Indonesia-based APRIL Group is one of the largest pulp and paper producers in the world. The company has a major pulp and paper mill in Riau Province, Sumatra, but it also obtains softwood pulp from Metsä Fibre. From its early days, sustainability has been an integral factor in APRIL’s growth.
APRIL’s paper brand PaperOne™ is sold in 70 countries worldwide, and most of its pulp and paper is exported to Asia Pacific markets. PaperOne products are PEFC certified, ensuring that its paper comes from sustainably managed and controlled sources.
Setting common goals
APRIL commenced pulp production in 1995 and began commercial paper production three years later. As part of its Sustainable Forest Management Policy 2.0 it applies sustainability commitments across its supply chain, which includes Metsä Fibre as one of its key softwood pulp suppliers.
APRIL has applied comprehensive wood legality tracking since 2002, preventing illegally harvested wood from entering its supply and production chains. Similarly, all raw materials supplied by Metsä Fibre are traceable.
More recently, APRIL began implementing commitments for more positive impacts on the climate, the environment, and people. These are a series of time-bound, science-based targets that will make APRIL a more sustainable and circular business by 2030.
APRIL uses the latest technology and invests heavily in research and development. It also has comprehensive technical co-operation with Metsä Fibre, mainly on long fibre usage optimisation and benchmarking for green and renewable energy pulp mill.
Cooperation with Metsä Fibre brings great value
Metsä Fibre’s and APRIL’s sustainability goals are well aligned, and the two companies share many common goals, says Eduward Ginting, Chief Operating Officer of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper, the main pulp and paper subsidiary of APRIL.
“Metsä Fibre’s operations align with our vision to continue to be a sustainably managed, resource-based company that implements best practices in sustainability. For us, Metsä Fibre is much more than just a supplier. A few years ago, I visited Metsä Fibre’s mill and was impressed by its operation, especially how it utilises green technology and renewable energy, just as we do,” he says.
“Metsä Fibre is one of the greenest and most sustainable companies in the industry, and we are proud to work together with them. We believe our strong working relationship brings great value to both companies.”
Sustainably expanding operations
In March 2022, APRIL announced plans to construct a new sustainable paperboard packaging facility close to its existing operations in Riau Province. Once it is up and running, the facility will be able to produce 1.2 million tonnes of folding box board annually. APRIL’s additional fibre supply will come from its existing supply chain, as well as from its key partners like Metsä Fibre
According to APRIL’s information about industry forecasts, the paperboard packaging market is expected to grow globally by three per cent in 2022. Demand drivers include rapid urbanisation, a boost in e-commerce and changes in consumer preferences. APRIL seeks to meet that demand with recyclable, biodegradable, and more environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
“Our business growth is aligned with our strategy of downstream diversification where we respond to the global transition from plastics to biodegradable, renewable options”, says Ginting.
“As a fibre-based business, we are fundamentally in the bioeconomy space, and we see huge growth opportunities from rising demand for biodegradable and sustainable products.”
This article was originally published in Fibre Magazine issue 2022–2023.
