2025

Sappi’s Project Elevate: Over $400M Investment in Sustainable Packaging Innovation

Entrant

Sappi North America

Category

Achievement - Achievement in Sustainable Supply Chain

Client's Name

Country / Region

United States

Sappi North America’s Project Elevate is over a $400 million transformation of Paper Machine No. 2, marking the company’s largest investment in sustainable packaging. Slated for completion in April 2025, the initiative doubles production capacity for SBS board, providing a renewable alternative to plastic packaging.

Key highlights:
● A next-generation paper production line, enhancing efficiency, automation and sustainability.
● An advanced white-water recovery system, significantly reducing freshwater consumption and optimizing fiber reuse.
● Annual SBS board production exceeding 500,000 tons, enabling brands to transition to plastic-free, fiber-based packaging.
● A major economic driver, supporting nearly 1,000 direct jobs and strengthening regional supply chains.
● Alignment with Sappi’s Thrive strategy, advancing circular economy solutions and responsible U.S. manufacturing.

Beyond expanding production, Project Elevate is setting a new industry benchmark for sustainability, innovation, and fiber-based material leadership.

Credits

President & CEO, Sappi North America
Mike Haws
Director of Project Elevate, Sappi
Kirk Ross
Somerset Mill Leadership & Operations Team
 
2025
AI & Cloud Cost Excellence: Design Patterns Enabling Predictive Financials and Supplier‑Audit Traceability in ERP
Information Technology

Entrant

Paul Praveen Kumar Ashok

Category

Information Technology - Technical Professional of the Year

Country / Region

United States

 
2025
The Sound of Flight
Marketing

Entrant

Gravity Global

Category

Marketing - Best Digital Marketing Campaign

Country / Region

United Kingdom

 
2025
Visionary Data Leader of the Year
Information Technology

Entrant

NARESH DULAM

Category

Information Technology - Information Technology (IT)

Country / Region

United States

 
2025
Celebrating Nearly 200 Years on the Railroad: CSX Heritage Locomotive
PR & Communications

Entrant

CSX Corporation

Category

PR & Communications - Best Brand Storytelling Strategy

Country / Region

United States