Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Saiccor Mill
COMMUNITYāÆ
COMMUNITYāÆ
relying on us for their livelihood
WORKFORCEāÆ
WORKFORCEāÆ
Highly skilled and motivated employees
PRODUCTION
tons
PRODUCTION
tons
dissolving wood pulp (DWP) annually
Saiccor Mill has been a pillar of innovation since its establishment in 1951 and takes pride in producing a product of unparalleled purity, reaching clients across the globe. Our dissolving wood pulp is the cornerstone of industries such as textiles, food, and pharmaceuticals, and powers our iconic product brand, Verve.
Job opportunities
We work hard to attract, retain and develop people who are committed to delivering excellent work and being the best they can possibly be.āÆ
Weāre looking for passionate, driven individuals who are ready to make an impact. At Sappi Saiccor, we thrive on innovation, ambition, and continuous growthāoffering dynamic opportunities in a fast-evolving industry. If youāre up for the challenge, weāll back you with training, career development, and great benefits to help you succeed. Letās build the future together!āÆ
There are currently no job opportunities available at this time.
Meet our people
Sappiās support and focus on teamwork, safety, and sustainability have empowered my growth from Trainee Operator in 2007 to Production Manager today.
Xolani Mbatha ā Production Manager, Saiccor Mill
Over 22 years, Sappiās dynamic culture and collaborative spirit have enhanced my expertise, leadership skills, and passion for innovation.
Rudi Lambrecht ā Engineer: Technical Support, Saiccor Mill
At Sappi, growth, innovation, and inclusivity are at the core of the culture. I take pride in fostering collaboration, promoting fairness, and shaping a workplace where employees can thrive and reach their full potential.
Jodene van Schalkwyk ā HR Consultant: Employee Relations
Sappi fosters respect, collaboration, and growth, valuing employees and celebrating their achievements in a truly rewarding culture.
Sandile Mkhize Manager Mill: Rec & Services
About Saiccor Mill
Acquired by Sappi in 1989, Saiccor Mill, located in Umkomaas on the scenic south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is a vital part of the eThekwini Municipality and lies just 50 km south of Durban. This acquisition marked Sappi's pioneering step into the global dissolving wood pulp (DWP) market.
Today, Saiccor Mill proudly holds the title of the worldās largest Acid Sulphide dissolving wood pulp mill, renowned for producing exceptionally pure products.
An impressive 95% of our dissolving wood pulp is exported worldwide, serving key industries such as textiles, food, and pharmaceuticals. Our flagship product brand, Verve, fuels innovation in fashion as the driving force behind viscose fabricāa popular choice in sustainable and versatile apparel.
Our Services
In the Dissolving Wood Pulp Centre of Excellence (COE) we provide product application and technical support to Sappiās Verve customers by ensuring that the Verve product specifications for each customer are tailored to be fit for purpose, by acting as the primary technical point of contact for our customers, by assisting our customers to optimise the use of Sappi Verve in their processes and by partnering with customers to solve problems and develop new opportunities. The COE also serves as an innovation centre for Verve, undertaking product development projects and more fundamental research work that enhances the quality, sustainability and range of Verve products and applications. Finally, the COE partners with Sappiās three Verve mills to ensure that the quality and reactivity of Sappi Verve continues to meet the needs of our customers
Empowering our community
Our community isnāt just where we operateāitās home to many of our employees and the heart of our business. At Saiccor Mill, weāre committed to making a real impact through initiatives like our Community Skills Centre. This dynamic learning hub equips both local community members and Sappi employees with technical and vocational skills, opening doors to sustainable businesses and meaningful careers. Together, weāre building a stronger, more skilled future.
More about the mill
In 2022, the mill completed a significant expansion and environmental upgrade, marking a milestone in both production and sustainability. Key advancements included the installation of a state-of-the-art recovery boiler and a shift from a calcium-based process to an innovative magnesium closed-loop recovery system. These upgrades have dramatically reduced the mill's environmental footprint by lowering fossil fuel energy demands and boosting the use of renewable energy.
But we didnāt stop thereāour commitment to sustainability continues with groundbreaking innovations to reclaim and reuse lignin, a vital component of wood fibre. By better harnessing our energy resources, weāre further enhancing the mill's efficiency and reducing its environmental impact.
Saiccor Mill produces elemental chlorine-free (ECF) dissolving pulp (DP) under the globally recognized Verve brand. With an impressive annual capacity of 1.5 million tons and a 15% share of the global DP market, Sappi has solidified its position as a major player in this industry.
A significant portion of the DP produced at Saiccor Mill is exported worldwide, catering to the rayon market, including Viscose Staple Fibres (VSF) and Lyocell (solvent-spun fibres) used in textiles. Notably, Sappi meets two-thirds of the global demand for Lyocell, the revolutionary 3rd generation cellulosic fibre, often hailed as the fibre of the future.
Verve stands out as a truly sustainable product. Unlike synthetic alternatives, its raw material is derived from a natural, renewable resourceāeucalyptus hardwoods. These fast-growing trees are cultivated near the mill, bolstering its competitive edge in DP production while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
With expertise and advanced technology, Sappiās dissolving pulp is a vital component in various applications, from textiles to pharmaceuticals and even food products, meeting diverse global market needs with excellence and innovation.
Our community isnāt just where we workāitās where we live, and it forms the heart of our business. At Saiccor Mill, we are passionate about creating real, lasting impact through initiatives like our Community Skills Centre. This vibrant learning hub provides both local residents and Sappi employees with technical and vocational training, paving the way to sustainable businesses and meaningful career opportunities.
We actively partner with community forums to drive positive social change. Our efforts include creating employment opportunities, supporting small businesses through our Enterprise Supplier Development programme, fostering skills development, uplifting youth, and collaborating with local NGOs on various initiatives. Together, weāre building a stronger, more capable future for everyone.
Our timber supply is sourced from a combination of our own certified plantations and other trusted suppliers. Notably, about 80% of the timber from Sappi Khulisaāour Enterprise Supplier Development programmeāsupports the operations at Saiccor Mill, demonstrating the strong link between our business and community success.
At Sappi Saiccor, we believe in attracting and supporting talented individuals who are passionate about achieving their best. Weāre looking for driven, dedicated people ready to make a difference and grow with us. Join a company that values innovation, ambition, and continuous learning. We offer exciting opportunities in a fast-changing industry, backed by comprehensive training, career development, and great benefits to help you thrive.
Here, you'll be part of a close-knit team that feels like familyāreflecting the warmth and values of the South Coast community. Together, weāll build a brighter future for you, our company, and our world.
Caring for the environment
The Saiccor Vulindlela Upgrade and Expansion Project, completed in 2022, is aimed at increasing global competitiveness, accelerating shareholder value and driving positive social impact by:
Certifications for Saiccor Mill
Our certifications ensure that our performance is monitored and that our operations comply with global best practice across a range of environmental, safety and quality topics.
Explore our other Mills in Africa
Lomati Mill
Lomati Sawmill, established in 1971, is a manufacturing plant that produces kiln dried Southern African pine lumber from sawlogs supplied by Sappi Forests.
Ngodwana Mill
Ngodwana Mill has been in operation since 1966 and entered the dissolving wood pulp (DP) market in 2013 with the conversion of part of the millās paper-grade pulp production to DP production.
Saiccor Mill
Saiccor Mill, a Sappi Pulp facility, produces world-class products in South Africa, where technology and infrastructure meet global demands. It is located 50 km south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.
Stanger Mill
Stanger Mill is unique in South Africa in that it uses bagasse as its basic raw material in the manufacture of office paper and tissue paper. Situated along the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, the mill is ideally situated to take advantage of the ready supply of bagasse from the neighbouring Gledhow Sugar Company.
Tugela Mill
Tugela Mill has been in operation since 1945 and is currently the oldest purpose-built mill in the Sappi group. The mill produces neutral sulphite semi-chemical pulp for its own consumption, corrugating medium (containerboard) and lignosulphonate for export.
Where to find us
Get in contact
Communications Practitioner