In collaboration with WWF Switzerland and WWF Malaysia, SIG has initiated a three-and-a-half-year forest landscape project within Malaysia’s Ulu Muda Forest Complex through WWF’s Forests Forward program. This initiative aims to enhance the management of over 170,000 hectares and trial the restoration of 25 hectares.
Angela Lu, President & General Manager Asia-Pacific at SIG: “Our partnership with WWF Switzerland has unlocked huge potential for SIG to create positive impacts for forests and their local communities globally. With this second project, we will create tangible improvements in forest management and forest restoration in Ulu Muda while continuing to inspire others to support thriving forests.”
In October 2022, SIG joined forces with WWF Switzerland to bolster resilient forest ecosystems globally through WWF’s Forests Forward program. In addition to promoting responsible sourcing within SIG’s value chain, this five-year partnership seeks to provide targeted support for vulnerable forests in biodiversity hotspots and areas threatened by deforestation. The inaugural project, initiated in late 2022, focuses on protecting and restoring the Central Pacific Landscape in Mexico, an essential habitat for jaguars.
The second joint endeavor, executed by WWF-Malaysia, aims to enhance the resilience of a landscape that ensures the delivery of vital ecosystem services for northern Peninsular Malaysia. This initiative not only promotes water security and economic growth but also contributes to national food security. A crucial aspect of achieving these objectives is empowering local communities to lead conservation efforts.
Ulu Muda is one of the last remaining extensive intact lowland forests in Malaysia and serves as a biodiversity hotspot. Situated in the state of Kedah in north-western Peninsular Malaysia, this forest is home to an abundance of plant and animal species, including a significant population of endangered Asian elephants. Furthermore, Ulu Muda acts as the primary water catchment for the region, with its dams fulfilling considerable domestic, industrial, and agricultural water requirements. Over 4,900 individuals from nearby villages rely on Ulu Muda for their livelihoods and well-being.
Forests are vital to SIG, as they provide the wood fibers essential for producing liquid packaging board for its cartons. SIG ensures sustainable management of the forests it sources from by acquiring 100% of the paperboard for its cartons with FSC™ certification.
Through its partnership with WWF Switzerland and participation in Forests Forward, SIG aims to invest in initiatives that create, restore, protect, or improve the management of significantly more thriving forests than it utilizes for its products. This commitment underscores SIG’s dedication to enhancing sustainability, biodiversity, and the resilience of forests, which is crucial in the realm of food and drink packaging.
