SIG launches second project with WWF Switzerland to support thriving forests in Malaysia

SIG joined forces with WWF Switzerland in October 2022 to support resilient forest ecosystems around the world through WWF’s Forests Forward program. As well as working on responsible sourcing in SIG's value chain, the five-year partnership aims to deliver targeted support for at-risk forests in biodiversity hotspots and deforestation fronts. The first project, launched in late 2022, helps protect and restore the Central Pacific Landscape in Mexico – a critical jaguar habitat.

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. Empowering local communities to champion conservation is a key component of achieving this.

As one of the last remaining large intact lowland forests in Malaysia, Ulu Muda is a biodiversity hotspot. Located in the state of Kedah in the northwestern part of 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 water catchment for the region and its dams meet significant domestic, industrial, and agricultural water needs. More than 4,900 people from neighboring villages depend on Ulu Muda for their livelihoods and well-being.

Jason Hon, Associate Director, Peninsular Malaysia & Sustainable Markets, WWF-Malaysia: “Investment in Ulu Muda Forest Complex – a biodiversity hotspot – can help improve climate resilience and the management of forests, enhance water and food security, and strengthen our community empowerment initiatives. WWF-Malaysia welcomes greater investment and continued collective actions for the conservation of this landscape. Together, we can safeguard this invaluable natural resource for both present and future generations.”

Tim Cronin, Forests Forward Global Lead: “Strong, collective private-sector action is crucial to halting and reversing forest loss and degradation globally. This is not just the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do, given the critical role of forests and other natural resources in underpinning our communities and economies. The leadership shown by SIG in supporting the work in Ulu Muda helps us to demonstrate these connections, especially between forests and freshwater supply.”

SIG depends on forests for the wood fibers used to produce the liquid packaging board for its cartons. It ensures the sustainable management of the forests it sources from by purchasing 100% of the paperboard for its cartons with FSCTM certification.

SIG’s goal is to invest to create, restore, protect, or improve management of more thriving forests than it takes to make its products. Through the partnership with WWF Switzerland and Forests Forward, SIG is working to support projects on the ground that improve the sustainability, biodiversity, and resilience of forests.