The aim of APRIL's Forestry Research & Development program is to develop forest plantations that optimize land-use and provide wood that is best suited to the production of high quality, cost-effective pulp and paper.

This is done through research in the areas of tree improvement, soil fertility, silviculture, nursery methods and biodiversity conservation.

By developing site specific cuttings, APRIL matches trees to plantations, boosting annual growth rates and wood quality, with the eventual goal of reducing the current seven-year growth cycle. The R&D program is also seeking ways to produce trees that are disease-resistant and are able to thrive under local conditions. Furthermore, research is also carried out on expanding the number of tree species that can be used to supplement Acacia, thus increasing the species diversity of the plantations.

APRIL's investment in pulp and paper is for the long-term. Its R&D program must ensure that APRIL's plantations are robust, productive and stable over multiple rotations.