Asia Pulp and Paper Group (APP) meets the legal requirements for all countries to which we distribute our products throughout the world. Additionally we follow the legal guidelines of the Government of Indonesia. It is our responsibility to adhere strictly with these laws, not to satisfy the unreasonable and groundless demands of a foreign-based NGO.
Greenpeace's allegation that it found mixed tropical hardwood fibers in some products that we might have produced is meaningless. Indonesia's pulpwood land concessions, legally provided by the Government of Indonesia, include some degraded forests, which are required by law to be developed into plantations. Rather than burn the wood residues, increase carbon emissions or create disease outbreaks in the forests, the government requires that they be used to produce paper pulp. Despite this, as publically stated, we have set the goal of 100% sustainable plantation pulp by 2015. There is absolutely no illegal wood tolerated, nor is high conservation forest (HCV) harvested for pulpwood production.
Regarding carton box packaging, the specific target of the Greenpeace report, we are proud to clarify that our packaging materials contain between 80% and 90% of recycled paper sourced from around the world, making APP a leader in Indonesia in recycled paper production.
We call on Greenpeace to do the responsible thing and share with the public the detailed scientific analysis and independent result on which it bases its allegations. If the group has identified any specific illegal fiber in the products it analyzed, we want to know what it is because of our zero tolerance for illegal wood.
Greenpeace may think citing popular children's toys is a cute way to get attention for its extreme position. However, we believe it's irresponsible to play on the emotions of children and their parents to rehash old, discredited allegations in order to attack the industry of a developing nation. You can learn more on our perspectives about this issue and join the discussion at http://www.rainforestrealities.com.
CONTACT:
APP Indonesia
Aniela Maria, (62-21) 392 9266-69 Ext. 2303
Head of Stakeholder Engagement
Aniela_Maria@app.co.id
or
Loren Mack, +62-821-136-952-57
Public Relations Manager, Sustainability & Stakeholder Engagement
Loren_M_Mack@app.co.id
or
Cohn & Wolfe
Naomi Bata, 312-596-3332
Vice President of Public Relations
Mobile: 630-788-6507
naomi.bata@cohnwolfe.com