Old Growth

Preserving endangered forests

Indonesia’s rainforests are world-renowned for their social and ecological value. They comprise some of the most biodiverse forests on the planet – providing habitat for endangered orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Sumatran elephants, and countless other species. Indonesia’s rainforests are also home to millions of Indigenous people whose cultures and livelihoods are directly dependent on natural forests.

What is less well known about these forests is that they are also essential to maintaining climate stability. Indonesia’s rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate as unscrupulous companies clear and convert them to monoculture plantations to provide cheap paper and other commodities, such as palm oil, to supply insatiable international markets. This destruction is emitting massive amounts of greenhouse gasses critical for preventing climate change.

Rainforest Action Network’s “Don’t Bag Indonesia’s Rainforests” Campaign is shining a spotlight on the companies that are contributing to this tragic pattern of destruction. We are mobilizing the power of public opinion and private sector purchasing power, educating and changing business leaders, and holding the companies linked to forest destruction accountable by urging them to protect our forests, climate, and future.

Don’t Bag Indonesia’s Rainforests

Many luxury brands and fashion leaders in the U.S. and Europe are unknowingly contributing to this tragic pattern of destruction in Indonesia. Research shows that almost 100 fashion and luxury products companies buy their custom packaging products from Sinar Mas Group’s Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and their affiliate Pak 2000.

The Sinar Mas group is perhaps Indonesia’s biggest forest destroyer, with APP alone responsible for clearing more natural forest in Sumatra than any other company. Aggressive logging practices and continued conversion of standing forests to plantations is devastating local communities and threatening elephant, tiger, and orangutan populations with local extinction.

Buy good wood

RAN encourages wood and paper buyers to understand the origin of the products they buy. Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo as a tool to promote environmentally, socially and economically responsible management of the world's forests.

Beware of imitations. Multinational loggers armed with multi-million dollar Public Relations contracts are pushing imitations, such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), designed to evade higher standards and mislead consumers.

Learn more about certification standards at the links below.

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