APP is releasing this statement in response to several recent queries. There is concern that we have revised our Forest Conservation Policy (FCP) and our supplier network requirements, including modifying the cut-off date (from 2013) for ending deforestation. This is not correct.
We affirm that no changes have been made to our FCP. The cut-off date of 2013 in our FCP remains unchanged.
APP notes the recent publication of two important updated policies by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); the Policy for Association and the Policy to Address Conversion. We plan to respond appropriately to these policies, and recognise that if required, our FCP will need to be updated accordingly.
Separately, APP’s Supplier Evaluation & Risk Assessment (SERA) process to screen potential suppliers was updated in June 2022. SERA is the tool used to implement our Fiber Procurement and Purchasing Policy (FPPP). The FPPP is secured by our Supplier Evaluation & Risk Assessment (SERA) process to screen potential suppliers. The FPPP was updated in 2022.
The updated SERA has resulted in some suppliers undergoing and passing SERA assessments, but are still unable to enter our supply chain because of other commitments in our FCP and FPPP.
In the event that APP enters into the FSC Remedy Framework, we expect that all our policies and tools will need to be updated. APP values constructive stakeholder input to all its processes and is committed to engaging all stakeholders whenever policies are updated.