The erstwhile ‘The Andhra Pradesh Mills Limited’ was acquired by International Paper (IP), a $30 billion American pulp and paper company, in 2011. On its golden jubilee year, IP-APPM can boast of two environmentally responsible distinctions: Planting of 50,858 saplings on a single day (on June 5) and the maximum saplings ever planted by a company with over 1.2 billion saplings till date under its farm forestry programme.

Since its acquisition by IP, the company, headquartered in Hyderabad, has witnessed tremendous growth. A significant highlight is the Rs 100-crore state-of-the-art Sheeter with German technology and the production of premium quality HP branded copier paper available for the first time in India. The company also launched the country’s largest casuarina clonal propagation centre, in addition to receiving the prestigious FSC certification in forestry management.
 

On the occasion, W Michael Amick, Jr., president, IP India, said, “Building off a rich history, we should have great confidence as we look forward to our next 50 years. Our team of hardworking, dedicated employees is at the core of our accomplishments to-date and will drive continuing success and achievement in the years to come.”

The company produces writing, printing and copier papers for foreign and domestic markets. Facilities at Rajahmundry and Kadiyam have a total production capacity of 240,000 tpa. The company employs around 2,500 persons.

Rampraveen Swaminathan, managing director, IP-APPM, said, “The last 50 years has been an unforgettable journey for this company. We have been instrumental in bringing about innovation into the industry and have grown by large measures. As we celebrate this milestone, each employee is remembered and appreciated for bringing their best to the company.”

IP-APPM receives FSC certification; opens casurina clonal propagation centre

IP-APPM recently received the Forest Steward Council – Forest Management (FSC–FM) certificate, which a company spokesperson said, would strengthen its position in the market, guaranteeing its customers that FSC-labeled products are produced using fibre from certified forests which promote environmental, economic, and social standards for responsible forest management. This means IP-APPM sources about a third of its pulpwood from certified plantations and the remainder is sourced in compliance with FSC-controlled wood requirements.

Rampraveen Swaminathan, managing director, IP-APPM, said, “International Paper is the world’s largest procurer of fibre and our commitment to responsible forestry is a long-held value. This FSC certification is simply the next step in our comprehensive approach to increase the amount of certified fibre used in our products.”

Meanwhile, the company has opened the country’s largest casurina clonal propagation centre (CPC) in Vishakapatnam. This is the company’s 5th CPC in the country and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to develop superior clonal saplings which can double the productivity of pulpwood as compared to conventional seedling methods. The productivity through the clonal saplings will increase to 65-70 MT pulpwood per acre during 4 year plantation cycle from existing 30-35 MT per acre of the conventional seedling plantations. This new cloning centre is spread across 5.4 acres and has 20 low-cost polyhouses which will enable tree growers to maximise not only the bio-productivity of their per unit land mass but will also enhance their socio-economic status.