Asia Pacific Resources International Expands Rizhao Operations, Strengthening Integrated Pulp and Paper Supply Chain

Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL) is accelerating its expansion in Rizhao through new production investments and supply chain integration, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality development in China’s pulp and paper industry.

At the center of the expansion is the second phase of the 500,000-ton-per-year tissue paper project at Asia Pulp & Paper (Shandong) Co., Ltd.. The project is currently about 30% complete, with basic construction finished. Once operational, the second phase will add six tissue production lines, along with slitting and post-processing systems, increasing tissue paper production capacity by 150,000 tons annually.

According to project manager Xu Chuanmiao, the company plans to increase construction resources while maintaining strict safety standards to ensure the project is completed and operational by April 2027.

Meanwhile, production activities at the Rizhao facility remain strong. Automated logistics systems and high-capacity production lines are supporting the manufacture and export of high-end white cardboard and other paper products, including shipments to Southeast Asian markets.

The Rizhao industrial park has evolved into a fully integrated pulp and paper cluster, producing a range of products including wood pulp, white cardboard, tissue paper, cultural paper, and lyocell fiber. This “five-in-one” product structure strengthens the company’s supply chain integration and enhances operational efficiency.

In 2025, the company achieved several major milestones. The Rizhao pulp and paper cluster was selected as one of Shandong Province’s “Top Ten Industries” projects, highlighting its strategic importance to the regional economy. The company also secured RMB 120 million (approximately USD 16.5 million) in financing to support low-carbon transformation initiatives within the paper industry.

Operational upgrades also drove strong production performance. A 500,000-ton high-grade cultural paper production line reached full capacity, enabling fresh wood pulp to be processed into finished high-end copy paper entirely within the industrial park. Today, the company supplies approximately one out of every three sheets of high-end copy paper in China’s domestic market, with exports reaching East Asia, the Middle East, and other international markets.

The company has also placed sustainability at the core of its long-term strategy. With cumulative environmental investments of RMB 7 billion, the Rizhao complex has been recognized as a “National Green Factory,” positioning it as a benchmark for environmentally responsible manufacturing within the paper sector.

Looking ahead, APRIL plans to further strengthen its integrated “pulp–paper–paper products” value chain while accelerating project construction and innovation initiatives. The company aims to support the economic development of Rizhao while laying a strong foundation for growth during China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period.