Asia Pulp & Paper Commences Pilot Audit for Enhanced SGLS Certification

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), Singapore, this week announced that it has signed an agreement with the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) to commence with a pilot audit of one of its supplier concessions, an event that marks the commencement of the assessment process for the enhanced Singapore Green Labeling Scheme (SGLS) certification.

The agreement was signed by Sinar Mas Group Country President and APP Managing Director Bernard Tan.

Under the agreement, the enhanced SGLS pilot audit will commence this month, with a full audit to follow. In accordance to the label’s enhanced criteria, APP will provide full disclosure of its supply chain, including those not involved in products sold to Singapore1, for the assessment.

"The signing of this agreement to begin the enhanced SGLS certification process with SEC is the culmination of months of hard work on both sides. It reflects both our belief in the credibility and robustness of the new label and our desire to be recognized under this certification," said Tan.

Tan added that "the criteria under enhanced SGLS, including newly introduced requirements for fire and peatland management, sets a higher bar of accountability for companies. We welcome these more stringent requirements and have the utmost confidence that our efforts and investments in combating fire and haze will be recognized."

APP is one of the largest pulp and paper groups in the world. During the past two years, the group has invested $80 million in forest fire containment and haze control, and will continue to invest more in such efforts in the coming years.