Tuesday, 18 Dec 2012 10:59 GMT

APP claims rejuvenated approach to timber legality

Display and graphics material supplier Asia Pulp and Paper Group (APP) has received the SLVK timber certification on its ninth Indonesian mill, completing the certification of its operations.

SLVK is the Indonesian Timber Legality Assurance System, and the acknowledgement of the APP Pindo Deli Perawang mill in November confirms the site meets the standards set by the awarding body. The system ensures mills only receive and process timber from legal sources, and all products exported from the country or traceable to verifiable points of origin.

APP is to implement an ‘ambitious’ sustainability program, which includes eliminating deforestation from its supply chain by 2015”

APP has faced criticism recently from environmental campaign group, Greenpeace, which claimed APP had been engaged in the pulping of protected trees in Indonesia. Amongst the accusations from Greenpeace was the claim that APP was ‘violating’ Indonesian laws that protect ramin—an internationally protected tree species—at its Indah Kiat Perawang mill.

However, the new SVLK awarding system has recognised the ongoing efforts by APP, giving it the green light to continue operations in Indonesia.

Managing director of sustainability and stakeholder at APP, Aida Greenbury, says the group is ‘delighted’ to have reached its aim of 100 percent compliance by January 2013.

“As new requirements in the US and Europe show, the market is demanding proof that all products are from legal, verifiable and traceable sources,” says Greenbury.

She also confirms APP is to implement an ‘ambitious’ sustainability program, which includes eliminating deforestation from its supply chain by 2015—an initiative outlined in its Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2020.


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