Indonesian paper maker Asia Pulp and Paper is inching closer to reaching its sustainability goals after receiving the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) certification, making more than 300,000 hectares of plantations PEFC certified. The 306,400 hectares are operated by two APP suppliers in Riau, Indonesia and more than one million more hectares are in the final stages of IFCC-PEFC certification, with certification anticipated imminently.
The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification International (PEFC) is considered, along with the FSC, to be one of the two premier forestry sustainability certifications and is a major requirement for many printers and paper merchants in buying from APP as it seeks to rehabilitate its image. APP can claim to be PEFC certified after the local Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) was endorsed by PEFC in October. APP also recently had an evaluation by independent NGO Rainforest Alliance, which found that it stayed true to its zero-deforestation pledge; however it did cite several gaps that needed to be addressed. Its Australian distributor Paper Force says the company will now offer its customers a greater range of PEFC-certified products across the market by the end of 2015. Managing director Jackson says consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable and certified products and this development means that it can now offer most of its products to the customers. Jackson says, “We continue to support APP in achieving its Sustainability Roadmap Vision by 2020 and applaud the positive steps it has taken to receive this certification. “This latest achievement is not only important for APP, but also for the sustainability of Paper Force products and the preservation of natural forests and their inhabitants.”
Aida Greenbury, managing director of sustainability with APP
The company says this means that APP will be much closer to reaching its Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2020 target of 100 per cent of pulpwood suppliers achieving sustainable forest management certification by 2020 – significantly ahead of target. Aida Greenbury, managing director sustainability at APP, says the paper manufacturer embraces all credible certification schemes, and is a member and supporter of PEFC. Greenbury says, “We have been working hard to help develop the Indonesian national sustainable forest management certification, and have helped to ensure that it is fully aligned with globally recognised standards, because we recognise that independent assurance of sustainable forest management is very important for our customers. “Through our work to support the development of the IFCC, its endorsement by the PEFC and the hard work of our suppliers in meeting the IFCC’s international standards, we have achieved this goal. “This is now the third year of the implementation of our zero deforestation commitment. In combination with this commitment, this certification means buyers from APP can be assured that not only are APP’s products of high quality, but that they are certified, traceable and support sustainable forest management across Indonesia.” Ben Gunneberg, secretary general of PEFC, says the non-for-profit NGO – which promotes sustainable forest management – is proud to be associated with first certificates to be issued against the recently endorsed IFCC forest management standard. It says through these Indonesia is signaling its commitment to sustainable forest management to consumers around the world. Dradjad H Wibowo, chairman of the IFCC, says: “Today marks the realisation of a lot of hard work and a long held ambition to secure internationally recognised certification for Indonesia’s forests. “Our dual ambition of stimulating the Indonesian economy, assisting small holders whilst protecting one of our most valuable resources, our natural forests, will be significantly bolstered by the presence of the PEFC certificate, which is regarded around the globe as a guarantee of responsibly sourced products.”
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