares of plantation forestry landholdings in South Africa and source wood fibre responsibly. In our plantations we take a leading role in developing and implementing best practices to secure the long-term productivity and resilience of production sites, while managing conservation areas and key ecosystems to maintain biodiversity, water and other natural capital. This involves engaging with scientific organisations and partners to identify ways to improve resilience of forests to climate change.

UN SDG Index

Each year, we report on our contribution to the UN SDGs. Learn about our targets and actions last year.

tree plantation workers