Pulp and paper group Sappi is currently ramping up its modified specialised-cellulose plant at the Ngodwana mill, in Mpumalanga. The R3-billion project, which started in early 2012, has a nameplate capacity of 200 000 t/y. The development forms part of the group’s strategy to expand output of specialised cellulose, which commands a higher margin than many of Sappi’s other products and which is used in the production of textiles, personal-beauty and hygiene products, as well as in a range of medical and industrial applications.