Asia Pulp & Paper hit by another company withdrawal

Today Online 20 Oct 15;

SINGAPORE — The fallout for Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) over alleged links to the Indonesian forest fires causing haze continues, with online grocer RedMart announcing yesterday (Oct 19) that it was withdrawing from sale all paper products sourced from the company. The withdrawal took effect at 6pm yesterday. Products affected by the withdrawal include Paseo and NICE brands.

RedMart said in a statement yesterday that it was doing so because of ongoing investigations by the National Environment Agency (NEA). The NEA has asked APP — a subsidiary of the Indonesian Sinar Mas Group — to provide more information on what it is doing to put out fires on its land concessions.

The NEA has also served preventive measures notices to six Indonesian firms, directing them to put out fires on their property: PT Bumi Andalas Permai, PT Bumi Sriwijaya Sentosa, PT Rimba Hutani Mas, PT Sebangun Bumi Andalas Wood Industries, PT Wachyuni Mandira and PT Bumi Mekar Hijau.

Since the NEA revealed the names of the firms it is probing, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) and the Consumers Association of Singapore have started a campaign urging retailers and other businesses to declare they do not source for materials or products from the firms.

he SEC has also restricted the use of APP’s Singapore Green Label certification. Businesses that have come aboard to make the declaration and pull APP products off their shelves include NTUC FairPrice, Prime and Sheng Shiong. Other companies such as Watsons have clarified they do not stock Paseo, NICE and Jolly brands by APP, and is working with suppliers to run an audit to ensure that their products are not procured from the six companies accused of contributing to the haze pollution.

RedMart said it carries 13 other paper products that are certified with the Singapore Green Label, and its own RedMart-branded paper products are all certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). “RedMart has also created a ‘FSC’ certified search option and filter within its Paper & Tissue category to encourage its customers to buy sustainably produced products,” said the company.