Intro

Apical is a leading vegetable oil processor with an expanding global footprint. Apical operates a vertically integrated mid-stream refining and value-added downstream processing business, supporting the food, feed, oleochemicals and renewable fuel sectors. With a growing customer base in over 80 countries, the company has assets in strategic locations across Indonesia, China, Spain, Brazil and other regions, including joint ventures in Brazil and India.

Earthworm Foundation collaborates with Apical on a five-year project to catalyse sustainable palm oil production in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, by integrating nature-based solutions into agricultural practices. This project aims to create a sustainable model where environmental conservation and economic development go hand in hand. This is done by promoting sustainable environmental practices while enhancing community well-being through combining forest protection with alternative livelihoods and smallholder support.

This work is a part of Apical's Sustainable Living Village program and aligns with the company’s 2030 vision.

Sustainability, community engagement, and a resilience-integrated approach are the central themes of this work. These elements work together to create a holistic strategy for sustainable development, where protecting the environment and improving community livelihoods are mutually reinforcing objectives.

News & Media

Sep 4, 2024

Apical and Earthworm Foundation Partner with East Kutai District Government to Expand Sustainable Living Village Programme

Key Milestones

June
2024

Apical becomes a member of Earthworm Foundation.

September
2024

Earthworm Foundation and Apical partner with the East Kutai District Government.

Key impacts

Forest Protection – PLUP was conducted in three villages. 18,000 trees were planted in riparian and designated areas. HCV and HCS training was held for companies and community members.

Livelihood – Partnered with KTH to co-manage a cocoa demo plot (75% planted), and established cocoa (2,000 capacity) and agroforestry nurseries (30,000 capacity) in Tepian Makmur Village.

Supporting Farmers – Trained 456 palm oil farmers on BMP, promoting organic, low-impact pest control. 83 farmers obtained STDB certificates, granting legal recognition, access to government programmes, and enhancing smallholder traceability.

Palm oil

For generations, the communities in Tepian Indah, Tepian Langsat, and Tepian Makmur have depended on palm oil cultivation as their primary income source.

East Kalimantan’s rich natural resources and favourable climate support palm oil cultivation, but unsustainable practices have led to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation. To address this, Earthworm and Apical are working to protect forests, restore conservation areas beyond concessions, and empower local communities through alternative livelihoods and agroforestry. The project also strengthens Apical’s independent smallholders by promoting sustainable farming practices.