Pulp and paper giant APRIL has lowered its deforestation cutoff date to 2020 and started sourcing wood from suppliers linked to significant recent forest loss, raising fresh concerns about its commitment to sustainable forestry and its relationship with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
- APRIL shifts deforestation cutoff from 2015 to 2020 amid supplier permit losses.
- Two key suppliers linked to major forest loss now included in APRIL’s sourcing.
- FSC reviews APRIL’s status within its Remedy Framework certification process.
What happened
In an effort to address wood supply shortages after losing four long-term supplier permits, APRIL lowered its deforestation cutoff date from 2015 to the end of 2020. This change allows the company to source wood from PT Industrial Forest Plantation (IFP) and PT Mayawana Persada, whose operations have been linked to substantial forest loss between 2015 and 2024. The combined forest loss from these two suppliers totals nearly 80,000 hectares, making them the largest contributors to deforestation in Indonesia’s forestry sector over that period.
APRIL, part of the Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) group, has been working to regain FSC certification through the FSC’s Remedy Framework after previously withdrawing in 2013 due to deforestation and social conflict allegations. However, the reinstatement process was suspended last year following reports of community conflict involving an affiliate company. APRIL insists that its policy revision aligns with current international standards and remains committed to sustainable forestry, though environmental groups dispute the change as a weakening of no-deforestation commitments.
Why it feels good
Understanding the pressures faced by one of Indonesia’s largest pulp and paper producers highlights the complex realities of balancing environmental goals with operational challenges. APRIL's attempt to diversify its wood supply sources reflects a practical response to permit revocations impacting its raw material availability. This move could pave the way for encouraging sustainability improvements across a broader supplier base by bringing these companies under the scrutiny of international standards and certification processes.
The FSC’s willingness to review APRIL’s updated sourcing policies demonstrates the importance of robust oversight and accountability in forestry management. Such diligence ensures that companies remain held responsible not just for past actions but also for their ongoing commitments to environmental stewardship. This interaction may contribute to setting clearer expectations for the pulp and paper industry on sustainable sourcing moving forward.
What to enjoy or watch next
Environmental groups, the FSC, and industry stakeholders will be closely watching how APRIL’s policy changes influence its re-certification prospects and ecological impact. The FSC’s assessment could either reinforce strict sustainability benchmarks or lead to a reconsideration of certification conditions to improve inclusivity and supplier engagement.
Meanwhile, the broader pulp and paper sector in Indonesia may observe how APRIL's strategy of engaging suppliers with historical forest loss affects sustainable forest management at a national scale. This unfolding situation also underscores the importance of transparent monitoring tools like Nusantara Atlas, which provide critical data to hold companies accountable. Keeping an eye on further policy updates from APRIL and responses from environmental advocates will offer insights into the evolving landscape of sustainable forestry in Indonesia.