Why continue to pollute?
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