Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) is one of the world’s largest pulp and paper companies, with an annual production capacity of over 17 million tons of paper and 6 million tons of pulp. APP is headquartered in Indonesia and operates in China, India, and other parts of Asia. One of their mills, PT Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper Tbk, is the largest paper mill in the world.
According to its website, APP is “committed to the highest standards of sustainable forestry and manufacturing, to ensure that the needs of present generations are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” APP has been criticized for its environmental and social practices, but the company insists it is committed to sustainable forestry and manufacturing.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
APP has a long history of environmental and social responsibility. The company is a signatory of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). All of its products are certified by these organizations. APP is also a member of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
APP is also committed to social responsibility. The company employs over 30,000 people and invests in training and development programs for its employees. APP is also a significant contributor to the Indonesian economy, with an annual turnover of over US$5 billion.
Sustainability Initiatives
APP has implemented several sustainability initiatives in recent years. In 2015, the company launched its “Greenhouse Gas Protocol Reduction Roadmap,” which targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 as explained here https://www.youtube.com/c/asiapulpandpaper/featured. APP has also committed to sourcing its wood fiber from sustainably managed forests by 2020.
The company only sources wood from sustainably managed forests, making its products with 100% recycled fiber. Greenpeace has recognized APP for its efforts to protect forests and reduce their environmental impact.
APP is also working to improve the livelihoods of communities in Indonesia. The company has launched several programs to help smallholder farmers increase their incomes and improve their standard of living. APP also works with the Indonesian government to replant degraded forests and protect forested areas.
Issues and Criticism
Environmentalists have criticized Asia Pulp & Paper for clearing tropical forests. It is accused of being one of Indonesia’s most significant contributors to deforestation. APP has been criticized for destroying natural habitats, contributing to climate change, and risking the lives of local communities and animals.
APP has been clear-cutting forests in Indonesia for wood pulp and paper production since the 1970s. The company is accused of clearing some of the last remaining rainforests in the country, as well as a critical tiger habitat. APP’s Forest Conservation Policy, released in February 2013, commits the company to halt deforestation and conversion of natural forests. However, environmentalists say the policy is insufficient to protect Indonesia’s rainforests.
APP is also criticized for its role in the destruction of peatlands. Peatlands are carbon-rich wetlands that play a critical role in regulating the global climate. When drained and burned for agriculture, as with APP’s operations in Indonesia, they release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Conclusion
Asia Pulp and Paper is one of the world’s largest pulp and paper companies. They have been criticized for their environmental and social practices, but it insists they are committed to sustainable forestry and manufacturing. APP has been implementing several sustainability initiatives for years, including sourcing all its wood fiber from sustainably managed forests by 2020 and investing in programs to help smallholder farmers increase their incomes.
