One of the world's largest pulp and paper companies said Tuesday it had stopped clearing natural forest in Indonesia, following pressure from environmental groups.
Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) and its suppliers will only develop areas that are not forested starting February, as part of its long-term conservation commitment, said Aida Greenbury, the company's managing director for sustainability.
"Our new forest conservation policy sets our company on course to be a leading world-class paper company solely based on sustainable plantation sources," Greenbury said.
Environmental groups had accused APP of destroying Indonesian rainforest, a vital habitat of endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger.
Greenpeace praised APP's new pledge, calling it the result of a decade of public pressure and negotiations.
"If APP fully implements its new policies, it will mark a dramatic change in direction, after years of deforestation in Indonesia," said Greenpeace forest campaigner Bustar Maitar.
Several global brands have stopped buying packaging products from APP, including sports apparel maker Adidas, toymaker Hasbro and food giant Nestle following pressure from Greenpeace.
APP, controlled by the Indonesian conglomerate Sinar Mas Group, produces 18 million tons of pulp, paper and other products annually and markets its products in more than 120 countries.
Indonesia is estimated to be the world's third-largest producer of greenhouse gases, largely from the rapid destruction of its forests. It aims to reduce the emissions at least 26 per cent by 2020.
The government in 2011 decreed a two-year moratorium on permits to clear about 64 million hectares of natural forest and peatland.
It is considering extending the moratorium when it ends in May.