SEC restricts Asia Pulp & Paper's green label amidst haze

The company must file daily fire reports or risk losing its SGLS+ certification.

The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) has placed temporary restrictions on the green label of Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), a firm implicated in the 2015 haze, after fires on its suppliers' land were linked to the haze in the region.

SEC said it is stepping up measures under the enhanced Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS+) to address transboundary haze pollution and uphold sustainable sourcing.

Under the notice, APP must file daily fire response reports and undergo strict monitoring to ensure effective fire prevention and suppression.

This covers concession areas managed by three of the company's wood-fibre suppliers in South Sumatra, Indonesia: PT Bumi Mekar Hijau, PT Bumi Andalas Permai, and PT Sebangun Bumi Andalas Wood Industries.

If APP’s additional reporting fails to show that strengthened monitoring, fire prevention, and suppression measures are being implemented effectively, the SGLS+ certificate may be suspended, SEC said.

“If so, the use of the SGLS+ logo on products associated with the certification would have to cease,” it added.

APP's suppliers were issued preventive measures notices under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act by the National Environment Agency (NEA) on 16 October, along with four other non-SGLS+ entities.

SEC will require SGLS+ certified companies to check their supply chains and declare whether they source or buy wood, paper, and pulp products from any of the seven entities.

“SEC takes a serious view of the damaging impact of the haze on the health of the people in Singapore as well as the region, and the environment,” the council said.

The SGLS+ certification for pulp and paper products was launched in 2017, in the wake of the 2015 haze.

The scheme includes requirements to reduce fire risks on agroforestry plantations, including sustainable peatland management, robust fire prevention and strict zero-burning compliance throughout the supply chain.

Around 58 pulp and paper products, such as printing paper and hygiene paper, currently carry the SGLS+ certification.

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