Features Environment & Sustainability
APP recognized for early adoption of GRI Standards

Mar. 26, 2018 – Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) has received its fifth award from the Indonesian Sustainability Reporting Awards (SRA), a Special Commendation for early adoption of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.

Described as the  world’s first independent sustainability reporting structure to be applied globally, the GRI Standards becomes official on July 1, 2018, but companies were encouraged to seek early adoption. APP, a Sinarmas owned-company, is one such company that adopted the GRI Standards early, using them in its 2016 Sustainability Report.
 
“APP’s early adoption of the most updated version of the standards is a reflection of our commitment to running a sustainable pulp and paper business with the highest standards in accountability and transparency,” said APP Vice President of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations Ian Lifshitz. “Every year we measure consumer attitudes towards sustainability, including Canada and the U.S., and what we hear repeatedly is that sustainable products are a priority to them. These global awards illustrate how our actions are in line with our customers’ desires.”
 
Published last year, APP’s 2016 Sustainability Report includes the Forest Conservation Policy and the Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2020. This was also APP’s first full year of the revised mill sustainability KPI approach. That led to improvements in energy use and carbon intensity, as well as the completion of APP’s Integrated Sustainable Forest Management Plans (ISFMPs) for all its pulpwood suppliers.
 
“Having a common language globally, such as the GRI Standards, allows companies and other stakeholders to discuss such progress as well as efforts that need to be done in a measurable and productive way,” Lifshitz said.
 
Initiated by the National Center for Sustainability Reporting, the SRA recognizes Indonesian companies that communicate their sustainability initiatives and progress through reporting mechanisms such as sustainability reports and corporate websites. It aims to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a commitment that APP shares.