APRIL, one of Asia’s largest pulp and paper producers, is facing renewed scrutiny after revising its sustainable fiber sourcing policy, a move that has prompted the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to review whether the company’s latest decisions could affect its ongoing reassociation process.

The policy revision comes as APRIL seeks to diversify its wood supply following disruptions caused by the loss of several long-term plantation suppliers while continuing its effort to regain FSC certification after more than a decade of disassociation.

Updated Policy Expands Eligible Fiber Supply

In late May, APRIL announced revisions to its Sustainable Forest Management Policy (SFMP), changing its no-conversion cutoff date from 2015 to Dec. 31, 2020.

According to the company, the adjustment allows wood sourcing from PT Industrial Forest Plantation (IFP) and PT Mayawana Persada, two Indonesian plantation companies that were previously excluded under APRIL’s earlier policy.

APRIL said the decision follows the revocation of operating permits for four long-term suppliers by the Indonesian government earlier this year, reducing approximately 15% of its wood supply in Riau Province.

The company stated that expanding its supplier base is intended to maintain fiber security while encouraging broader sustainability improvements among plantation operators.

FSC Reviews Potential Implications

The policy update has attracted attention because APRIL has been participating in the FSC’s Remedy Framework, a mechanism that allows previously disassociated companies to pursue reassociation after addressing historical environmental and social impacts.

APRIL originally withdrew from the FSC system in 2013 following complaints related to deforestation and social conflicts.

In 2023, the company entered the FSC Remedy Framework to begin the reassociation process. However, that process was suspended in September 2025 following allegations involving personnel associated with APRIL affiliate PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL). The reassociation process remains suspended.

Following APRIL’s latest sourcing announcement, the FSC confirmed that it is reviewing the company’s updated policy.

The organization stated that it must assess available evidence before determining whether the policy changes have implications for the reassociation process. FSC also noted that APRIL’s original commitment to prohibit conversion after 2015 played an important role in reopening dialogue with the company.

While the FSC has not announced any decision regarding APRIL’s future participation in the Remedy Framework, it indicated that supplier relationships involving recent forest conversion would require careful assessment under its standards.

Environmental Organizations Raise Concerns

Several environmental organizations have argued that the revised sourcing policy weakens APRIL’s previous no-deforestation commitment.

According to publicly available forest-monitoring data referenced by environmental groups, PT Industrial Forest Plantation and PT Mayawana Persada experienced substantial forest conversion between 2015 and 2024.

Representatives from organizations including Earthsight and Auriga Nusantara have urged the FSC to terminate APRIL’s reassociation process, arguing that companies responsible for recent forest conversion should first demonstrate meaningful restoration efforts before participating in certified supply chains.

These organizations also argue that restoration of peatlands, forest rehabilitation and resolution of community conflicts should accompany any future sustainability commitments.

APRIL Maintains Policy Aligns With International Standards

APRIL has rejected suggestions that its revised policy weakens its sustainability commitments.

The company stated that the updated 2020 cutoff date aligns with evolving international frameworks, including the FSC’s current conversion benchmark, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Accountability Framework Initiative.

APRIL also maintains that working with additional suppliers provides an opportunity to encourage higher sustainability standards across Indonesia’s plantation forestry sector through engagement and improved management practices.

Certification Integrity Remains Under Industry Attention

The developments highlight broader questions facing voluntary forest certification systems as companies seek to balance fiber security, regulatory compliance and sustainability commitments.

For certification organizations, the effectiveness of reassociation mechanisms depends on maintaining confidence among businesses, customers, investors and civil society organizations while providing credible pathways for companies to improve environmental performance.

For pulp and paper producers operating globally, the case illustrates the increasing importance of supply chain transparency, responsible fiber sourcing and independently verified sustainability commitments as regulations such as the EUDR and customer procurement requirements continue to evolve.

The FSC has not announced a timeline for completing its review. Any future decision regarding APRIL’s reassociation process is expected to depend on the organization’s assessment of the company’s updated sourcing policy and its consistency with FSC standards and remedy requirements.

Last Updated on 29/06/2026 by Jota Machinery