APRIL Secures Enhanced Singapore Green Label Scheme Certification

The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) has announced that products from APRIL Group have been certified under its enhanced Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) for pulp and paper products.

The enhanced SGLS uses a risk-based evaluation system to complement its more extensive qualification criteria, and facilitate the development of a risk mitigation plan. .

Certified products are subjected to an objective evaluation, including extensive ground audits, and undergo rigorous checks on the company’s forestry practices. During the process of certification, companies need to demonstrate that they comply with each of the 25 audit criteria under the enhanced scheme. The SEC also engages companies to address existing gaps or risks.

The enhanced SGLS incorporates internationally recognised best practices in creating the criteria. This includes peatland management, relevant International Organization for Standardization (ISO) environmental management standards, sustainable forest management standards, such as those from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and fire management standards from the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS).

The criteria were also established and benchmarked against the International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling Alliance (ISEAL) Codes of Good Practice to ensure that the companies that are certified have achieved high environmental standards.

Mr Praveen Singhavi, President, APRIL Group, said: “Obtaining the enhanced Singapore Green Label is particularly meaningful for two reasons. First, it’s a testament to the high standards of APRIL’s operations and our commitment to continuous improvement. For us, the enhanced SGLS has been a multi-year process which started with participating in industry consultation on its criteria to more recently, undergoing a series of field audits.

“Second, APRIL’s flagship brand PaperOne^TM celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, so this is a great way to mark the milestone. PaperOne^TM was actually launched in Singapore, and we’re proud that it continues to be a choice paper product for homes and offices, known not only for premium quality but also for its sustainable production.”