Asian pulp giants pressed to paper over rivalry to save rainforest

A file photo of villagers monitoring a forest fire near their village in Pekanbaru, Riau. Technology is becoming an essential tool to curb destruction of Indonesia's vast forests, viewed as crucial in the fight against climate change as trees store planet-warming carbon. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: Asia's pulp and paper giants – which supply materials for stationery, tissues and toilet roll – are being urged by environmentalists to follow the palm oil industry in stepping up collaboration to tackle forest loss and fires in Indonesia.

Singapore's APRIL Group and its main rival Indonesia's Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP), both with operations largely on Sumatra island, are working with local communities and using technologies like satellite imagery to protect forests on their concessions and prevent fires.