Workforce and Engagement - The company employs over 6,500 people globally, with 25% in Europe, 49% in Latin America, and 26% in North America [20] - In 2024, the company launched a global engagement survey, establishing a baseline for engagement levels, which are considered fairly high across all regions [30] - The company has a Global Inclusion & Diversity Council that meets quarterly to develop strategies for fostering an inclusive workplace [34] - The company faces challenges in hiring and retention due to competition for skilled labor, which may increase labor costs [35] Environmental Compliance and Sustainability - The company expects to spend approximately 14-$15 million in 2025 and 2026 on capital projects to control environmental releases [45] - The company is subject to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), with a compliance deadline of December 30, 2025, which may increase costs and affect the availability of goods [41] - The company is committed to compliance with environmental laws, including the U.S. EPA's maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards [40] - The company aims to reduce its Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 35% by 2030, using a 2019 baseline [49] - The company plans to source 100% of its fiber from sustainably managed forests and aims to conserve, enhance, or restore 250,000 acres of ecologically significant forestland globally by 2030 [60] - The company generated at least 85% of the energy used in its mills from carbon-neutral biomass residuals, minimizing fossil fuel usage [63] - The company has committed to reducing water usage by 25% compared to a 2019 baseline [62] - The company’s GHG emissions reduction targets were validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) in April 2023 [63] - The company maintains partnerships with major environmental organizations to promote sustainable forest management [61] - The company is actively participating in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to provide transparency on its environmental practices [64] - The company’s sustainability strategy is overseen by a Chief Sustainability Officer who reports to the Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer [67] - The company integrates sustainability concepts across all regions and business teams, with a dedicated sustainability team led by the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) [68] Financial and Market Risks - The company streamlined its organization in 2023 and 2024 through "Project Horizon," resulting in a leaner structure and reduced costs [36] - Forward-looking statements in the annual report include expectations about future business performance and operating outlook [70] - Actual results may differ from forward-looking statements due to various risks, including economic conditions and competition in the paper industry [71] - The company faces risks related to climate change, including adverse environmental events that could impact operations [72] - Compliance with extensive environmental and regulatory laws in multiple jurisdictions poses additional risks [72] - The company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements after the report [73] - Market risk disclosures are included in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of the annual report [75] Reporting and Transparency - The company provides free access to its annual reports (Form 10-K), quarterly reports (Form 10-Q), and current reports (Form 8-K) on its website [69] - All reports filed with the SEC are publicly available on the company's website [74] - The company is subject to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), requiring reporting for European operations starting in 2026 and globally by 2029 [51] - The company’s Nymölla mill's eligibility for free allocation of GHG emission allowances under the EU ETS is expected to terminate at the end of 2025 [48]
Sylvamo (SLVM) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report