Fostering Sustainability: The Academic Exchange Driving APRIL Group’s Forest Management Innovations
APRIL KTH in Stockholm has fostered a dynamic exchange program with APRIL Group for the past two decades. As one of the world's foremost manufacturers of pulp and paper, APRIL Group operates extensive mills and plantations on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, under the corporate group Royal Golden Eagle (RGE). Renowned for their forestry initiatives, APRIL’s products made from renewable materials reach millions of households globally every day.
Mikael Lindström, a professor of pulp technology at KTH, noted that the partnership allows APRIL Group employees to pursue master's degrees specializing in paper and pulp technology. This robust educational exchange enriches students, as the employees from APRIL bring immense ambition and dedication to their studies. Lindström highlighted Indonesia's impressive growth in pulp production, surpassing Sweden in recent years, while Swedish and Finnish institutions continue to lead in academic research.
With a steadfast commitment to sustainable operations, Lindström shared insights from his visits to some of the world’s 400 pulp and paper mills, including APRIL Group’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sumatra. Here, approximately 35 million tons of pulp and over a million tons of paper are produced annually. Recently, the company expanded its output to include paperboard to cater to the increasing global demand for sustainable packaging. Additionally, Asia Pacific Rayon, an affiliate of APRIL Group, produces 300,000 tons of viscose fiber to support the textile industry with recyclable materials.
APRIL Group maintains a large workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, housed in a well-developed city featuring schools, healthcare, and recreational facilities. The firm stands at the cutting edge of technological advancements in forestry processes, adhering to best available technology principles that prioritize sustainability and minimize environmental impact. Lindström believes that APRIL Group ranks among the world’s leading pulp and paper mills due to its profit-driven sustainability initiatives.
The exchange program commenced with the very first student, Eduward Ginting, who completed his master's degree in pulp and paper technology at KTH 16 years ago. Now the Chief Operating Officer of APRIL Group, Ginting regards his formative years in Sweden as extraordinary. He praised the academic excellence at KTH and the strong connections forged between the university and the Swedish forestry industry.
Underlining the importance of leadership development, Ginting stated that the goals of the exchange program are to stay updated with industry innovations and to empower employees as future leaders within the company. According to him, experiencing different cultures fosters new perspectives, enhancing their operational capabilities.
Another exchange scholar, Widi Suganda, who completed his master’s degree in macromolecular materials in fall 2023, echoed similar sentiments about the value of his time in Sweden. He emphasized that the knowledge gained there has profoundly impacted his role at APRIL and provided a solid foundation for his career.
A shared value between APRIL Group and Swedish counterparts is sustainability, a core tenet in both operations and research. Suganda emphasized that Sweden's leadership in sustainability practices greatly complements APRIL Group's mission, underscoring the importance of transitioning from fossil-based to biobased materials and enhancing circularity in raw material usage. Ginting reiterated that sustainability isn’t just a strategy—it's integral to their identity and operations.
Both Ginting and Suganda embraced the concept of 'circularity' as their company's guiding principle, with initiatives aimed at minimizing waste through the conversion of by-products into valuable energy sources or fertilizers. Their integration of solar energy facilities into forestry operations further highlights their commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Reflecting on how Swedish culture influenced their operational practices, Ginting and Suganda talked about the significance of 'fika'—a Swedish coffee break—as a means to promote teamwork and rejuvenate minds at work. They found the Swedish work culture driven by transparency and collective decision-making to be greatly motivating, fostering a productive environment that resonates with APRIL’s priorities of efficiency and collaboration.
With ‘lagom’ as a newfound philosophy, Ginting noted that the ethos of achieving just enough can yield excellent results without overstretching resources.
In conclusion, the KTH and APRIL Group partnership not only cultivates academic excellence but also drives significant advancements in sustainable forestry practices. The lessons learned and leadership skills developed through this program are set to influence the future of both Indonesian and global forestry operations, ensuring that sustainable practices remain at the forefront of the industry.
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