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Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) has responded to allegations about its environmental impact from Friends of the Earth (FoE) by outlining a series of initiatives it has introduced.

The group said it was working with WWF Indonesia on drafting a memorandum of understanding for a number of initiatives. These include the creation of conservation protection zones, and enhancements to current SMG forestry management systems to work within the Forest Stewardship Council system.

“These initiatives by APP, working with leading global environmental organisations, is tangible evidence of serious management of the social and environmental impact of pulp and paper production,” said APP’s executive director of marketing, Suresh Kilam.

FoE forest campaigner Ed Matthew agreed that the company had made progress, but said people needed to look at what the company was not saying.

He claimed that a majority of APP’s pulp came from clear-cutting of rainforest areas, and said the company had made little progress in this area.

APP’s work to develop a 12-year Sustainable Wood Supply Plan should be completed in December, when a final report will be issued.

Matthew said it was ridiculous that this had taken almost two years to put together, and cited delaying tactics by APP.

Kilam said the group would continue to invite FoE to participate in a sensible dialogue and to visit its operations.

But Matthew said APP customers should treat the comments with scepticism, and called for independent verification of APP’s claims.