APP Faces Temporary Restrictions Amid Haze Issues in Singapore
Asia Pulp & Paper is facing new temporary restrictions from SEC due to fire-related haze linked to its suppliers.
Overview of New Restrictions
Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), a major player in the pulp and paper industry, has been issued temporary restrictions by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC). This decision follows ongoing haze issues stemming from forest fires on lands managed by its suppliers, contributing to poor air quality in the region.
Details of the SEC Notice
According to the SEC’s notice dated October 19, APP must adhere to new daily fire response reporting requirements. This regulation aims to enhance fire prevention and suppression strategies in areas controlled by APP's land suppliers.
Key suppliers mentioned include Bumi Mekar Hijau, Bumi Andalas Permai, and Sebangun Bumi Andalas (SBA) Wood Industries, all of which operate in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Failure to comply with these new requirements could lead to the suspension of APP's Singapore Green Labelling Scheme Plus (SGLS+) certification, which is crucial for the company to project its commitment to sustainability.
Supplier Compliance and Past Issues
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has also taken action against ten companies in Indonesia, which, like APP, are linked to the fires causing the haze. Among the companies receiving legal notices are those supplying wood fibers to APP. They have been ordered to cease burning activities on their land and provide strategies to extinguish existing fires.
SEC has emphasized the serious health risks associated with haze, underscoring its commitment to protecting both the local population in Singapore and the environment. Four of the ten identified companies previously faced scrutiny during the 2015 haze crisis, indicating ongoing environmental concerns surrounding their operations.
Significance of the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme
The SGLS+, instituted in 2017, mandates certified pulp and paper companies to adopt responsible peatland management practices and to invest in fire-fighting capabilities. Companies must also engage in daily assessments of fire risks to ensure prompt action when incidents occur.
This enhanced scheme diverges significantly from the earlier Green Label arrangements, which primarily required proof of sustainable sourcing without comprehensive measures for fire prevention.
Consumer Empowerment and Environmental Responsibility
SEC hopes that the SGLS+ certification will encourage consumers to opt for environmentally responsible products. With this initiative, it aims to inspire individuals to consider the ecological impact of their purchases, thus promoting sustainability in company operations.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The SEC had previously suspended APP’s green label during the widespread haze crisis in 2015, when the company was investigated under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. This move resulted in the withdrawal of APP products, including its Paseo brand, from supermarket shelves across Singapore.
While APP regained its SGLS+ certification in May 2019, the current restrictions illustrate the continued vigilance required in ensuring compliance with environmental standards. NEA continues to monitor fire hotspots to identify contributors to haze, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, has reiterated the importance of holding companies accountable for their environmental contributions, especially given the health ramifications associated with ongoing haze conditions.
