Asia Pulp & Paper Faces Restrictions Amid Haze Concerns
Asia Pulp & Paper has received temporary restrictions from the Singapore Environment Council due to haze caused by its suppliers.
In a move prompted by ongoing environmental issues, Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) has been issued a Notice of Temporary Restrictions by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC). This decision is linked to the company's association with suppliers linked to the haze that has affected the region, particularly stemming from land fires.
Details of the Restrictions
As part of the temporary restrictions, APP must comply with new reporting requirements aimed at fire prevention and fire suppression. The SEC outlined that APP will need to report daily on its fire response efforts, ensuring a vigorous monitoring process in the areas under the management of its suppliers.
Supplier Background
The suppliers implicated in this decision include Bumi Mekar Hijau, Bumi Andalas Permai, and Sebangun Bumi Andalas (SBA) Wood Industries. According to SEC, failure to meet the enhanced monitoring and fire safety measures may result in the suspension of APP's Singapore Green Labelling Scheme Plus (SGLS+) certification.
Legal Actions and Environmental Impact
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has begun issuing legal notices to ten companies in Indonesia, demanding an end to land burning and plans to extinguish the resultant fires. Among these companies are four supplying wood fiber to APP, which has a history of environmental scrutiny dating back to the significant haze issues faced in 2015.
SEC has emphasized its serious concerns regarding the adverse health effects of the haze on both the Singaporean population and the broader region. In response, the NEA has called out specific companies for responsible actions regarding their activities.
Green Certification and Consumer Impact
The Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS+) was established in 2017 to raise environmental standards in the pulp and paper industry. It requires companies to implement better peatland management practices and actively invest in measures to detect and combat fires promptly.
Companies under this scheme are also tasked with ensuring that their supply chains do not involve any of the eleven entities that have recently received prevention measures from the SEC.
SEC stated that the intention behind the Green Label strategy is to empower consumers. By choosing products that align with environmental sustainability, consumers can drive companies toward better practices.
Historical Context
SEC previously suspended the green label for APP back in 2015 when NEA investigated the company under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act due to its role in contributing to regional haze. This resulted in several retail outlets in Singapore removing APP products, including those from its Paseo brand.
Since then, APP had regained its SGLS+ certification in May 2019, but the recent actions indicate ongoing vigilance in monitoring environmental compliance.
NEA's ongoing monitoring of environmental hotspots continues to identify the various companies contributing to the haze, as echoed by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, emphasizing the commitment to holding responsible entities accountable.