Collaboration for Sustainability: KTH and APRIL Group's Journey in Pulp and Paper Technology
For the past 20 years, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has partnered with APRIL Group, one of the world's largest pulp and paper manufacturers. Based on the island of Sumatra, APRIL Group, part of the corporate umbrella Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), plays a vital role in the global forestry industry, providing renewable products to millions of households.
Professor Mikael Lindström, a leading expert in pulp technology at KTH, notes the ambitious nature of APRIL's employees who come to Sweden for advanced studies. They participate in master's programs specializing in paper and pulp, which conclude with a comprehensive thesis. Lindström praises Indonesia's remarkable growth in pulp production, which has now surpassed Sweden, although the latter still excels academically.
APRIL Group operates approximately 400 pulp and paper mills worldwide, producing a staggering 35 million tons of pulp and over one million tons of paper annually. Their recent endeavors include manufacturing paperboard to address the global demand for sustainable packaging. Additionally, Asia Pacific Rayon, also under APRIL, produces 300,000 tons of viscose fiber for the textile market, helping promote recyclable resources.
APRIL Group boasts a well-planned operation that benefits over 10,000 employees with high-quality housing and amenities, including schools and healthcare. Lindström emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability, operating within the framework of Best Available Technology (BAT) to minimize emissions and environmental impact. Their financial success allows them to recruit skilled personnel and invest in sustainable initiatives.
The partnership between KTH and APRIL began with Eduward Ginting, who completed his master's degree 16 years ago and is now the Chief Operating Officer at APRIL Group. Ginting recalls his time at KTH as transformative, highlighting the high academic standards and collaborative spirit between the university and the Swedish forestry industry.
The exchange program aims not only to update participants on the latest research and technologies but also to foster personal growth among employees. Ginting notes that exposure to a different culture enhances their confidence and paves the way for future leadership in the company.
Widi Suganda, another participant who earned his master's degree in 2023, shares that his experience at KTH has significantly impacted his work. He lauds the importance of knowledge gained and the valuable international contacts made. Suganda recognizes Sweden's advancement in sustainability, aligning with APRIL's mission to transition to biobased materials and extend the lifecycle of raw materials.
Ginting reinforces this sentiment, stating that collaboration with Swedish research has been crucial in enhancing their sustainable practices. For APRIL Group, sustainability is an inherent part of their operation and philosophy. They strive for a circular economy by minimizing waste and converting byproducts into valuable resources, which includes biomass energy and fertilizers.
The cultural exchange does not only pertain to technical knowledge but also to work ethics and practices. Suganda appreciates the straightforwardness of Swedish work culture, characterized by open communication and joint decision-making. He also applauds the Swedish concept of 'lagom'—finding balance and moderation in work and life.
Ginting adds that the Swedish approach of 'less talk and more action' has been embraced within their company structure. They have adopted the tradition of coffee breaks, which Ginting found refreshing and valuable, as it stimulates new ideas and connections.
In terms of their commitment to sustainability, APRIL Group employs innovative measures, such as the ring planting method, to safeguard ecologically valuable forests within their operational areas. This practice not only protects biodiversity but also fosters economic returns for local communities while curbing illegal logging.
Furthermore, the company is leveraging digitalization and drone technology to reduce carbon emissions from plantations. Advanced sensors help detect pests and identify plants in need of replanting, enabling quick response to combat soil exposure during the harvest, which can increase carbon emissions.
APRIL Group's dedication to integrating sustainability and innovation showcases the positive outcomes of their long-standing partnership with KTH. This collaboration not only enhances academic ties but also empowers a generation of leaders proficient in sustainable practices within the pulp and paper industry.
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