The world is in the midst of an unprecedented transformation of the paper supply chain. Emerging markets are driving demand for paper and wood products. In some cases, this demand is met by unsustainable harvesting practices or the exploitation of forced labor. In other cases, suppliers are seeking out new ways to increase their production efficiency and reduce their energy consumption. One such supply chain is that of Asia Pulp and Paper (AP&P). AP&P is a global leader in the production of paper and wood products, operating over 6,000 suppliers in over 60 countries.
Where AP&P Produces Paper
AP&P is a global producer of paper, pulp, and wood-based products. Paper production is based at three facilities in Asia. One facility produces newsprint and kraft paper, while the other two facilities produce bleached and unbleached paper. The company also processes imported newsprint, kraft, and paper for stationery and bagging at its Hanyang mill in South Korea.
How AP&P Generates Electricity
AP&P uses a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy sources to generate electricity. The company’s largest renewable energy source is hydroelectricity. In 2015, AP&P generated 78% of its electricity from hydroelectric facilities. The remainder of the company’s electricity is generated by biomass, wind, solar, natural gas, and coal. Furthermore, AP&P has implemented a carbon offset program to balance out the environmental impact of its sustainable energy generation. The offset program is coordinated through the Paris-based non-profit organization, Enermoda. Under the carbon offset program, one tonne of carbon dioxide is transferred from a forest in China. AP&P’s mills produce the paper and Enermoda sells the carbon credits to offset the impact of the deforestation.
AP&P’s Sustainable Practices
In the effort to sustainably increase its production, the company has implemented new sustainable practices at its mills in Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea. The company’s Thai mill was the first in Southeast Asia to achieve the ISO 14001 environmental management system certification. The company also has a goal of having zero water consumption at its facilities by 2025. To achieve this goal, the company has installed water recycling systems at its mills in Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea. The company also uses a variety of sustainable forest management techniques to sustainably manage its supply chain. Sustainability is a key focus for AP&P and is reflected in the company’s sustainable values. The values of sustainability and integrity are prominent in the corporate culture and are represented in many aspects of AP&P’s business practices.
What Drives the Company’s Environmental Commitment?
AP&P has committed to sustainable growth and environmental responsibility since 1936. Today, the company continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability. This commitment is driven in part by the need for the paper, pulp, and wood products the company produces. AP&P’s corporate social responsibility program, AP&P2, was launched in 2016. The program aims to support social development in Thailand by funding sustainable development projects. AP&P2 also supports environmental projects, such as the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Khon Kaen. AP&P2 also engages the public through activities such as the Global Citizen Festival and the Sustainable Development Town.
Branding and Reputation
AP&P is a well-known brand in the global pulp and paper industry. The company’s reputation for sustainability and social responsibility is reflected in its branding, which includes the “2” to reflect AP&P’s corporate social responsibility goal. The company is also known for its green bags and paper products. In 2016, AP&P acquired Uni-Ball’s consumer products business and launched two new products: a plastic ballpoint pen and a liquid gel ink rollerball pen. AP&P has helped build its brand through partnerships with NGOs and social initiatives. In 2016, the company partnered with Oxfam to launch the Paper Reconciliation Project, which aims to reduce poverty and improve the lives of people living in communities around the world.
Conclusion
Asia Pulp and Paper is a global leader in the production of paper and wood products. The company is a strong player in the Asia-Pacific region and currently operates three paper mills in Thailand, one paper mill in Indonesia, and one paper mill in Malaysia.
