Asia’s wealth of natural resources presents a unique opportunity to advance the goals and benefits of the bioeconomy, envisioning a future where ongoing production needs are balanced with responsible care for the environment. By embracing science and technology to understand and manage biological resources, we can create fully functioning models of sustainable development across various sectors. This approach enables us to establish closed-loop operations where forests, rivers, fish, crops, livestock, and even microorganisms contribute to the production of food, energy, and raw materials for industry. However, this must be done in harmony with nature, avoiding overexploitation, protecting native flora and fauna, respecting local communities, and actively combating climate change. Leading this charge with coordinated efforts is RGE, a resources and manufacturing group headquartered in Singapore with extensive operations spanning Indonesia, China, and Brazil. Much of RGE’s activity centers around forestry and oil palm plantations, with the resulting products – ranging from paper and surgical masks to soap and cooking oil – used daily by millions worldwide. Critically, RGE has committed to developing clean, renewable, low-waste resources, implementing a production-protection model that eliminates further deforestation. This comprehensive approach also encompasses solar and biomass energy generation, investment in ambitious conservation and ecosystem restoration projects, and a long-term goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. “In recent years, advancements in digitalization and drone technology have significantly enhanced our silviculture practices,” explains Bey Soo Khiang, RGE’s vice-chairman responsible for sustainability. “By optimizing land management for pests, diseases, and soil nutrients, we aim to harvest 100% of the seedlings we plant, compared to the current 60-70%.” Drones are utilized for mapping and replanting, while sensors detect pests. Minimizing the time between harvesting and planting is also crucial for reducing carbon emissions. Beyond silviculture, RGE’s initiatives encompass a wide range of sustainability measures. APRIL Group, a pulp, paper, and board manufacturer based in Indonesia, has installed a solar facility with a capacity of over 20MW, contributing to renewable energy generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The company aims to increase this capacity to 50MW per hour by 2030. APRIL’s commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency extends across its operations, aligned with its APRIL2030 sustainability targets. Biomass energy conversion and advanced monitoring systems are also employed to minimize environmental impact. “At the mill level, we carefully manage energy consumption from solar, biomass, and coal sources,” says Bey. “Our plantation operations include four greenhouse gas flux towers, which provide valuable data on methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide emissions and absorption.” This research contributes to a broader understanding of GHG fluxes associated with tropical peatland use in Indonesia. The ultimate goal is to expand the global conversation about environmental protection, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Each RGE-managed company sets specific targets for green energy, emissions reduction, chemical recovery, water conservation, and scientific research. The commitment goes beyond these targets, embracing biodiversity, promoting the reintroduction of native species, and fostering inclusive growth through education and community empowerment. “Looking ahead, we are dedicated to enhancing circularity and waste reduction, particularly in the textile industry,” says Bey. “As the world’s largest producer of plant-based viscose fiber, we are actively seeking solutions to keep textiles out of landfills. We have invested significantly in research to develop innovative urban-fit prototypes with low carbon emissions, which can be replicated globally.” Upcycling agricultural waste and palm oil residue into sustainable aviation fuel is another major initiative. This project, a joint venture with Cepsa and Apical, involves constructing Europe’s largest second-generation biofuels plant. Once operational, it will produce 500,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually, reducing carbon emissions by approximately three million tonnes. “This is a transformative ‘waste to value’ project,” explains Bey. “While sustainable fuel currently constitutes only a small percentage of the aviation fuel mix, we anticipate a tipping point where SAF becomes a more viable option. We are confident that we will soon expand SAF production through partnerships closer to home in Southeast Asia.” RGE remains committed to sharing information and expertise with stakeholders across government, industry, NGOs, and academia to inspire change and accelerate progress. “We believe we exemplify how sustainable development can thrive within the bioeconomy,” says Bey. “It is a journey of transition, and we must ensure it is just and equitable, creating jobs and improving quality of life. By fostering appreciation for conservation, we empower communities to contribute to a sustainable future.” RGE’s leadership in balancing production with environmental care underscores the potential for Asia to be a global leader in the bioeconomy, demonstrating that economic growth can coexist harmoniously with the preservation of our planet.
RGE Leads Asia’s Bioeconomy Revolution, Balancing Production with Environmental Care
