SHANGHAI, CHINA,
Jan. 19, 2012
(Business Wire) -
Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and seventy-six other enterprises jointly signed an initiative put forward by the China Paper Association at the 2nd Annual Forum on the Chinese Paper Industry's Green Development. This initiative calls for collective efforts to advance the industry's sustainable development by committing to accomplishing the energy-saving and emission-reduction targets set by the Chinese central government in its 12th Five Year Plan (2011-2015).
Being a prominent player in China's pulp and paper industry, APP will make major contributions in leading the entire industry to collaboratively stepping up efforts on green development and achieving the goals outlined in the 12th Five Year Plan as part of its commitment to the initiative.
According to the initiative, both the industry's average comprehensive energy consumption and average water consumption per ton of pulp/paper should see a decrease of 18% by 2015. Emissions of chemical oxygen demand (COD) needs to be reduced by 10%. Additionally, the percentage of bio-energy should rise to 20% in the industry's overall energy consumption.
"Responsibility is at the heart of APP-China's core business strategy which functions as a built-in mechanism to ensure good corporate governance and sustainable development for economic, environmental and social well-being," said APP-China PR Director Sophy Huang. "However, APP-China's commitment to corporate responsibility is not limited to our own operations. As a leading player in China's paper industry, we should also act to effectively encourage greater engagement in such issues from all our fellow industry players."
In its latest quarterly report of Paper Contract with China (PCwC), APP-China specifically shares its insights on how paper companies could generate a positive impact through their responsible actions. In order to deliver long-term value to all stakeholders through responsible performances, the report highlights that platforms for resource, knowledge, and experience sharing should be created to engage a broad cross-section of companies, industries, and nations to deliver a positive impact on communities.
Apart from strongly advocating responsible operations during industry events hosted by associations and academies, APP-China has been championing the establishment of a number of industry-wide knowledge-sharing platforms aimed at creating significant positive impact on economy, society and the environment.
In 2008, APP-China started its support of the annual Paper Industry Sustainability Forum, one of the most significant events in China's paper industry which is jointly organized by influential industry organizations, academic institutions and media. Each year, this forum gathers together government officials, scholars, industry and media representatives to have an in-depth discussion on the industry's sustainability issues and maps out the issues which need to be addressed.
In addition, since 2007, APP's flagship mill in China - Gold East Paper has brought together hundreds of industry professionals across the paper and printing industry chain through organizing the Sinar Mas Print Awards. These awards offer a platform for upstream and downstream players to gather together for in-depth discussions on the latest printing technologies, novel materials and craftsmanship.
Ms. Huang added that responsibility is a key element of APP's Paper Contract with China sustainability pledges. "Through scientific, systematic and integrated responsible approaches, in addition to building up a green paper industry in the nation, the Chinese paper industry will also be able to undertake more environmental, social and economic responsibilities in the global sphere."
