Team size: 21

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The acquisition, in the second quarter of 2024, of the shares representing 100% of the share capital of Accrol Group Holdings, a listed company, leader in the tissue paper converting segment in the United Kingdom. This deal is part of the group’s ambitious growth and diversification plan and reinforces its strategic position in the Western European tissue market, through the acquisition of this company, with competitive advantages, complementary values, and strong alignment with Navigator.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

Besides the across-the-board qualities every in-house lawyer must have, there are some skills required for the pulp and paper industry. In particular, a deep understanding of environmental regulations specific to the pulp and paper sector is crucial. This includes knowledge of permits, emissions standards, wastewater management, and forestry regulations. Given the industry’s environmental footprint, expertise in sustainable practices and compliance with certification standards like PEFC is highly valuable. Proficiency in drafting and negotiating industry-specific contracts and agreements is essential. This includes supply agreements for wood fiber procurement, manufacturing contracts for pulp and paper production, distribution agreements, and joint venture partnerships in the forestry sector.

Familiarity with the intricacies of the pulp and paper supply chain, including sourcing of raw materials (wood fiber), transportation logistics, and distribution channels, is essential. In-depth knowledge of product liability laws and safety regulations is vital. Lawyers must advise on product labeling, packaging regulations, and consumer safety standards to mitigate the risk of product recalls or legal liabilities. Expertise in intellectual property (IP) law is crucial in protecting innovations, patents, trademarks, and proprietary technologies unique to the pulp and paper manufacturing process. This includes safeguarding intellectual property related to pulp processing, papermaking machinery, and innovative paper products.

Moreover, given the energy-intensive nature of pulp and paper manufacturing, lawyers need to advise on energy procurement strategies, energy efficiency initiatives, and compliance with energy regulations. Additionally, expertise in waste management, recycling programmes, and sustainable resource utilisation is valuable for minimising environmental impact and regulatory risks.

Familiarity with international trade laws and export regulations is essential for pulp and paper companies engaged in global markets, like Navigator. Lawyers must navigate trade agreements, tariffs, customs regulations, and export controls to facilitate cross-border transactions and ensure compliance with international trade laws.

Finally, in a highly regulated and environmentally sensitive industry, in-house lawyers must be adept at crisis management and contingency planning. This includes developing response plans for environmental incidents, regulatory violations, and legal disputes to mitigate reputational damage and financial liabilities.

In short, success as an in-house lawyer in the pulp and paper industry requires a nuanced understanding of the sector’s unique legal challenges, regulatory requirements, and business dynamics. Specialised expertise in environmental law, supply chain management, product safety is essential for effectively navigating legal risks and supporting the industry’s sustainable growth.

How have you fostered a closer collaboration between the legal department and your business counterparts?

As responsible for a broader direction, which encompasses legal, compliance and public affairs, the collaboration of this tripartite areas and business teams ensures community relations and stakeholder engagement align with regulatory and ethical standards. Compliance professionals provide insights into regulatory requirements, conduct risk assessments, and monitor activities for adherence to laws and ethical codes. Legal counsel advise on legal risks, negotiate agreements, and ensure compliance with environmental and indigenous rights laws. Public affairs foster transparent communication and build relationships with stakeholders. Together, they develop comprehensive community engagement strategies, conduct training on legal and ethical standards, and implement monitoring and reporting mechanisms. Regular audits and assurance reviews assess compliance and identify areas for improvement. By combining legal, compliance, and public affairs expertise, our company can navigate community relations effectively, minimise legal disputes, and promote sustainable development while upholding ethical standards and regulatory compliance.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

Working as the legal counsel of Navigator I care about the company’s activities and their effects on different sectors. As part of my role, I pay attention to environmental sustainability, because our operations depend on it. I also love contemporary art and I whenever possible I strive for the support cultural initiatives in our company and community, by promoting corporate support for art institutions and emerging artists, in particular when using paper as its main medium, hoping this helps to make a meaningful impact both within and beyond the confines of my professional role.