.jpg)
Contents
.jpg)
Royal Golden Eagle, commonly known as RGE, oversees a consortium of top-tier companies operating within the resource-based manufacturing sector. Their operations hold essential positions in the value chain, providing resources and high-quality end-products to businesses and millions of individuals worldwide.
RGE Companies are committed to sustainability practices as cited in their Sustainability Framework (effective immediately on June 2nd 2015).
RGE's dedication to sustainable living extends to all of their operational locations. RGE strive to implement best practices in the social, environmental, and economic realms, guided by their 5C business philosophy:
"Whatever we do must be good for the Community, Country, Climate, and Customer, only then it will be good for the Company."
|
| APRIL Group paper and pulp manufacture (Source: aprilasia.com) |
APRIL (Asia Pacific Resources International Limited) is one of the member of the Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) group of companies. This industry-leading company embraces sustainability as a core aspect of their operation.
APRIL Group has been actively working towards sustainable living through various initiatives, including paper upcycling. In this article we will take a deeper dive into their innovative approach to paper upcycling.
Definition of upcycling
According to Journal of Comparative Social Work from Aalborg University, a mix between ‘upgrading’ (adding value) and ‘recycling’ (reusing) creates the word upcycling, which, in its simplest terms, is the practice of reassessing waste and transforming it into something valuable.
Therefore, paper upcycling involves a combination of upgrading (adding value) and recycling (reusing) principles to convert discarded paper materials into new, higher-quality products or materials.
For instance, in the context of paper upcycling, waste paper could be transformed into unique and artistic stationery, decorative items, or even art pieces, instead of simply being recycled into standard paper products.
APRIL Group has embraced the concept of the circular economy, which aims to minimize waste and maximize the value of resources.
The concept of paper upcycling aligns with APRIL Group's principles of sustainability and the circular economy, as it encourages the reuse of materials and reduces the consumption of new resources, leading to a more environmentally friendly approach to waste management.
Key differences between upcycling, recycling, and downcycling
-
Upcycling
Process: The materials are creatively repurposed or redesigned to serve a different and often more desirable purpose than their original use.
Outcome: Upcycling results in products with increased value and a longer lifespan than the original materials, reducing the need for new resources.
Example of paper upcycling: biodegradable and recyclable paper packaging made by discarded paper
-
Recycling
Process: Waste materials are collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed to create new products or raw materials.
Outcome: Recycling typically results in products of similar or lower quality compared to the original materials, as some degradation may occur during processing.
Example of paper recycling: Paper waste recycled into new paper products like newspapers or cardboard
-
Downcycling
Process: Similar to recycling, waste materials are processed to create new products, but the resulting products are of inferior quality or functionality.
Outcome: Downcycling prolongs the lifespan of materials but does not fully maximize their potential, leading to a reduction in overall value.
Example of paper downcycling: the originally high-quality office paper undergoes recycling to create a downcycled product, which is tissue paper.
Downcycling occurs because the tissue paper produced is of lesser quality and functionality compared to the original office paper. While recycling still extends the life cycle of the paper and reduces waste, downcycling results in a loss of the initial paper's higher value and properties.
APRIL Group innovative approach to paper upcycling
|
| APRIL showcased it’s biodegradable and recyclable paper packaging at the B20 Indonesia Summit 2022, providing low carbon alternatives to fossil and non-renewable packaging materials (Source: aprilasia.com) |
The 'Tukar Sampahmu dengan Emas' (Swap Your Waste for Gold) Program
|
| Participants of Tukar Sampahmu dengan Emas Program (Source: instagram @discoverapril) |
Intensive Training Program for Sustainable Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
|
| SEMARAK trainer and trainee (Source: aprilasia.com) |
SEMARAK primarily focuses on enhancing digital literacy, marketing strategies, supply-chain management, and product knowledge among MSMEs, empowering them to create more sustainable and thriving businesses.
The training program caters to various industries, with specific modules tailored to the unique needs of each sector. For instance, MSMEs in the handicraft industry will receive training on how to utilize paper waste effectively to produce their crafts, promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction.
On the other hand, MSMEs in the food industry will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to utilize upcycled paper or plastic waste for their food packaging, contributing to their sustainability goals while reducing environmental impact.
Through SEMARAK, APRIL and Krealogi aim to uplift local MSMEs, promoting responsible business practices, and fostering a greener and more sustainable business ecosystem in the region.
Variety of Collaborative Efforts to Educate People about Paper Upcycling
|
|
Instagram live session titled "From Trash to Trend" hosted by
APRIL group and Waste4Change (Source: instagram @discoverapril) |
Upcycling is becoming one of the biggest trends, giving new life to old goods in a creative way and reducing waste for the environment. One of the most effective ways to boost upcycling trends is through social media.
Therefore, the APRIL group endeavors to engage millennials and Gen Z by partnering with Waste4Change, a waste management company in Indonesia targeting young individuals who are active on social media platforms.
In this innovative collaboration, the APRIL group and Waste4Change aim to launch a powerful social media campaign that celebrates upcycling practices and promotes sustainability among millennials and Gen Z in Indonesia.
The campaign will not only focus on paper upcycling but also explore various other creative ways to repurpose different materials, encouraging a broader range of eco-friendly initiatives.
By leveraging the widespread influence of social media platforms, the campaign intends to raise awareness about the environmental impact of waste and inspire the younger generations to actively participate in upcycling initiatives. The goal is to create a vibrant and engaged online community that fosters a culture of sustainability and drives meaningful action toward waste reduction.
As part of the campaign, interactive social media challenges and competitions were organized to encourage active participation and reward those who take the initiative in upcycling and waste reduction.
For instance, the APRIL group and Waste4Change hosted an engaging Instagram live session titled "From Trash to Trend." During this event, participants were invited to create their own products using paper upcycling techniques.
In the "From Trash to Trend" session, participants were requested to prepare 2-5 used HVS papers, chopsticks or skewers, oil-based paint, 1 medium/large tray, and 4 cups of water. A representative from Waste4Change conducted a step-by-step demonstration, showcasing creative ways to transform paper waste into practical items, such as a desk organizer.
Through this live session, the audience learned how simple materials could be repurposed into stylish and functional products, contributing to waste reduction and a greener future.
Apart from upcycling, APRIL Group is committed to responsible sourcing of raw materials. They implement sustainable forest management practices, safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem health in the areas where they operate.
[no_Sidebar]
.png)
Komentar