Singapore council revokes green certification for Indonesian pulp giant APP

The Singapore Environment Council has taken action against Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), an Indonesian pulp and paper manufacturer, by restricting its green certification over connections to suppliers involved in activities linked to transboundary haze pollution.

The move underscores persistent concerns about APP's sourcing practices and environmental accountability. The company has faced scrutiny for years over allegations that its suppliers were connected to forest fires in Indonesia, which have historically triggered severe air quality crises affecting Singapore and other regional neighbours.

In 2015, major international retailers including those in Singapore removed APP products from their shelves following public outcry over the company's alleged links to fires that produced hazardous smog across Southeast Asia. The environmental and public health impacts of these incidents prompted governments and businesses across the region to reassess their supply chain relationships with the firm.

The Singapore Environment Council's restriction on APP's certification represents a continued push by regional authorities and stakeholders to enforce stricter environmental standards. The action signals that companies operating in Southeast Asia must demonstrate robust measures to prevent forest degradation and address transboundary pollution risks that affect the region's air quality and public health.