In collaboration with WWF Switzerland and WWF Malaysia, SIG has launched a three-and-a-half-year forest landscape project at the Ulu Muda Forest Complex in Malaysia, through from WWF's Forests Forward programmeThe project aims to improve the management of more than 170.000 hectares and pilot the restoration of 25 hectares.
Angela Lu, President & General Manager for Asia-Pacific at SIG: “Our partnership with WWF Switzerland has unlocked enormous potential for SIG to create positive impacts for forests and their local communities around the world. 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.”
SIG joined forces with WWF Switzerland in October 2022 to support resilient forest ecosystems around the world through WWF's Forests Forward programme. In addition to working on responsible sourcing in SIG's value chain, the five-year partnership aims to offer targeted support to at-risk forests in biodiversity hotspots and deforestation fronts. The first project, launched in late 2022, helps protect and restore forests in Switzerland. Landscape of the Central Pacific in Mexico, a critical habitat for the jaguar.
Their second joint project, implemented by WWF-Malaysia, aims to strengthen the resilience of a landscape that can continue to provide vital ecosystem services for the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, ensuring water security and enabling economic growth, as well as contributing to the nation’s food security. A key component of achieving this is empowering local communities to advocate for conservation.
One of Malaysia’s last large intact lowland forests, Ulu Muda is a biodiversity hotspot. Located in the state of Kedah in northwestern Peninsular Malaysia, it is home to a huge number of plants and animals, including a large population of endangered Asian elephants. It is the most important watershed in the region and its dams supply significant water needs for domestic, industrial and agricultural use. More than 4,900 people from neighbouring villages depend on Ulu Muda for their livelihood and well-being.
SIG relies on forests to source the wood fibres used in the production of the liquid packaging board for its cartons. It ensures the sustainable management of the forests it sources from by purchasing 100% of the board for its packaging with FSC™ certification.
SIG's goal is to invest in creating, restoring, protecting or improving the management of more thriving forests than are needed to make its products. Through its partnership with WWF Switzerland and Forests Forward, SIG works to support on-the-ground projects that improve the sustainability, biodiversity and resilience of forests.
