InfoSAWIT , JAKARTA – Apical, a leading company in the palm oil industry, continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability by focusing on greenhouse gas emission reduction and agricultural sector transformation. Apical's Sustainability Manager, Hendra Hosea, revealed that the company has ambitious targets to achieve sustainability goals by 2030, with several initiatives already showing significant progress.
According to Hendra, one of the main challenges in implementing sustainability programs is ensuring that accurate and complex data can be effectively utilized. "We continue to conduct research and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including through energy transition and production process efficiency," Hendra stated to InfoSAWIT recently in Jakarta.
As part of its sustainability strategy, Apical is also committed to supporting farmers in adopting more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. One concrete step is through partnerships with farmer cooperatives, focusing on enhancing sustainable production and trust in the cooperative system. "We understand that farmers need to be assured during this transformation process. Therefore, we are building a control system that allows them to manage their farms better," he explained.
In Aceh Singkil, Apical has established three farmer cooperatives focused on producing natural honey as an alternative sustainable income. This program aims to reduce deforestation by utilizing available resources without harming the environment. "We see great potential in natural honey as an alternative income source for farmers. We are continuously developing this program to provide long-term benefits," Hendra added.
Moreover, Apical is also promoting the use of more environmentally friendly fuels, such as transitioning from diesel to a B35 biodiesel blend. This step is expected to contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the palm oil industry.
In its journey to achieve the 2030 sustainability target, Apical still faces several challenges, including educating and convincing stakeholders about the importance of this transformation. However, with various ongoing programs, Hendra is optimistic that the company can meet its established targets. "We are continuously progressing and collaborating with various parties to ensure a better future for the sustainability of the palm oil industry," he concluded. (T2)
