APRIL Group Reports Strong Progress on APRIL2030 Commitments

APRIL Group has reported significant progress against its APRIL2030 commitments and targets in the year since their launch. Highlights and details of progress achieved in each of APRIL2030’s four interconnected commitment areas are captured in the company’s APRIL2030 Progress Update.

Praveen Singhavi, President, APRIL Group, said: “Across Asia, we are seeing many businesses making real progress to decarbonise operations and supply chains, encouraging others to raise their level of ambition. As we prepare to enter the New Year, we want to continue to show that it is possible for private sector companies from developing economies to show leadership in tacking the world’s climate and development challenges through close partnerships with Government and stakeholders and sustained investment in science and technology. ”

Launched in November 2020, APRIL2030 includes 18 concrete science-based targets under four interconnected commitment areas: Climate Positive, Thriving Landscapes, Inclusive Progress and Sustainable Growth. Highlights over the last year include:

• Implementation of the first phase of a solar panel installation project with the commissioning of a 1-megawatt solar panel at its operational site in Kerinci. This will eventually form part of a 20-megawatt solar panel installation to be completed by 2025. It also launched two electric buses at its operations in September, supporting lower-carbon employee commuting on site.
• Completion of APRIL’s research lab at the Eco-Camp facility in its Restorasi Ekosistem Riau ecosystem restoration program, which will allow ongoing research into tropical peatland science by scientists from around the world.
• Commencement of applying the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool or SMART tool developed by the World Conservation Society to help identify risks to wildlife and to further protect biodiversity in its concession areas.
• Expansion of educational support to cover 172 schools, including a number outside the 50km radius of the company’s operations, as part of ambitious targets to empower people and communities through transformative initiatives in healthcare, education and gender inclusion.
• A range of specific new projects to reduce water use and increase the recycling of wastewater in 2021.
• Progress in assessments of pre-consumer textile waste sourced from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia to be recycled in cellulosic fiber, as part of its commitment to the integration of circular business practices across the company’s operations.

In her foreword to the APRIL2030 Progress Update, Lucita Jasmin, Director of Sustainability & External Affairs, APRIL Group notes that while the recent there remains much to do through to 2030, APRIL has established a strong foundation through its efforts during 2021: “With APRIL2030, we became one of the first Indonesian companies in any sector to commit to net zero emissions from land use and joined a global community of progressive companies working to achieve a positive impact on climate, nature and people with a sense of urgency and ambition. In 2021 we delivered progress through vision, collaboration and partnership and we are committed to maintaining this momentum in 2022 and beyond.”

Read the APRIL2030 Progress Update here.