The pulp and paper industry plays a significant role in the global economy, providing essential materials for various sectors. But the industry is also responsible for large-scale deforestation, which has devastating consequences on the environment, climate, and biodiversity. How can it balance its significant contributions to the global economy with its efforts to mitigate environmental impact? Is it possible to protect the environment while still ensuring a long-term supply of wood fibre? The answer lies in the adoption of sustainable forestry practices.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of sustainable forestry practices in the pulp and paper industry and describe several key practices that can be adopted by companies to promote sustainability.
Importance of Sustainable Forestry Practices
First, what is sustainable forestry? Sustainable forestry is an approach to forest management that aims to balance the ecological, economic, and social needs associated with forests. Sustainable forestry is especially crucial in industries such as pulp and paper, which are responsible for approximately 50.8% of industrial wood traded in the United States,and produce a wide range of products like office and catalogue paper, glossy paper, tissue, and paper-based packaging, as evidenced by Fisher International.
By adopting the right initiatives, companies can ensure the long-term availability of wood fibre, protect the environment, and support local communities. Forest managers can ensure that the forests continue to thrive and provide valuable resources for future generations without causing significant harm to the environment.
Sustainable Forestry Practices
1. Sustainable forestry certification
Sustainable forestry certification is a voluntary third-party assessment that verifies a company’s commitment to responsible forest management. Several certification systems exist, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Obtaining certification assures customers and stakeholders that the wood products they purchase come from sustainably managed forests, fostering trust and promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain.
2. Responsible sourcing practices
Responsible sourcing practices are a vital component of creating a sustainable supply chain in the pulp and paper industry. By committing to traceability, transparency, and responsible procurement of wood fibre, companies can ensure that the materials they use come from legal and sustainable sources. Implementing robust tracking systems that follow wood fibre from its origin to the final product is essential in achieving this goal.
Additionally, collaborating with suppliers, local communities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) helps promote responsible forest management, combat illegal logging, and support the conservation of high conservation value (HCV) and high carbon stock (HCS) forests.
3. Reforestation and forest restoration
Reforestation and forest restoration are key components of sustainable forestry. Pulp and paper companies in Indonesia can take several steps to promote reforestation and forest restoration, including:
- Planting trees: Companies should ensure that the number of trees harvested is replaced with new saplings to maintain the long-term productivity and ecological integrity of the forest.
- Adopting mixed-species plantations: Planting a mix of native tree species can enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
- Supporting natural regeneration: By protecting and nurturing existing seedlings and saplings, companies can foster the natural regeneration of forests, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services.
4. Reducing waste and maximising efficiency
In the pursuit of sustainability, the efficient use of resources and the minimisation of waste are essential components of forestry practices. Pulp and paper companies can achieve this by:
- Implementing advanced technology: Adopting modern processing techniques can help reduce waste and improve the efficiency of wood fibre use.
- Recycling and reusing materials: Companies can minimise waste by recycling and reusing paper and wood products, thereby reducing the demand for raw wood fibre.
- Optimising transportation: Efficient transportation systems are crucial for reducing environmental impact in the supply chain. By streamlining logistics, utilising eco-friendly modes, and employing advanced route planning tools, companies can decrease fuel consumption and emissions.
Asia Pulp & Paper’s Commitment to a Greener Future
Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Sinar Mas is dedicated to protecting the environment and ensuring a long-term supply of wood fibre through the implementation of sustainable forestry practices. Through its Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030, it aims to reach carbon neutrality, conserve biodiversity, safeguard forests, and support communities across all its operations, demonstrating true dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices.
APP Sinar Mas’ contribution to sustainable forestry is multi-dimensional and exemplified in their robust Forest Conservation Policy (FCP). They acknowledge that merely halting natural forest clearance isn’t enough to achieve their vision for sustainability.
Instead, it recognises that traditional models of forest conservation fall short, and it’s insufficient to only protect areas within their suppliers’ concessions. APP Sinar Mas operates under rigorous international business and operational standards throughout its supply chain. This includes robust procedures to ensure responsible sourcing, transparency, and traceability, promoting sustainable forestry practices right from the point of wood fibre origin to the final product.
As part of this commitment, the company engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, government agencies, and industry players, in an unprecedented level of multi-stakeholder collaboration. Through this collaboration, APP Sinar Mas aims to protect, preserve, and restore Indonesia’s forests, recognising that every preserved tree contributes to a more sustainable future.
