APRIL, a major player in the pulp and paper industry, has adjusted its sustainability commitments, allowing wood from previously excluded suppliers with histories of deforestation. This policy shift has drawn criticism from environmental groups concerned about the impact on forest conservation efforts in Indonesia.
- APRIL lowered its deforestation cutoff from 2015 to 2020 to expand fiber sourcing options.
- New suppliers include companies responsible for large recent forest losses in Kalimantan.
- A coalition of NGOs urges APRIL to reinstate stricter policies and drop controversial suppliers.
What happened
APRIL, a leading pulp and paper manufacturer in Indonesia and part of the Royal Golden Eagle group, has revised its sustainability policy to lower its deforestation commitment cutoff date from 2015 to 2020. This change coincides with the company’s decision to add two suppliers, PT Industrial Forest Plantation (IFP) and PT Mayawana Persada, as wood sources. Both suppliers have been linked to extensive forest loss in Kalimantan, Indonesia, and were previously excluded under the company’s stricter no-deforestation policy.
The company confirmed that wood from IFP began arriving at its processing hub in May 2026, with shipping data indicating timber movements to APRIL’s facilities started even earlier. These developments sparked immediate concern among environmental groups, who highlight the backtracking on APRIL’s previous commitments and the risks this poses to forest conservation, particularly in a region with ongoing deforestation challenges.
Why it feels good
From APRIL’s perspective, the revised policy aligns its sourcing practices with international standards such as the EU Deforestation Regulation and frameworks promoted by the Forest Stewardship Council. The adjustment broadens the pool of fiber suppliers, helping the company secure essential raw materials needed for its production, especially after losing long-term suppliers. This ensures business continuity and could potentially stabilize supply chains in a competitive market.
Furthermore, APRIL emphasizes that its new approach incorporates due diligence checks and complies with recognized global guidelines. By allowing wood converted before the end of 2020, the company aims to balance environmental commitments with practical operational needs, suggesting that such flexibility might encourage better supplier engagement with sustainability over time.
What to enjoy or watch next
The reaction from over 20 environmental NGOs across multiple countries has been outspoken and critical. The coalition has called on APRIL to reinstate its original 2015 deforestation cutoff policy and remove the newly added suppliers from its supply chain. This pushback reflects a broader global trend demanding corporate accountability in industries impacting natural forests and biodiversity.
Looking ahead, observers can watch how APRIL’s policy changes influence the pulp and paper sector's sustainability narrative. The effectiveness of international regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation in shaping corporate behavior will also be important. Stakeholders and consumers interested in forest conservation may want to monitor whether APRIL adjusts its policy again in response to ongoing pressure or implements additional measures to prevent further deforestation.