Why continue to pollute?

The arguments put forward recently in The Jakarta Post ("Producers defend pulp technology" page 2, 13/7/95) by Kahar Heryopuspito, Executive Director of the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association, in defense of Indonesian pulp mills that use Chlorine-dioxide (CLO2) or elemental chlorine free (ECF) bleaching, paints a misleading picture.

They are also the argument of an Industry that continues to pollute on a massive scale in spite of the changes that have been made. ECF bleaching of pulp will still involve the formation and discharge of a vast array of toxic compounds. ECF mill effluent is still hazardous, and the possibility for cancer is not the only cause for concern. Modern pulp mills that use ECF bleaching (e.g. P.T. Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper, and Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper) cannot be considered to be models of clean production in Indonesia.

The Indonesian pulp and paper industry has a golden opportunity to show the world that it is really clean -- by adopting "totally chlorine-free" (TCF) bleaching methods. It has the chance to take a competitive edge over its rival (e.g. Brazil). And if Kahar Haryopuspito and the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association believe that the equipment required for a model TCF mill, as well as the production process, are more expensive than ECF mills then they have been reading yesterdays news and listening to old advice.

There are a number of reports that are now available from some prominent international consultants to the pulp and paper Industry (e.g. Beca Simons) that show that TCF costs are favorable and in some instance cheaper than ECF bleaching technology.

The "Clean River Program" that Bapedal (Environment Impact Management Agency) is running in Indonesia would receive a significant boost if the pulp and paper industry moved to embrace TCF bleaching. The industry would then be well placed to go one step further and adopt the totally effluent-free (TEF) or closed- cycle concept.

Anything less is second rate, and will only pollution of our rivers further.

CHANDRA KIRANA

Asia Toxic Campaign Advisor

Greenpeace International

Surakarta, Central Java