PEFC welcomes APP as international stakeholder member

26 February 2014 News

Purinusa Ekapersada, the brand holder of Asia Pulp and Paper Group (APP), one of the largest pulp and paper companies in the world, has been accepted by PEFC as an International Stakeholder member.

APP made global news headlines in February 2013 when it announced an end to the clearing of natural forest across its entire supply chain in Indonesia as part of its Forest Conservation Policy (FCP). Covering over 2.6 million hectares of forest concessions, APP’s FCP represented a breakthrough moment for the global protection of natural forest. The commitment is the largest and most ambitious plan for the implementation of landscape level High Conservation Value (HCV) and High Carbon Stock (HCS) principles in the world.

“APP has undergone a fundamental process of change in the past few years. A key milestone on the company’s sustainability journey was its PEFC Chain of Custody certification, which it received in 2007. While this put PEFC in a spotlight, it allowed us to work with APP and other stakeholders to contribute to a cultural change towards an understanding that as a leading company in the pulp and paper sector, APP must also lead on sustainability issues,” commented Mr. Ben Gunneberg, Secretary General of PEFC International. “PEFC chain of custody certification enabled various stakeholders to engage with APP through the independent certification processes, thereby strengthening the foundation for the engagement and ultimately cooperation that needed to happen.”

The company has been working with The Forest Trust (TFT) and a number of other NGOs and stakeholders to oversee the implementation of the FCP and monitor its progress. Greenpeace, which suspended its active campaigning against APP following the publication of the FCP, stated in a report from October 2013 that in its view, “the company is serious about its FCP plans and its key senior staff are genuinely committed to driving the delivery of these new commitments.” APP has also asked the Rainforest Alliance to independently evaluate APP's progress in implementing its Forest Conservation Policy.

“APP’s Forest Conservation Policy is a bold initiative that has the potential to not only transform APP itself, but also to positively influence the entire forest industry in Indonesia. We are looking forward to closer engagement with APP to help mainstream sustainable forest management in Indonesia,” emphasized Mr. Gunneberg.

Aida Greenbury, APP managing director of sustainability and stakeholder engagement, said: "We are pleased to become a PEFC International Stakeholder Member as it will allow us to play an active role in supporting PEFC’s commitment to promote sustainable forest management.

“Membership will also enable us to work with PEFC to help shape the future of responsible forestry as we create a business model that allows APP to continue to trade, while protecting the natural resources on which it depends."

PEFC now counts 20 International Stakeholder members, as well as 37 national members.

Benefits & Opportunities of PEFC Membership

• Participate in PEFC's annual General Assembly as a member of PEFC Council with full-voting rights
• Join PEFC Working Groups and Committees on relevant topics such as Standards Revision, Marketing, and Regional Promotions
• Nominate representatives for consideration to the PEFC Board of Directors
• Collaborate on specific projects of mutual interest
• Stay informed and abreast of PEFC developments throughout the year
• Communicate your PEFC engagement and involvement
• Support PEFC's promotion of sustainable forest management and responsible procurement

How to become an International Stakeholder member?
International Stakeholder membership is open to entities operating in two or more countries, or legally registered as international organizations. Companies, organizations, and associations with principles and objectives supportive to PEFC's are encouraged to apply.

Organisation applying for International Stakeholder membership in the PEFC shall:

1. operate in two and more countries or be registered as an international organisation
2. be proposed by two existing members of the PEFC Council
3. have made a commitment to support the principles of the PEFC Council
4. have made a declaration that the organisation is not knowingly in breach with the PEFC Council requirements in respect to certification and associated processes, applicable to the organisation

The General Assembly, PEFC’s highest decision making body, decides on the membership acceptance.