GHG Emissions, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  November 20, 2020

Paper fiber and pulp producer targets net zero by 2030

Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL) announced Nov. 17 that it is committed to net zero emissions from land use by 2030.

The fiber and paper producer released a list of 2030 sustainability targets which includes its commitment to eliminate emissions from land use and achieve a 25% cut in product emissions. To achieve these targets, APRIL will focus on investing in technology, enhancing operating systems and sourcing most of the mill and fiber operation’s energy needs from renewable sources.

It also plans to implement mitigation across its concessions, such as those on peatland, and minimize emissions in fiber plantation operations. To start off with, APRIL joined the Science Based Target initiative to establish emission targets and plans to install 20 MW of solar panels at its operational sites starting in 2021.

“Continued investment in climate, nature and sustainable development assumes even greater urgency if the global economy is to achieve a strong recovery from the impacts of COVID-19,” RGE Director Anderson Tanoto said in a statement. “As challenging as the current situation is, it presents businesses with an opportunity, if seized decisively, to boldly transform the future for the better. We are determined to ensure the next decade is one of action and further transformation for our company as we play our part to achieve a lower carbon economy and make a positive impact on climate, nature and people.”

APRIL also committed to net zero loss of protected areas and measurable gains in biodiversity and ecosystem benefits through conservation efforts in Indonesia, where the company mainly operates.