A Global Reset on Safety

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Sylvamo's name translates to "love of forests," but caring for people comes first, as shown in the company's safety and well-being rally cry: People Before Paper™.

Sylvamo's roots are built on more than 150 years of experience in the paper industry. Across that legacy, safety has remained a core part of who the company is.

Today, with more than 6,500 employees worldwide, one belief continues to guide it: Every person deserves to go home safe and well at the end of each day.

In 2024, Sylvamo reached a critical moment. Safety performance was trending in the wrong direction, with more injuries occurring during routine tasks, specifically hand injuries. Leaders knew something had to change and it needed to involve everyone.

As a result, Sylvamo launched global safety standdowns, something the company had never done before. Work was stopped at every mill and location worldwide and teams came together to talk openly about injuries, risks and what was missing from the company's safety program.

The message was clear: Everyone has stop-work authority, and every voice matters.

Employees gave powerful feedback, wanting deeper discussions about risks, stronger knowledge sharing across locations and better visibility into safety progress. Sylvamo acted quickly.

One key outcome was the expansion of structured safety improvement projects, which are employee-led efforts focused on identifying hazards and preventing injuries. Teams now share project outcomes during global safety collaboration calls, designed to help mills learn from one another and be proactive in applying solutions.

The company also introduced new technologies, expanded reliability training and brought retired experts back as mentors to help transfer critical knowledge to a younger workforce. Stronger training and more reliable operations go hand in hand with safer workplaces.

The standdowns marked a turning point, bringing team members alongside Sylvamo to identify solutions and be at the forefront of improving the company's safety culture.

Championing a strong speak up culture and empowering people with the authority to stop work are ways Sylvamo will get closer to its goals of eliminating serious injuries and achieving injury-free workplaces. Caring about team members' well-being beyond physical safety is another.