A sector-wide initiative that aims to accelerate Indonesia’s progress towards mainstreaming sustainability in the Pulp and Paper industry was launched today in Jakarta. STIPP, the Sustainability Trade Initiative on Pulp & Paper, is founded by an international alliance consisting of IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative, Asia Pulp and Paper Group (APP) and AkzoNobel. STIPP is supported by the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry and The Indonesia Pulp & Paper Association (APKI).
STIPP aims to de-link deforestation from the supply chain. The initiative will co-create sector-wide solutions and innovations with industry actors and other stakeholders to debottleneck key sustainability challenges for the Pulp & Paper industry. These challenges include yield intensification, best peat-land management practices, community engagement and social conflict management, clean manufacturing, and High Carbon Stock (HCS) implementation.
The Indonesia Pulp & Paper Association (APKI) signed onto the initiative on behalf of its 62 members as part of its mission to bring about the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the industry.
Daniel Hazman, IDH Asia Regional Director: “For the Indonesian Pulp and Paper industry sustainability is not only an “issue” but can actually create business opportunities. STIPP shows there is a clear momentum among key industry players in forestry, pulp, paper and chemicals to join forces to create a more sustainable sector and keep the industry globally competitive.” Aida Greenbury, Managing Director of Sustainability of APP: “Sustainability in the Pulp and Paper sector is something that the whole industry must work towards. We believe it can be achieved, as long as all parties are prepared to be fully transparent about their supply chains.”
The STIPP launch was co-hosted by the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Industry, and the Dutch Embassy in Jakarta. At the event a broad mix of private sector, NGOs and government representatives discussed the future of the Indonesian Pulp & Paper industry. STIPP looks to engage additional, relevant stakeholders that can benefit from knowledge sharing and co-funding for projects that accelerate sustainability solutions. All partners signed separate memoranda of understanding outlining their intentions. APP will initially focus on conservation projects, applying zero-deforestation and responsible forest management throughout their supply chain. AkzoNobel will share its expertise and provide technical assistance in relation to clean manufacturing methods. APKI will inform and disseminate learning among its 62 members on the initiative. APRIL is not yet a STIPP member but has agreed to explore industry standards for High Carbon Stock (HCS) along with other stakeholders.