Inside APP Group’s Sustainable Regenesis Platform

Some companies within paper manufacturing can leave a large ecological footprint on the planet, mainly due to the irresponsible harvesting of natural forests according to WWF.

APP Group is a paper manufacturing and forestry operation that delivers paper, packaging and tissue.

The company has released its Regenesis platform alongside a new initiative aiming to restore and conserve forests within Indonesia. 

Andrie Yapsir, President and Director of APP said on Linkedin: “Launching our new sustainability platform: Forest Positive Policy, Regenesis. 

“On behalf of the APP Board, I am honoured to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to this initiative Regenesis.

“Regenesis is about deepening and broadening the impact of our previous efforts. It encompasses three vital pillars: forests, people, and the value chain.”

What is Regenesis?

APP has released a platform with new overarching ambition looking towards a more sustainable future.

It allows the company to bring its commitments, actions and initiatives together under one large sustainability goal.

The platform focuses on several key areas including:

• Conserving and restoring forests 
• Managing carbon 
• Driving innovation in production
• Empowering people and communities 
• Fostering partnerships to advance sustainable development

Elim Sritaba, Chief Sustainability Officer at APP Group says: “Over the next two years, we will be developing sub-goals with clear metrics to support us in our commitments. 

“As we approach our deadline for SRV2030, we are looking towards 2050 and ensuring that the lessons we have learnt and progress we have made continue to guide our path. 

“We aim to integrate sustainability more deeply across our business, and commit to a future where forests, biodiversity and people thrive together.”

What is the first initiative?

The first initiative was announced alongside the release of the platform. 

APP pledges to annually invest US$30m over a 10 year period, in order to restore one million hectares of landscape. 

The company says it aims to continue building on the progress it has made since release of its Forest Conservation Policy in 2013.

Bernard Tan, Chairman of APP’s Group Sustainability Committee says: “In 2013, APP announced its landmark Forest Conservation Policy, a policy that amongst other things, pledged to end deforestation and expansion on peatland. 

“This is something APP is proud to have upheld for over a decade.

“However, since then, the world is facing increasing urgency to act on climate change and forest conservation. 

“The fact that forestry is so heavily tied to forest ecosystems has led APP to think deeper about how it is able to do more. 

“This new FPP policy is the culmination of hard behind-the-scenes discussions and the work of an internal team, aided by external advice for almost two years.”

What is the aim of the forest policy?

The policy has three core aims focusing on forest, people and the value chain.

Focussing on forests the company wants to ensure positive ecological and biodiversity outcomes by investing in active restoration and landscape management.

By collaborating with key stakeholders the company aims to co-create a Public Private Community Partnership for landscape projects.

APP also says it wants to empower forest dependent communities, integrating socio economic development alongside forest protection. 

It wants to create positive shared value across APP’s value chain, with a focus on engaging suppliers and partners on sustainability driven operations.

In order to track the company’s progression APP says it wants to monitor and report throughout with the support from expert technicians, creating transparency for customers and stakeholders. 

Andrie says: “Beyond our forest positive policy, we are already making progress in our sustainability journey. 

“One of the most notable achievements is at our OKI mill, which now operates on 98% renewable energy. 

“Our vertically integrated model can take advantage of these efficiencies and is one of the reasons why we are unique in the industry. 

“This achievement reflects the kind of progress that’s only possible through shared commitment and collaboration. 

“We deeply value your partnership. Together, we are not just imagining a better future, we are building it.”