Exposed! Indonesian Companies and The Greenwashing that Deceived Europe

In the era of environmental awareness, the phenomenon of "Greenwashing" has become common, where companies claim to be 'environmentally friendly' while the reality is different. Prime examples are Royal Golden Eagle Group (RGE) and APRIL, major players in the wood pulp industry.
Their common products, such as paper and viscose rayon, are largely derived from logged acacia and eucalyptus forests, contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction.
In June 2015, RGE pledged to eliminate deforestation from all its production operations, but field investigations and data analysis show this pledge is not being fulfilled. RGE and APRIL continue to obtain wood from deforestation, despite having committed not to do so.
These greenwashing practices are revealed through the use of shadow companies and shell companies in tax havens, making their ownership structures complex and difficult to understand.
These greenwashing schemes also affect the global fashion industry. Well-known brands such as Marks and Spencer, Esprit, H&M, Uniqlo, and Adidas source viscose rayon from RGE, which is considered environmentally friendly. Ironically, some of these brands have committed to sustainability and zero deforestation.
The "greenwashing domino" effect occurs when one company's greenwashing triggers a chain reaction in its business partners, spreading inaccurate information to consumers. This damages the reputation of global brands and raises serious questions about the transparency and honesty of corporations in their sustainability commitments.
On the surface, these companies shine with the promise of a greener future. However, the public has the right to question, scrutinize, and demand transparency and honesty from these global corporations, so that their sustainability commitments are not just empty talk.
This investigation highlights the need for greater scrutiny and more responsive action against greenwashing practices in the global industry.